Mon Confiado is set to play Emilio Aguinaldo for the third time in “Quezon,” the latest Bayaniverse movie that centers on the politician that ran against Quezon in the 1935 elections.
Viewers last saw Confiado’s Aguinaldo at the end of 2018’s “Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral” in Malacañang as a prisoner of war of the Americans. The film’s mid-credits scene teased his and Quezon’s campaigns.
The face of TJ Trinidad was used in those posters but for the upcoming movie, Jericho Rosales steps into the role of Quezon after the former retired from acting.
“Quezon” sets up an interesting rivalry between the country’s first and would-be second presidents.
During the press conference for “Quezon” held at the historic Manila Hotel last October 7, Confiado was asked to describe the upcoming film in one word and the actor went with “pulitika.”
“Mula noon, hanggang ngayon, makikita niyo dito sa ‘Quezon’ walang pinagbago ang pulitika natin,” Confiado said, adding that politics keeps revolving around the wealthy, powerful, and social elite.
The actor also said that the current political climate is all about vilification and ambition for power, themes that will be explored in the film.
He echoed the popular Filipino saying: “Kung hindi ka marunong lumingon sa pinanggalingan, hindi ka makakarating sa paroroonan.” The prolific actor said that this is the reason why movies like “Quezon” should be seen.
“Alam naman natin na ang kasaysayan ay napakahalaga,” Confiado ended. “Hindi tayo natuto sa kasaysayan natin, kaya ‘yung pulitika [noon] nandito pa rin.”
Starring with Rosales and Confiado in “Quezon” are Karylle, Romnick Sarmenta, JC Santos, Angeli Bayani, Bodjie Pascua, Joross Gamboa, Ketchup Eusebio, Jake Macapagal, Therese Malvar, and “Game of Thrones” star Iain Glen as Leonard Wood.
Benjamin Alves will reprise his role as a younger Quezon, while Arron Villaflor and Cris Villanueva will once again play the fictional character Joven Hernando at different ages.
“Quezon,” directed and co-written by Jerrold Tarog, will hit Philippine theaters nationwide beginning October 15.