Esteemed actors Jericho Rosales and Mon Confiado are both aware how important their new movie is, especially at a time when the country is facing insurmountable challenges and unimaginable damages brought
about by unscrupulous public officials, nefarious scoundrels and an almost irreversible, rotten political system.
Quezon is a historical drama about Manuel Quezon, a movie set during the American occupation, years after the Philippine revolution came to pass.
It is the final instalment in the trilogy of films bankrolled by TBA Studios and directed by the low-key but brilliant filmmaker Jerrold Tarog, which started with Heneral Luna (2015), followed by Goyo: Batang Heneral (2018).
In all these films, highly-touted actor Mon Confiado gives life to the complicated and colorful character of Emilio Aguinaldo, a revolutionary leader who became the very first president of the Philippines.
‘With Quezon, I’ve come full circle as Emilio Aguinaldo. Playing the same role in three historical movies, shot in a span of 10 years, can be considered rare and precious for an actor. I am just so honored and grateful for the amazing opportunities that came with the role, and the trust that our director and producers have given me all these years.’
Confiado added, ‘My research, readings and reflections on my character continue to give me so much learnings not only in terms of what happened in the past but also on how his life and how he dealt with those that surrounded him in different periods of history that affected the major events that helped shape our nation.’
He admitted that he is saddened by what’s currently happening in our country because of corruption.
‘We have to admit that the system has become disgusting. People are divided. How politicians can stomach keeping a blind eye to the wrongdoings of the culprits depending on which side they are associated with. Our leaders and their families have become greedy, power hungry and self-serving. People are helpless and many feel hopeless. I hope that in some small way, our film can help make people think and rethink how to love our country and its people more, based on the many learnings from history.’
When asked if he would want to become the leader of a nation like his character, Confiado was quick to reply: ‘No, thank you,’ before bursting into laughter. He continued, ‘Seriously, I have never been-and will never be-interested in holding public office. I don’t think I am equipped with the knowledge about governance, nor can I put up with being one, especially with the kind of politicians we have around. No way would I want to throw myself into that pit. I am very happy being an actor and I will continue to improve my craft, and master the art of being an actor.’
When the film opens this week nationwide, the audiences will be treated to an intense political rivalry between Confiado’s Aguinaldo character and Quezon, played by Jericho Rosales.
Perhaps the elements of the universe truly conspired to make sure Rosales is the final actor to play Quezon, a role originally reserved for TJ Trinidad, who has since shifted to full-time corporate work after years of being an actor.
Trinidad played Manuel Quezon in the Goyo instalment of the trilogy and was expected to reprise the same role which would’ve elevated him to solo lead status in this new film.
‘I guess it’s destiny because even if I said that I was game to do it when they first pitched the project, TBA Studios was very kind to have waited for my schedule to free up so I could also give the film my full focus, energy and attention. And I’m so glad because this is, by far, the best production that I have ever been involved with, with all due respect to the many other productions I was part of before. This movie is very, very special to me!’ shared Rosales.
We asked him what’s the ideal take-away of the audience who’d go and see the movie.
‘People watch movies for different reasons, and one can’t dictate what the audience would feel or the realizations they will have after watching a film, moreso a historical drama like Quezon. But if the movie can affect and move and even trigger something inside them, then I guess,it’s worth every hard work we gave into completing the movie. Come to think of it, all we need is to care, like truly, deeply care, because it is something that seemed to have diminished after all these years.’
Rosales added, ‘When we care enough-for people, for our community, for our country-then we learn to take up space and then we take action, and that is something that we all can do. I mean, for everyone to take responsibility, and actually to understand where we came from and where we are headed to as a people, as a nation. It is important for us to understand what is it that we love about our country, what is it that we are not taking seriously as a nation, so we can restore the pride we have as citizens.’
Both Mon Confiado and Jericho Rosales are confident that the movie Quezon is not only a wonderful work of bold and brilliant creators, artists and storytellers, but it is a timely reminder that history often repeats itself and intertwines with the present in many interesting ways. And that looking back into the past only makes sense if it serves the future.