THE STAGE IS FINALLY SET for TBA Studios’ long-awaited Manuel L. Quezon biopic directed and co-written by Jerrold Tarog. The third and latest entry in what the film outfit fondly calls ‘Bayaniverse,’ Quezon has recently unmasked the actor playing the titular role — Jericho Rosales.
Rosales joins the likes of John Arcilla and Paulo Avelino who played Antonio Luna and Gregorio Del Pilar in their respective ‘Bayaniverse’ entries, Heneral Luna and Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral. “He’s not written as a hero,” Rosales notes in a press release shared by TBA. “You’ll see him [in this film] as a person.” Quezon is Rosales’ first role in years after some time, but like his predecessors, his career has great highlights, including Ian Loreños’ Alagwa. Interestingly, Rosales also played Jose Rizal in Enzo Williams’ Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo, a historical biopic unrelated to TBA’s shared universe.
The biopics are linked together by Joven Hernando, the films’ only fictional character played by Arron Villaflor in the first two films, and here — due to the time jump — by Cris Villanueva. Mon Confiado reprises his role as Emilio Aguinaldo and Benjamin Alves as a younger Quezon. Karylle Yuzon, Romnick Sarmenta, and JC Santos also join the cast.
No release date yet, but we’re being told the film should be “coming soon” to Philippine cinemas. Scroll on to see the official reveal video featuring Rosales, donning the former president’s unmistakable combover.
