Why 'Quezon' is a 'make-or-break' gamble for TBA Studios

When cinema teachers ask their students about their favorite films, they might respond with a pick from critically acclaimed filmmakers.

- By JANUAR JUNIOR AGUJA

[L to R] Romnick Sarmenta as Sergio Osmeña Sr., Noelle Polack as Esperanza Escolar L. Osmeña, Jake Macapagal as Manuel M. Nieto, Karylle as Aurora Quezon, and Jericho Rosales as Manuel L. Quezon / courtesy of TBA Studios

(courtesy of TBA Studios)

But when TBA Studios President and COO Daphne Chiu was asked that question in 2008 while studying at the International Academy of Film and Television (IAFT) in Lapu-Lapu City, she gave a mainstream answer: a Wayans Brothers comedy, "White Chicks."

"I watch it to immerse myself and forget everything about the hardships and stress in life. I just laugh," she told The FREEMAN after the "Quezon" press conference in Cebu. "I know it's not an arthouse film, but I thoroughly enjoy it. That's one of my favorites up until now."

While Chiu only studied at IAFT for a year, she would not trade that time for anything else, as it helped her shape the kind of filmmaker she wanted to be. "I claim to be a Cebuana, but I really am not," she said. "I just love Cebu because in that one year alone, I grew up so much."

She does not have a favorite director, but rather a favorite producer: Jerry Bruckheimer, whom she hopes to emulate in her role at TBA Studios.

"The films he produces are so commercial, but are of high quality," she said. "They're easy to watch and memorable. He's one of my inspirations as a film producer."

TBA does not stand for "to be announced," but rather the initials of three indie studios: Tuko Film Productions, Buchi Boy Entertainment, and Artikulo Uno Productions. The merging of these studios by Fernando Ortigas and EA Rocha stemmed from the need to streamline their productions, as they often worked together.