JERICHO ROSALES ON STARRING IN ‘QUEZON’: I FEEL PROUDER AS A FILIPINO

FOR JERICHO ROSALES, PLAYING PRESIDENT MANUEL L. QUEZON in TBA Studios upcoming historical epic “Quezon is more than just another onscreen role.

- By NATHALIE TOMADA

It's been a very personal and patriotic experience for the 46-year-old actor.

"I think I've never been so excited about a film. Tapos na yung pressure. It’s now all about excitement,” Jericho said during a recent interview with The STAR and another media outlet.

“No offense to my other films and other projects, but this one is pretty special. It was made for us to understand why the Philippines is the way it is now.”

He continued, “Quezon is one of the biggest figures in Philippine history. He was a brilliant man and a great leader, so just by watching the movie and spending a few hours in the cinema, I hope everyone can support our movie. At least, I’m able to share my experiences while doing it.”

Directed by Jerrold Tarog, “Quezon” marks the third installment of the acclaimed Bayaniverse trilogy that began with “Heneral Luna” (2015) and “Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral” (2018).

Opening in Philippine cinemas on Oct. 15 and making its festival debut at the 45th Hawai'i International Film Festival on Oct. 26, the film centers on Quezon’s fight for independence from the United States and his rise to become the second president of the Philippine Commonwealth.

CASTING JERICHO AS QUEZON

For TBA Studios, finding the right actor to portray the titular role was a process that took time and some waiting.

Getting Jericho to say yes was a source of relief for the production.

TBA president and COO Daphne Chiu-Soon confirmed in a separate Zoom interview with The STAR that the part was originally intended for TJ Trinidad, who already appeared as the older Quezon in “Goyo.”

She clarified that the major recasting for the film, which was supposed to be released way back in 2020, came without drama or hard feelings.

“Actually, it has always been parang TJ because coming from the second installment ng ‘Goyo,’ we showed a teaser of him as Manuel L. Quezon,” she said.