The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
I heard it first from actor Gary Estrada that someone told him he was being considered to play Manuel Luis Quezon, the First President of Philippine Commonwealth government during the American period.
“Pero hanggang hindi pa gumigiling ang kamera ay hindi ako naniniwala (But until the camera rolls I don’t believe it’s mine),” quipped Gary.
Quezon’s character fits Estrada to a T since he is from Quezon Province, in the town of San Antonio.
“Sana, matuloy (I hope it pushes through),” he chuckled as he literally kept his fingers crossed.
But then again, fate has other plans for Gary.
Then I saw Benjamin Alves in Tagaytay City one morning and asked him about the Quezon biopic which he was supposed to play.
“We’re getting ready,” said Benjamin at the time.
Both Gary and Benjamin resemble MLQ if only made up to really look like the mestizo president.
Alves’ portraying Quezon was publicized in the past but nothing was heard of after our meeting.
Yes, Benjamin is still part of the Quezon film, this time, for TBA Studios.
Anyway, TJ Trinidad who breathed life to Quezon in the filmbio “Goyo” which starred Paulo Avelino was buzzed around as the next Quezon.
Jericho Rosales finally clinched the role for the TBA project, though.
According to the outfit’s executive Daphne Chiu, “TJ Trinidad has business commitments outside of showbiz that he’s currently focused on.”
“He has expressed his full support for the film, especially Jericho Rosales and Benjamin Alves, who will portray Quezon in different versions. TJ sent a message to TBA Studios, saying, ‘Thank you TBA, and good luck to the cast and crew. Can’t wait to see this on the big screen!’ We love TJ and wish him all the best in his endeavors,” said Chiu.
In a press release, Jericho has expressed his excitement to essay the Quezon role. “I feel so honored to be with this team. Coming to a script like this which is so potent and so entertaining, I feel so lucky and happy,” the actor said.
Echo explained his participation as Quezon in the film translation of the life of one of the most controversial leaders of the country. “Here, you will see Quezon as a person. He’s not written as a hero. He is cunning, he is charming, he is intelligent. Quezon is such an interesting character to play; there are so many things I can put into the role to build Quezon as a character. That adds to the pressure, but at the same time I am very excited.”
Other cast members of the movie include Mon Confiado as Emilio Aguinaldo, Benjamin Alves as a younger Manuel Quezon, Karylle as Manuel’s wife Aurora, Romnick Sarmenta as Sergio Osmeña, JC Santos as Manuel Roxas and Cris Villanueva as the older version of the fictional character in the movie, Joven Hernando.
Meanwhile, Aaron Villaflor will star as the young Hernando.
Directed by Jerrold Tarrog, “Quezon” is set to hit the cinemas this 2025.
Echo has been so lucky these days.
Aside from his professional success, his personal life is also on the swing as he romances with Janine Gutierrez. (Boy Villasanta)