Therese Malvar takes on ‘symbolism of hope’ as filmmaker Nadia Hernando in ‘Quezon’

Therese Malvar is poised to deliver a performance that embodies the message of the youth and critical engagement in the upcoming historical biopic “Quezon” as Nadia Hernando.

In an interview with GMA Integrated News, the Sparkle star highlighted that her role, Nadia, carries significant narrative weight. 

“She is the new symbolism of hope and youth passing on from Joven [Hernando], in the hopes na hindi mawawala talaga ‘yung pag-asa sa next generation na sana matuto at matuto 'yung next generation na maging mas matalino kesa sa past,” Therese said.

Therese relates to her character, who is also part of the film industry.

“Kinilig ako no’ng minessage ako ni Direk na Nadia Hernando is a filmmaker. Sabi ko, ‘Ay, wow!’ Sobrang relate din ako sa kaniya. And then, the fact that she's using her platform to also be conveying such strong messages about politics, about what we need now. It's really nice lang, especially she's also the symbolism of youth and hope in this trilogy naman,” she said.

Describing the upcoming film in one word, Therese called “Quezon” revolutionary.

“Well, ever since naman, ‘yung the whole trilogy part, like what Direk Jerrold said, the fact that he was able to curate, create, and produce along with TBA [Studios] ‘yung trilogy of historical figures, that in itself is already revolutionary. But here in ‘Quezon,’ grabe we were able to really raise questions that are meant for us viewers to ask afterwards,” she said.

Therese added that the biggest takeaway for her “is the experience that the audience will get to experience afterwards. That's the revolutionary part for me.”

According to her, “Quezon” resonates deeply with the country’s current landscape.

“Sumakto talaga siya, ‘yung timing ng pag-film ng 'Quezon,' with whatever is happening right now because the film's really main goal is to question our leaders, to question our so-called heroes, and to really think deeply on who we vote for. So talagang napaka-important at relevant ngayon ‘yung ‘Quezon’ para talagang iisipin natin, tama ba ‘yung mga nilalagay natin sa pwesto ngayon? And ‘yun, para maging critical voters rin tayo sa next na election,” she said.

Therese stars alongside Jericho Rosales, Benjamin Alves, Mon Confiado, Arron Villaflor, Cris Villanueva, Romnick Sarmenta, Karylle, JC Santos, Jake Macapagal, Bodjie Pascua, Angeli Bayani, Jojit Lorenzo, Joross Gamboa, Ana Abad Santos, Ketchup Eusebio, and Nico Locco.

The film is directed by Jerrold Tarog. It will follow the life of Manuel L. Quezon, a lawyer and a soldier who became the President of the Commonwealth of the Philippines from 1935 to 1944, highlighting his tumultuous presidential campaign against Emilio Aguinaldo.

"Quezon” is the third installment of TBA Studios' "Bayaniverse," following "Heneral Luna" and "Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral.”

It will open in cinemas on October 15.

—CDC, GMA Integrated News