Jericho Rosales says portraying Quezon reignited his love for the Philippines

Jericho Rosales found a renewed sense of patriotism after stepping into the role of former President Manuel L. Quezon in the upcoming historical biopic “Quezon.”

During the film’s media conference, the actor admitted that history was never his favorite subject when he was growing up.

“I really never liked history. I was just like falling asleep always. And because of this film, parang nabuhay ‘yung pagka-Pilipino ko, and I'm, you know, it's such a blessing. You know, the timing was perfect,” he said.

When initially approached by the director to play Quezon, Jericho “jumped right away,” agreeing even before fully grasping the significance of the role.

“I understand now how important history is, and I understand that the reason why I fell asleep in my history class and no’ng bata ako is because I didn't care about the country,” he admitted.

Per Jericho, he learned that it is care and love that makes one move.

“You love your family, then you move. You love your friends, then you move. You do things that no one would ever do for them because you love them,” he said.

He added that his portrayal made him realize how vital it is for Filipinos to take responsibility for understanding their nation’s past.

“It's very important for us to understand what we love the most about our country so that we will be proud again,” he said.

Moreover, Jericho opened up about how taking on a real-life historical figure presented unique challenges. 

He emphasized that embodying Quezon required authenticity and emotional depth.

“‘Pag in-acting mo kasi, hindi na totoo eh. Kailangan maging totoo sa 'yo kaya mahirap siyang gawin. Kailangan namin na gayahin. Kaya kailangan kong maintindihan,” he said.

As part of his role, he studied Quezon’s gestures and personality closely.

“Binigyan kami ng mga materyales para pag-aralan namin. Sapat ‘yung mga binigay sa amin na materyales para malaman namin ‘yung mga pinakamaliit na kibot niya, kung ano man ‘yon. So, kaya pagkatapos ng pelikula, nakakapagod siya,” he said.

He added that the experience proved to be emotionally taxing for the cast.

“Nung pagkatapos ng pelikula, ewan ko kung ako lang ‘yun, pero karamihan sa amin naiyak. Kasi bibitawan mo na siya eh,” he said. “Pero napakasarap na nandiyan ka, binibigay mo ‘yung lahat mo, ta’s nandiyan silang lahat ng team namin, pati ‘yung mga actors, nagko-contribute kami sa isa't-isa.”

In “Quezon,” Jericho stars alongside Benjamin Alves, Mon Confiado, Therese Malvar, 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