Words by Mara Karniella Sugue
With all the hype for the upcoming movie Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral, we can’t help but wish for more Filipino heroes (who are not Rizal or Bonifacio) to be featured on the big screen. And with the success of Heneral Luna back in 2015, it makes one wonder how many other Filipino heroes there are, who have greatly impacted the country’s history, that we know little about.
Want to see more of those films, too? We do! Here are other Filipino heroes we would like to see on the big screen:
5. Manuel L. Quezon
As the second president of the country, Quezon served the Commonwealth Government of the Philippines. During his term, he also made efforts to promote Filipino culture and language, which earned him the title “Ama ng Wikang Pambansa.”
Possible actor: Christopher de Leon
4. Lapu-Lapu
We all know Lapu-Lapu as the first Filipino hero, and it is just right that we want to see him on the big screen. Back in 2002, a film about Lapu-Lapu starring Lito Lapid was already produced, but with the Battle of Mactan being an important part of Philippine history, who wouldn’t want to see a 2018 version of that momentous event?
Possible actor: Arnold Reyes
3. Apolinario Mabini
Being the “Brains of the Revolution,” Mabini proved that he was for the Filipino people by not letting his disability stop him from serving the country. Played by Epy Quizon in Heneral Luna, we see how Mabini played a crucial role in both the Spanish and American colonial rule, working behind the scenes during the revolution.
Possible actor: Still Epy Quizon, as a spin-off to his role in Heneral Luna
2. Gabriela Silang
Also dubbed as the Joan of Arc of Ilocos, Gabriela Silang was one of the first female leaders of the Philippine revolution. After the death of her husband, Diego Silang, she proceeded to take over his place in the rebellion to avenge his husband’s death.
Possible actress: Alessandra de Rossi
1. GOMBURZA
Composed of three Filipino Catholic priests, Mariano Gomez, Jose Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora, these three martyrs were executed on charges regarding the Cavite Mutiny. This execution also served as one of Rizal’s main inspirations, thus dedicating El Filibusterismo to them.
Possible actors: Nico Antonio, Jericho Rosales, JC Santos
Which Filipino heroes do you want to see on the big screen as well? Let us know in the comments!
