I didn’t expect that what started as an innocent screening of Quezon, the biopic of former president Manuel L. Quezon, would end in a media blitz that involved a confrontation with the cast and creative team, cursing, a literal mic drop, and a walkout.
But first, some context: I went to a screening of Quezon at Power Plant Cinema on October 23, 2025.
Photos / WheninManila.com and Joaquin Bautista
It was a public screening, and Benjamin Alves would be there, along with the film’s creative team, which included Jerrold Tarog (the director), Pong Ignacio (the cinematographer), Monica Sebial (the production designer), and Daphne Chiu-Soon (the producer), for a Q&A. Jericho Rosales, who played the titular character, made a surprise appearance, which made the evening more promising.
When TBA, the studio behind the film, started the Q&A, a gentleman got out of his seat and insisted on asking the first question because he’s a senior citizen. He turned out to be Ricky Avanceña, Quezon’s grandson.
By now, I’m sure thousands have seen the viral video. He asked if Quezon was a satire, to which Tarog said yes. Then he faced the audience and said that we shouldn’t take it seriously because “it’s a joke.”
The cast and creative team defended the film, saying research was involved and that there’s an accompanying book, also called Quezon, that delves further into this.
There was a heated discussion between Rosales and Avanceña until the encounter ended with the grandson cursing the cast and creative team before literally dropping the mic and leaving the theatre.
As someone who was there, I can confirm that the video captures the entire confrontation.
Watch the video below:
LOOK: Former President Quezon’s grandson lashes against producers and actors of the ‘Quezon’ film during a Q&A session in the Rockwell Power Plant Cinema. pic.twitter.com/pKICJ49nYc
— Joaquin Bautista (@Joaquin88206284) October 23, 2025
It should be noted, however, that the situation does not end there.
Pinky Amador, an actress who turns out to also be a Quezon descendant, spoke next. She said the same thing as Avanceña, but in a calmer, friendlier way. In fact, she even praised Quezon and noted that it is her favorite film from the Bayaniverse, a historical trilogy that also includes Heneral Luna and Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral.
Watch the video below:
@pinkyamadorofficialMLQ Tinokhang sa Pelikula: History Weaponized I was there in the room… As a creative, I thought there were many good elements in the craftsmanship of Quezon. Editing, pacing, use of devices and performances of the cast along with design were stunning. My theory is that because this is the 3rd installment of their so-called Bayani verse, naturally, they wanted to go out with a bang. Make an even bigger, bolder statement, get more traction which equals to sales. How to do that? Sensationalism. Shock value. Alternative treatment. As a creative, of course I get all that…but at WHO’S EXPENSE? Undoubtedly this is a mammoth project with a long reputation for quality films, plus billionaires producing it and with immense clout and following and MACHINERY to debunk any argument against the film. With great power comes great responsibility. Miseducation When you get Dep-ed to endorse this as an “educational” film, the perception is that it will be (at the very least) slightly historical. When you add layers of “fiction” and “satire” then purposefully BLUR those lines with your creative treatment, then you are weaponizing history according to your narrative for sales. It becomes sensationalized and adds interest to potential clients. I also get that this treatment can encourage deeper conversation and debate. But for whom? Only the learned and intellectuals? Realty check: We are in an educational crisis. 24 million Filipinos struggle with functional literacy and 91% of 10-year-olds unable to read simple texts. So when Dep-Ed endorsed films become the only education for millions, showing only one side isn’t just poor storytelling—it’s miseducation. Personal Yes, this is personal for me. My Lola Nini Avanceña inspired me greatly as a teenager. Sino ba naman ang hindi madadala kapag nakikita mo Lola mo, frail and grey-haired out on the streets protesting against the tyranny of the Marcos regime? She showed me that even under a dictatorship a young girl could speak out and make a difference. Thus, 40 years later I am still fighting for justice in the streets and in any way I can. That’s how I was brought up, coming from a family of lawyers, justice was a huge thing in our home Intent w in the making na ang Goyo and Quezon. My Lola our matriarch, died in 2021 at 100 years old. If she were still with us, would the producers have the gall to show this to her? It would certainly have sent her to her death. I wonder would they be prepared to have blood on their hands of a life-long human rights advocate? Artistry Artistic freedom does not excuse you from artistic accountability. We never asked to be consulted nor include MLQ as one of your so called Bayanis We never even questioned all the negative traits you exploited. But in making a subject interesting you need to show the struggle, the emotional and psychological crisis and torment for them to arrive at their goal or even downfall. The proverbial “coin” you kept referencing in your film sadly only showed one side: The cunning politician. And if there were scenes of tenderness or doubt (as Chris Villanueva pointed out) sobrang NIPIS ng treatment. Of course the film omitted that Dona Aurora, her daughter and son in law were massacred. That would make MLQ too sympathetic. Aftermath I have spent the last 3 days deeply affected and reeling from this disaster of your film. All my other relatives in the industry who agree are too afraid to speak up or put their posts on private for fear of retribution. My family have suffered enough generational trauma (even my paternal grandfather was murdered in front of my father and his siblings in their home) Dadagdagan nyo pa ba ganito para lang kumita at mapagusapan? CANCEL CULTURE IS REAL. Sana lang hindi nyo rin maranasan na ang ninuno nyo o sinumang nagbigay ng inspirasyon sa inyo ay siraan or worse, kayo na mismo (pag matagal nang patay) ay gawan ng ganitong demolition job in the name of artistry. Continued in the comments section 😇
She said, “It’s a little hurtful. I’m kind of torn because Ricky Avanceña is my uncle, and I totally get where he’s coming from. Kasi siyempre ang laki ng nasakripisyo nila.”
Even if she understands Rosales and Alves’s perspectives, Amador added that because of the reality of cancel culture, “the power of film, which we are all in awe of, is more powerful than what an accompanying book can do. Kasi nga ang sistema ngayon, hindi na nagre-research, clickbait na lang.”
Tarog responded, “The best that I can do is try to be fair to the sources that I’m reading.”
Later, Rosales validated Avanceña, saying, “Let’s not dismiss that emotions are emotions, feelings are feelings. Those are feelings, those are reactions. We respect that.”
The mood was tense, but it lightened when other audience members asked their questions. There were so many that not everyone was accommodated, but the evening ended on a happy note.
The man who sat two seats next to me didn’t get to ask his question, even though he repeatedly raised his hand. He, however, was still happy when the Q&A ended. I asked him what he wanted to raise during the Q&A. He said that Marilou Diaz-Abaya’s 1988 film José Rizal was a legacy-defining role for Cesar Montano as the titular character. How would Rosales feel about Quezon being his legacy?
After the Q&A, the cast and creative team stayed to mingle with the audience members who asked to take photos, and maybe ask even more questions. Even with the confrontation with Quezon’s grandson, I think the evening still went great.
What are your thoughts on what happened? Let us know in the comments below!
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