What happens when two acclaimed actors step into the shoes of the country’s first two presidents? You get Quezon—TBA Studios’ latest historical drama starring Jericho Rosales as Manuel L. Quezon and Mon Confiado as Emilio Aguinaldo.
Photo: TBA Studios/YouTube
But while both actors are now playing powerful figures on screen, they’re crystal clear about one thing: politics isn’t something they’d ever dive into in real life.
During the Quezon press conference held at the historic Manila Hotel, both Jericho and Mon were asked the big “what if”—would they ever consider entering politics?
Mon Confiado didn’t hesitate.
“Wala talaga akong interes sa politics,” he said, explaining that governance isn’t something you can jump into without real knowledge and responsibility.
Jericho Rosales, on the other hand, took a reflective route. He shared that a recent trip with his girlfriend, Janine Gutierrez, to Tanzania and South Africa gave him a deeper understanding of leadership, especially during a walking tour of Nelson Mandela’s life in Cape Town.
“We just need leaders who really care, genuinely and sincerely care,” Jericho quoted from their tour guide.
He added that while skills can be learned —like how he picked up English from TV shows and acting from experience —leadership requires heart.
“‘Pag wala sa puso mo at hindi genuine sa’yo ang pag-care at pagsilbi sa isang tao, hindi mangyayari ’yun. Ano pa kaya kung isang bansa?”
Jericho said his passion will always be storytelling and the arts, something he can’t just set aside for a seat in politics.
“Hindi biro maging presidente. Ang hinihiling namin ay ang puso mismo ng isang presidente,” he emphasized.
About Quezon
The film stars a powerhouse ensemble: Karylle, Romnick Sarmenta, JC Santos, Angeli Bayani, Bodjie Pascua, Joross Gamboa, Ketchup Eusebio, Jake Macapagal, Therese Malvar, and even Game of Thrones star Iain Glen as Leonard Wood.
Benjamin Alves reprises his role as a young Quezon, while Arron Villaflor and Cris Villanueva play the fictional journalist Joven Hernando at different ages.
Directed and co-written by Jerrold Tarog, Quezon opens in cinemas nationwide on October 15, 2025.
If the cast’s passion is any indication, this isn’t just another period film—it’s a deep dive into what true leadership really means.
ALSO READ: Jericho Rosales Wants Us To “Romanticize Cinema Again”—Here’s Why
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