TBA Studios held a grand media conference for its upcoming film historical biopic “Quezon” on October 7 at The Manila Hotel, bringing together cast members, filmmakers, and partners to share insights about the film ahead of its nationwide cinema release on October 15.
Considered as the most anticipated Filipino film of 2025, award-winning director Jerrold Tarog crafts a historical biopic that focuses on the life of Manuel L. Quezon, years after the Philippine Revolution during the American occupation. It also officially marks the much-awaited conclusion to the film studio’s cinematic “Bayaniverse” trilogy, which includes “Heneral Luna,” the Philippines’ highest grossing historical movie of all time; and the critically acclaimed “Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral.”
The film follows Manuel L. Quezon as he fights for the country’s independence from the United States. He finds himself playing the brutal game of politics to outmaneuver his rivals—including Leonard Wood, Sergio Osmeña, and Joven Hernando. In his relentless quest for power, Quezon eventually faces off with Emilio Aguinaldo in the 1935 Philippine presidential elections, using charm and favoritism as both weapons and currency, in a campaign that ultimately changes the face of Philippine politics and history.
Jericho Rosales, who plays the titular role of Manuel L. Quezon, leads the all star cast which also includes Benjamin Alves, Mon Confiado, Arron Villaflor, Cris Villanueva, Romnick Sarmenta, Karylle, JC Santos, Jake Macapagal, Bodjie Pascua, Angeli Bayani, Jojit Lorenzo, Joross Gamboa, Therese Malvar, Ana Abad Santos, Ketchup Eusebio, and Nico Locco.
Iain Glen, best known for his role in the U.S. fantasy series Game of Thrones, portrays U.S. Governor-General Leonard Wood in the film. Although he was unable to attend the media conference in person, Glen sent a video message to greet members of the press.
“Quezon,” which will open nationwide in cinemas on October 15, is rated PG by the MTRCB, making it the perfect film for the entire family to enjoy.
“’Quezon’ is designed to be a compelling stand-alone cinematic experience for all audiences, whether they’ve seen the previous films or not, even as it concludes the Bayaniverse trilogy,” said TBA Studios President and COO Daphne O. Chiu-Soon.
Chiu-Soon added: “We conceived ‘Quezon’ as a big-screen spectacle to be fully appreciated in the theaters. With our world-class production values and an all-star ensemble cast, we believe ‘Quezon’ isn’t just a movie, it’s an event that demands the big screen.”
In line with this, TBA Studios also mounted exciting and one-of-a-kind events and activities to promote the film, including the “Bayani Ba’To?” youth and educators forum, which reached 11,000 teachers and students across multiple cities nationwide. This initiative is part of TBA Studios’ commitment to make history more accessible to the education sector, support efforts in nurturing appreciation for the arts through film, and help revitalize the local film industry that continues to face challenges.
“Quezon” also held an election-style nationwide mall tour with a culminating event activation at IKEA and SM Mall of Asia, where the cast came in character and performed a live reenactment of some key scenes from the film.
Students and teachers can watch “Quezon” at a special ticket price of only 250 pesos. To purchase at this special price, students and teachers only need to present a valid school ID at ticket counters in major cinemas nationwide.
“Quezon” is produced by Daphne O. Chiu-Soon with the support of TBA Studios Chairman Emeritus Fernando Ortigas and TBA Studios CEO E. A. Rocha. Jericho Rosales served as co-executive producer, with Margie Navarro-De Guzman and Atty. Rod Vera as associate producers. Jerrold Tarog and Rody Vera co-wrote the screenplay.
Behind the camera, Tarog is joined by Pong Ignacio (Director of Photography), Monica Sebial (Production Design), Immanuel Verona and Fatima Salim (Sound), and The Post Office (Visual Effects).
This film is a recipient of the CreatePHFilms incentive from the Film Development Council of the Philippines.
After opening in Philippine theaters on October 15, “Quezon” will make its international premiere at the 45th Hawai’i International Film Festival on October 26 at the Consolidated Kahala Theater, and on October 28 at the Consolidated Kapolei Theater.
“Quezon” will have screenings in the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the Middle East this October.
“Quezon” is supported by CMB Film Services, Boysen, IKEA, Xiaomi, Henry’s Cameras, Destileria Limtuaco, The Manila Hotel, Manila Prince Hotel, iCare, Grab, Pilot Pens Philippines, When In Manila, Anvil Publishing, DAKILA and its Active Vista Center, the National Museum, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the Department of Tourism (DOT), Quezon City Local Government Unit and QCinema Film Foundation Inc., Tarlac LGU, Tayabas Quezon LGU, San Juan Batangas LGU, Centennial Tunnel project, Hacienda Luisita and Luisita Rum, WhiteHouse San Juan, Casa Soledad, Casa Louella, Versailles Palace, Palacio de Memoria, Microtel Tarlac, Casa Esperanza, and La Castellana.