Tarog wraps up his trilogy with ‘Quezon’
The trailer for Quezon, the final chapter of Jerrold Tarog’s BAYANIverse, was released last week, leading up to the celebration of National Heroes’ Day tomorrow, Aug. 25.
The trilogy has become one of the most significant contributions to Philippine cinema in recent years, reframing national heroes for a modern audience. Here’s a quick look at the three films that make up this ambitious project.
Heneral Luna (2015)
It began with the epic film, Heneral Luna, where award-winning actor John Arcilla brought to life General Antonio Luna, the temperamental general of the Philippine-American War. Luna was foul-mouthed, brilliant, and uncompromising—a portrait that broke away from the usual polished depictions of heroes. The film’s mix of dark humor, sharp dialogue, and unflinching take on betrayal turned it into a surprise hit and a cultural talking point.
Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral (2018)
Next came Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral, the sequel to Heneral Luna, with Paulo Avelino taking the role of Gregorio del Pilar, one of the youngest generals of the revolution. Unlike the intensity of the first movie, Goyo took a slower and more thoughtful approach. It showed the risks of idolizing heroes too much and the struggles of a young man suddenly treated as a symbol of the nation. If Luna was about fire, Goyo was about doubt and disillusion.
Quezon (2025)
Now comes the last installment of BAYANIverse, Quezon, with Jericho Rosales in the role of former President Manuel L. Quezon, the first president of the Commonwealth of the Philippines. The newly released trailer hints at a story less about battlefields and more about the challenges of leadership during the American colonial period. Rosales described Quezon as cunning, charming, and intelligent, a man far from perfect but deeply compelling.
Quezon opens in Philippine theaters on Oct. 15.
