With the filming for his big screen comeback film Quezon already wrapped up, Jericho Rosales said he cannot wait for audiences to watch the epic historical drama on the life of former Philippine president Manuel L. Quezon. The movie was directed and written by Jerrold Tarog, who was also behind other epic films like Heneral Luna and Goyo.
“Tapos na kami. Actually si Jerrold tapos na rin siya mag-edit so I think we’re now color grading and just a few touches na lang sa sounds. We’re heavily promoting also. We really have to promote our films. It’s just part of the film. You cannot make a film without promoting it, without having the right marketing team, without having the right people behind you. So respect to all these people from the conception ng lahat ng mga storya hanggang sa pagbenta ng pelikula. But we’re done. I can’t wait,” Echo shared during the Maya Black launch event held in Makati City.
READ: Jericho Rosales shares his preparations for his role in 'Quezon'
Another reason why his latest film was an unforgettable shooting experience for him was the opportunity to act alongside Scottish actor Iain Glen, who is best known for his role as Jorah Mormont in Game of Thrones. Iain flew to the country earlier this year to bring to life the role of American governor-general Leonard Wood.
“I felt like a Hollywood star (laughs). It’s not about status and everything, but yung discipline niya sa trabaho. And to be able to work with someone like that, you know, on the set, you just forget about being an artista, being this and that. You become this artist, this actor that has respect not just the craft but the written script and the people around you. He was just amazing and wonderful to work with. So generous as well,” he shared.
READ: Jericho Rosales reveals he is developing a film with Janine Gutierrez
Part of his role as Quezon also involved Echo going through the tedious process of putting on prosthetics every time he was on the set, just to capture the look of the president.
“I was on the chair for eight hours a day putting makeup on and everything. That was really hard to put on. This was a big challenge for me, promise. Kailangan matino ako dito eh. This was set in the '20s, '30s, and that was more than a century old life and career. You pick whatever decade you want form his life and there’s something different. And the research was just so demanding. How can you play someone that is that good, you know what I mean? Tinitingnan ko lang siya dati dun sa bente pesos eh. Sabi ko, ‘Ang cool nito, ang galing ng bihis, ganun.’ But TBA Studios is such a great team. The director Jerrold Tarog is such a great leader. And the rest of the cast was amazing. It was a huge cast,” he said.
Getting to step into the shoes of an important historical figure in the country, Echo shared what he learned from his latest role. “Oh my God, ang daming takeaway dun kasi it’s a real person. It’s a biopic. I feel like I’ve grown so much more after playing Mr. Quezon, our president. It’s huge. He is huge. Politically, sure, ang dami kong natutunan. As a person, sure, psyche of a leader, sure, andiyan lahat yan. It’s a very, very complex kind of character so it was very weighty,” he added.
Quezon stars Jericho Rosales as Manuel Quezon, Mon Confiado as Emilio Aguinaldo, Romnick Sarmenta as Sergio Osmena, JC Santos as Manuel Roxas, and Benjamin Alves as the younger Manuel Quezon. The film opens in cinemas nationwide starting October 15. Directed by Jerrold Tarog