Life of Pedro Calungsod now in film

MANILA, Philippines - Francis Villacorta’s film San Pedro Calungsod, Batang Martir is determined to increase awareness on the life of the second Filipino saint who was martyred in the name of the Christian faith. It will also establish the young catechist’s story as an important historical film document.

Saint Pedro Calungsod, after all, is a Filipino hero who did not fight for a bloody revolution but for a spiritual one instead. Filipinos of this generation and the next should learn from his martyrdom and selfless work.

He was also one of our pioneering overseas migrant workers having served the San Diego Mission of Spanish Jesuit priest, Fr. Diego Luis de San Vitores, between 1668 and 1672 at the Marianas Islands (known today as Guam).

JM de Guzman plays Pedro Calungsod. He is joined by Christian Vazquez as Fr. Diego Luis de San Vitores; TJ Trinidad as Captain Juan de Sta. Cruz; Ryan Eigenmann as Choco;  Robert Correa as Maga’lahi Hirao, among others.

In recognizing his contribution, the late Pope John Paul II said, “...from his childhood, Pedro Calungsod declared himself unwaveringly for Christ and responded generously to his call. Young people today can draw encouragement and strength from the example of Pedro whose love of Jesus inspired him to devote his teenage years to teaching the faith as a lay catechist. 

“Leaving family and friends behind, Pedro willingly accepted the challenge put to him by Fr. Diego to join him on his mission to the Chamorros. In a spirit of faith, marked by strong eucharistic and Marian devotion, Pedro undertook the demanding work asked of him and bravely faced the many obstacles and difficulties he met. In the face of imminent danger, Pedro would not forsake Fr. Diego but as a good soldier of Christ preferred to die at the missionary’s side.”

San Pedro Calungsod, Batang Martir will bring the story on the big screen to inspire the Filipino youth, migrant workers and Catholic Christian devotees here and abroad to emulate the many good virtues of the young saint in their everyday lives.