MANILA, Philippines — Enchong Dee revealed that he became more patriotic after doing the Metro Manila Film Festival entry “GomBurZa.”
In the film’s press conference yesterday, Enchong said that he loves the Philippines and would like to do more historical films.
“I can say that I'm so proud to be a Filipino. I love this country, I would fight for this country. And if my way of saying that to people and my way of inspiring other people to love this country more is through my films then I would gladly take it and I will gladly take more projects,” he said.
“So 'yung alab na nanggagaling sa pagmamahal ko sa bansa ay 'yung pagmamahal ko sa paggawa ng pelikula so Media Quest kung mayroon pa po kayong pelikula in the future, alam niyo na po kung sino kokontakin niyo,” he added.
Enchong promised that more Filipinos will love the country more after watching “GomBurZa.”
“I'm so proud to be a Filipino and I'm so happy that I get to share this film and show it to the younger generation and be like 'pag minahal niyo 'yung bansa natin, mas malaki 'yung tyansa natin na paakyatin 'yung antas ng bansa natin,” he said.
“After watching the film, more Filipinos will love our country and more Filipinos would envision the Philippines as one of the greats,” he added.
Dubbed as the biggest historical film of the new decade, “GomBurZa” is set to reawaken the Filipinos’ burning passion for national justice, equality, truth, and independence as it presents a cinematic presentation of the fateful lives and martyrdom of the three Catholic priests – Fr. Mariano Gomes, Fr. Jose Burgos and Fr. Jacinto Zamora.
Produced by JesCom Films, the producer of the award-winning film “Ignacio De Loyola” (2016), and MQuest Ventures of MediaQuest, in cooperation with CMB Film Services, the newest feature film about the consequential story of the three priests sheds light on a crucial chapter in Philippine history — emphasizing the significant roles the three martyred priests played during the Spanish colonial period. This epic film is a journey through time, offering a fresh perspective on a critical period in Philippine history.
“Gomburza” presents the noble vision of internationally acclaimed director Pepe Diokno, together with renowned thespians Mr. Dante Rivero, Cedrick Juan, and Enchong Dee who play the titular roles, respectively. Together, they bring these historical figures to life with authenticity and a wholehearted desire for truth and national enlightenment.
The story revolves around the time when Padre Pedro Peláez (played by Piolo Pascual) began and led the secularization movement. Through this movement, the priests inspired the educated middle class as well as the liberal intellectuals and students, including the brother of Jose Rizal, Paciano Mercado (portrayed by Elijah Canlas). The advocacy for the Filipinization of the Church continued despite the execution of Gomes, Burgos, and Zamora as their death never silenced the enlightened.
The priests’ execution in 1872 was the inspiration of Jose Rizal in writing his novel “El Filibusterismo,” and also sparked the Philippine Revolution that was led by Andres Bonifacio and the Katipunan. National Artist for Literature Nick Joaquín even said, “If there is a date we can designate as the beginning of a nationalist consciousness, it is February 17, 1872.”
This historical drama, aside from three lead actors, brings together a powerhouse cast with outstanding actors and actresses who will make their mark in their special roles: Pascual, Canlas, Khalil Ramos, Ketchup Eusebio, Epy Quizon, Jaime Fabregas, Tommy Alejandrino, Neil Sese, Arnold Reyes, Nanding Josef, Paolo O’Hara, Sue Prado, Carlitos Siguion-Reyna, Sheenly Gener, Elora Españo, and more. The film is also the second collaboration of Diokno with multi-awarded cinematographer Carlo Canlas Mendoza.