Jericho Rosales feels ‘so happy and lucky’ to play Manuel L. Quezon in biopic

MANILA, Philippines — Jericho Rosales is officially portraying the role of former Philippine President Manuel L. Quezon in the upcoming historical biopic “Quezon.”

On Tuesday, TBA Studios released an official photo and teaser of the actor as the lead of the cast for the much-anticipated film, which is expected to follow the life of Quezon, a Filipino lawyer and soldier who became the President of the Commonwealth of the Philippines from 1935 to 1944.

The film, which is currently in production, marks Jericho’s return to the big screen following the 2018 romantic drama “The Girl in the Orange Dress.”

He recently starred in the hit ABS-CBN drama “Lavender Fields” with Jodi Sta. Maria and Janine Gutierrez.

“I feel so honored to be with this team. Coming to a script like this which is so potent and so entertaining, I feel so lucky and happy,” Jericho said in a press release statement.

Jericho with Benjamin Alves, who will portray the younger Quezon.

“Here, you will see Quezon as a person. He’s not written as a hero. He is cunning, he is charming, he is intelligent. Quezon is such an interesting character to play; there are so many things I can put into the role to build Quezon as a character. That adds to the pressure, but at the same time I am very excited,” he added.

TBA Studios president Daphne Chiu praised Jericho’s onscreen presence, while director Jerrold Tarog highlighted his powerful audition. The film is part of TBA’s Bayaniverse, which includes the 2015 film “Heneral Luna” starring Volpi Cup Best Actor winner John Arcilla and the 2018 “Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral” topbilled by Paulo Avelino.

The cast also includes Mon Confiado as Emilio Aguinaldo, Benjamin Alves as a younger Quezon, Karylle Yuzon as Aurora Quezon and other notable actors.

In a Facebook post, Benjamin praised Jericho, saying: “The Philippines’ Quezon: Jericho Rosales! From our initial meetings, rehearsals and readings: this is going to be a Quezon we have never seen or read about.

“Honored to explore such a deep, historic, and colorful person with you Kuya! Like I told you, I will do my best to keep up.

“Welcome to the Bae-yani Universe, Señor Presidente!” he added.

The film is set for a local and international release later this year.