Jericho Rosales says his role in "Quezon" is his best and most challenging yet.

When the chandeliers of The Manila Hotel’s Centennial Hall lit up on Oct. 7, the room didn’t just hold movie stars - it had a piece of history. The country’s oldest luxury hotel, where many of the nation’s leaders once gathered, became the venue for the media conference of TBA Studios’ most ambitious project yet: the movie "Quezon."

Considered one of the "most anticipated" Filipino films of 2025, Quezon is directed by Jerrold Tarog, the award-winning filmmaker behind "Heneral Luna" and "Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral." 

The film not only revisits the years after the Philippine Revolution during the American occupation but also officially closes TBA’s decade-long Bayaniverse trilogy, which redefined how Filipino heroes are told on screen.

The director remarked that the film paints Quezon not as a saint, but as a man shaped by ambition and charm, navigating a system that feels all too familiar today.

“There are parallelisms in the movie and what’s happening now.  Nothing has really changed, it’s been like this for a long time. And it’s possible that Quezon’s style of politics is one of the biggest roots of that,” Tarog revealed in "Quezon: The Story Behind The Film."

Iain Glen of 'Game of Thrones' is cast in 'Quezon' as Gov. Leonard Wood (shown in photo with Canadian actor Nico Locco)

At the heart of the film is Jericho Rosales, who not only plays Manuel L. Quezon but also serves as co-executive producer. The actor spoke candidly about how portraying the president altered his perspective on leadership and the history of the office.

“May meaning pala ’yung pag-play ng presidente ng Pilipinas. (Playing the president has a meaning)," Jericho observed. “I understand now how important history is. I used to fall asleep in history class because I didn’t care. But care is what makes you move. You love your family, you love your country, and that love makes you act.”

He went on to describe the film as a mirror of the present. “Corruption is like a pimple,” he quipped. “It’s a by-product of everything we allow to build up. You can’t fix it with one person. Everyone has to take responsibility.”

Also considered a casting feat in the movie is the inclusion of Iain Glen, best known as Ser Jorah Mormont in the HBO series "Game of Thrones." He plays U.S. Governor-General Leonard Wood in "Quezon."

“From the very start, I told Daphne (TBA Studios president Daphne Chiu-Soon) that this character would be worth it if we got someone well known,” Jerrold recalled. “ Luckily, she ended up meeting Cassandra, a casting director based in Europe, and she contacted Iain Glen's agent. The script was offered to him, and surprisingly, he said yes right away. He was easygoing and a joy to work with."

Glen, who was unable to attend the Manila Hotel event, sent a warm video greeting to the press, expressing gratitude for being part of a film that depicted a vital chapter in Philippine history.

"Quezon" features an ensemble of notable talents, namely: Benjamin Alves, Mon Confiado, Arron Villaflor, Cris Villanueva, Romnick Sarmenta, Karylle Yuzon, JC Santos, Jake Macapagal, Bodjie Pascua, Angeli Bayani, Jojit Lorenzo, Joross Gamboa, Therese Malvar, Ana Abad Santos, Ketchup Eusebio, and Nico Locco.

Director Jerrold Tarrog (middle) and his all-star cast led by Jericho Rosales during the 'Quezon' media conference at Manila Hotel

Behind the camera, Tarog is joined by Rody Vera (co-writer), Pong Ignacio (Director of Photography), Monica Sebial(Production Design), Immanuel Verona and Fatima Salim (Sound), and The Post Office (Visual Effects). It is worth noting that the film also received support from the Film Development Council of the Philippines’ CreatePHFilms incentive program.

TBA Studios President and COO Daphne  stressed that "Quezon" represents the culmination of a long creative journey and a renewed hope for Philippine cinema.

“Quezon is designed to be a compelling stand-alone cinematic experience for all audiences, whether they’ve seen the previous films or not,” she said. “We conceived Quezon as a big-screen spectacle to be fully appreciated in theaters. With our world-class production values and all-star cast, we believe Quezon isn’t just a movie, it’s an event that demands the big screen.”

The studio has launched an extensive campaign to reach viewers nationwide. The “Bayani Ba’To?” youth and educators forum reached more than 11,000 teachers and students nationwide. Meanwhile,  the cast’s election-style mall tour, complete with live reenactments, culminated in a packed event at IKEA and SM Mall of Asia.

Students and teachers can also avail of a special ₱250 ticket price, they just need to present their valid IDs at the cashier.

"Quezon" opens in Philippine cinemas on Oct. 15, rated PG by the MTRCB, and will make its international premiere at the 45th Hawaii International Film Festival later this month. Screenings will follow across the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the Middle East.