Actor Benjamin Alves has said that it was an honor playing the young Manuel L. Quezon, the Philippines' first Commonwealth President, in the historical biopic "Quezon" under TBA Studios, now showing in cinemas nationwide.

"Even if it's shown 10 years from now, this film will always be relevant because it is our history. This is our story," said Benjamin on the significance of the film during an interview at BGC recently. Jerrold Tarog directs the movie chronicling the life of Quezon, also known as the Father of the National Language.

Benjamin, 36, hopes that moviegoers will recognize the film's relevance. He emphasized the film's timing in relation to today's issues.

"Tinanong ko si Jerrold (Tarog) kung nasa timing ba yung showing ng mga nangyayari ngayon sa bansa? His answer to me was, 'this is always relevant.' When you think about it, 10 years ago ng 'Heneral Luna,' yun pa rin ang pinag-uusapan: bayan o sarili? So ibig sabihin in 10 years, yun pa rin ang pinag-uusapan natin. In 20 years, sana hindi na (yun ang pinag-uusapan natin). Sana mas positive na at together ang laban natin kung ano man ang hinaharap natin sa mga panahon na yun. (I asked Jerold (Teng) if the show was timely, given what's happening in the country right now? His answer to me was, 'This is always relevant.' When you think about it, 10 years ago, with 'Heneral Luna,' that was still the topic of discussion: country or self? So that means in 10 years, we're still talking about that. In 20 years, hopefully it won't be (what we're talking about). Hopefully, we'll be more positive and together in our fight against whatever we face in those times," said Benjamin.

He added, "Kailangan ka talagang lumingon sa pinanggalingan mo hindi na maulit. We might take some steps back, but we're moving forward. Sa mga nangyayari ngayon we are in the right direction. Many people are frustrated, but more people are speaking up and taking action. (You really need to look back to where you came from, not repeat it. We might take some steps back, but we're moving forward. With what's happening now, we're in the right direction. Many people are frustrated, but more people are speaking up and taking action.)

"Sana tuloy-tuloy na siya. Hindi naman natatapos ang isang chapter. Mahaba ang proseso na ito. Mahirap talaga pero sana matapos ito na hindi natin makalimutan. Huwag sana tayo mapagod sa gitna kasi magsisimula na naman tayo. (I hope this continues. A chapter never ends. This process is long. It's really hard, but I hope it ends in a way that we won't forget. I hope we don't get tired in the middle because we'll start again)," Benjamin said.

On realizations of playing the young Quezon, Benjamin said, "The heroes have a blueprint. I hope they see in this film that we can use it to demonstrate our privilege to choose our leaders."

He shared one of the movie's preparations, featuring Jerico Rosales as the lead character. "I did a workshop with Jerrold and Echo. We went through all the speeches of Quezon. It was like we were in school. We gave four speeches to ensure the accent was present," the actor said.

Benjamin, who also stars in the afternoon Kapuso series, "Akusada," shared why he's excited for his latest film.

"I'm also excited because, if this movie does well, there will be another one after it. Even though I am not part of the next project, the Bayani-verse is alive, and the film industry in the Philippines is alive," he added.

Quezon died from tuberculosis on Aug. 1, 1944, in New York, while in exile during World War II. He was 65.