Pinky Amador Defends Quezon Family
PINKY AMADOR – The actress spoke out in support of her uncle, Ricky Quezon Avanceña, who recently criticized the film Quezon directed by Jerrold Tarog. The movie, starring Jericho Rosales, tells the story of former Philippine President Manuel L. Quezon—Pinky and Ricky’s grandfather.
The issue started on October 24, 2025, when a video of Avanceña confronting Tarog, the producers, and some of the cast members during a post-screening discussion in Makati went viral. In the video, Avanceña was upset about how Quezon was shown in a negative way in the film, saying their family was never asked or informed about the story. He accused the director of disrespecting and twisting the memory of their grandfather, especially after Tarog called the movie a “satire.”
Pinky shared her thoughts in a TikTok video, saying she was there and saw the confrontation herself. She praised the film’s technical quality, saying it was the best among Tarog’s Bayaniverse series, which also includes Heneral Luna and Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral. However, she criticized its message, saying it was irresponsible to label the movie as “fiction” or “satire” when it’s based on a real person from history.
The actress explained that their family never asked to be consulted or to have Quezon shown as a perfect hero. What they wanted, she said, was a fair and balanced portrayal that also showed the former president’s good actions and sacrifices for the country. She added that showing both his strengths and flaws would have been a more accurate way to tell his story.
Pinky said she was saddened that the film might mislead people, as many might think it shows the full truth about Quezon’s life and stop looking for the real facts. She also pointed out the importance of showing history correctly, especially since many Filipinos struggle with reading and rely on movies to learn about the past.
She ended by saying that while freedom of expression is important, it doesn’t excuse filmmakers from their duty to be responsible and careful when telling real stories about history and real people.
@pinkyamadorofficial MLQ Tinokhang sa Pelikula: History Weaponized I was there in the room… As a creative, I thought there were many good elements in the craftsmanship of Quezon. Editing, pacing, use of devices and performances of the cast along with design were stunning. My theory is that because this is the 3rd installment of their so-called Bayani verse, naturally, they wanted to go out with a bang. Make an even bigger, bolder statement, get more traction which equals to sales. How to do that? Sensationalism. Shock value. Alternative treatment. As a creative, of course I get all that…but at WHO’S EXPENSE? Undoubtedly this is a mammoth project with a long reputation for quality films, plus billionaires producing it and with immense clout and following and MACHINERY to debunk any argument against the film. With great power comes great responsibility. Miseducation When you get Dep-ed to endorse this as an “educational” film, the perception is that it will be (at the very least) slightly historical. When you add layers of “fiction” and “satire” then purposefully BLUR those lines with your creative treatment, then you are weaponizing history according to your narrative for sales. It becomes sensationalized and adds interest to potential clients. I also get that this treatment can encourage deeper conversation and debate. But for whom? Only the learned and intellectuals? Realty check: We are in an educational crisis. 24 million Filipinos struggle with functional literacy and 91% of 10-year-olds unable to read simple texts. So when Dep-Ed endorsed films become the only education for millions, showing only one side isn't just poor storytelling—it's miseducation. Personal Yes, this is personal for me. My Lola Nini Avanceña inspired me greatly as a teenager. Sino ba naman ang hindi madadala kapag nakikita mo Lola mo, frail and grey-haired out on the streets protesting against the tyranny of the Marcos regime? She showed me that even under a dictatorship a young girl could speak out and make a difference. Thus, 40 years later I am still fighting for justice in the streets and in any way I can. That’s how I was brought up, coming from a family of lawyers, justice was a huge thing in our home Intent w in the making na ang Goyo and Quezon. My Lola our matriarch, died in 2021 at 100 years old. If she were still with us, would the producers have the gall to show this to her? It would certainly have sent her to her death. I wonder would they be prepared to have blood on their hands of a life-long human rights advocate? Artistry Artistic freedom does not excuse you from artistic accountability. We never asked to be consulted nor include MLQ as one of your so called Bayanis We never even questioned all the negative traits you exploited. But in making a subject interesting you need to show the struggle, the emotional and psychological crisis and torment for them to arrive at their goal or even downfall. The proverbial “coin” you kept referencing in your film sadly only showed one side: The cunning politician. And if there were scenes of tenderness or doubt (as Chris Villanueva pointed out) sobrang NIPIS ng treatment. Of course the film omitted that Dona Aurora, her daughter and son in law were massacred. That would make MLQ too sympathetic. Aftermath I have spent the last 3 days deeply affected and reeling from this disaster of your film. All my other relatives in the industry who agree are too afraid to speak up or put their posts on private for fear of retribution. My family have suffered enough generational trauma (even my paternal grandfather was murdered in front of my father and his siblings in their home) Dadagdagan nyo pa ba ganito para lang kumita at mapagusapan? CANCEL CULTURE IS REAL. Sana lang hindi nyo rin maranasan na ang ninuno nyo o sinumang nagbigay ng inspirasyon sa inyo ay siraan or worse, kayo na mismo (pag matagal nang patay) ay gawan ng ganitong demolition job in the name of artistry. Continued in the comments section 😇
♬ original sound – PinkyAmador
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