Drama Erupts at “Quezon” Screening: Manuel L. Quezon’s Grandson Walks Out After Heated Clash!
QUEZON – Tension broke out during the post-screening discussion of “Quezon” when Manuel L. Quezon’s grandson, Ricky Avanceña, confronted Jericho Rosales and Director Jerrold Tarog over what he called a “satire” of his grandfather’s life.
Tension erupted during the post-screening discussion of the new historical film “Quezon” after the grandson of former Philippine President Manuel L. Quezon reportedly lashed out at actor Jericho Rosales and director Jerrold Tarog.
In a video posted by the Inquirer and captured by Digital Content Producer Samuel Yap, the late president’s grandson, Ricky Avanceña, was heard criticizing the film, calling it a “satire” and a “joke.” Visibly upset, Avanceña expressed his frustration in front of the audience, questioning the filmmakers’ intent.
Avanceña directly asked Director Tarog if the movie was indeed meant as satire, his anger evident in his tone. “So nagbibiro ka lang pala? So joke pala ito?” Avanceña said during the Q&A session of the TBA Studios screening held in Makati on Wednesday, October 22. He continued, “‘Wag natin papaniwalaan, joke pala ito! It is satire!”
Remaining calm, Tarog responded, “We’ll leave that to the audience to decide if it’s something they want to process.”
However, the tension intensified when Jericho Rosales, who portrayed President Quezon in the film, attempted to de-escalate the situation. “With all due respect, sir, I understand your feelings. But this is a Q&A for our film,” Jericho said politely.
Avanceña quickly cut him off, retorting, “Jericho, huwag mo ko ganyanin ha? One minute and I’m done.” He then accused the filmmakers of profiting from the “misrepresentation” of his grandfather before walking out of the venue.
Avanceña, the son of Zenaida “Nini” Quezon-Avanceña, the second daughter of the former president and First Lady Aurora Quezon, later took to Facebook to continue his tirade. “F***ing Jericho Rosales tried to block me, in effect canceling a Quezon from a Quezon movie which sullied his reputation,” he wrote, urging the public to watch the film and join his “social media defense,” claiming Quezon was made to look like a caricature.
In response, TBA Studios issued a statement on Friday, October 24, defending the film’s historical foundation. “The film is grounded in verified historical accounts, including President Quezon’s own autobiography and other reputable references,” the studio stated. They added, “While it includes fictional elements for dramatic purposes, the facts and context presented are easily verifiable,” noting that a companion book and study guide were also produced.
Veteran actor John Arcilla, who starred in Tarog’s previous films “Heneral Luna” and “Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral,” also weighed in. “We share the same sentiment… if the living family and descendants feel bothered by the matter, you/we are fully entitled to our reactions,” he said, adding that while the film appeared satirical in tone, “the content itself doesn’t feel like one.”
“Quezon” serves as the final installment in Director Tarog’s acclaimed “Bayaniverse” trilogy, following “Heneral Luna” (2015) and “Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral” (2018).
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