Tension Erupts at “Quezon” Movie Screening
QUEZON — The recent screening of the biographical film turned tense after Ricky Quezon-Avanceña, grandson of former Philippine President Manuel L. Quezon, strongly criticized the film and its creators, including director Jerrold Tarog and lead actor Jericho Rosales.
During the post-screening discussion held at a Makati cinema, Avanceña took the microphone and questioned Tarog about his intentions behind the movie. He directly asked if “Quezon” was meant to be a political satire. When Tarog confirmed, Avanceña reacted angrily, calling the film “a joke.” The exchange quickly caught the audience’s attention and later went viral on social media.
As Avanceña continued his outburst, Jericho Rosales, who portrays President Quezon in the film, intervened and reminded him to respect the time allotted for other audience members who also wanted to ask questions. However, Avanceña insisted on finishing his statement, accusing the filmmakers of disrespecting his family’s legacy and producing the movie merely for profit and fame. He claimed that the film had “opened Pandora’s box” and, visibly emotional, cursed at the director and cast while saying he was “channeling his grandfather.”
Later, in a lengthy Facebook post, Avanceña shared that this was his third time watching the biopic that week. He accused Rosales of “canceling a Quezon from a Quezon movie” for attempting to cut him off during the discussion. He expressed disappointment that the filmmakers, in his words, were “nilalako nila ang pambababoy sa alaala ng mga taong patay” while refusing to let him voice his defense of his grandfather.
Despite his anger, Avanceña clarified that he was not urging people to boycott the movie. Instead, he encouraged viewers to watch it and then join him online to defend President Quezon’s reputation. He described his grandfather as “the best and most incorruptible president” and criticized the filmmakers for what he saw as an unfair portrayal.
“Quezon,” produced by TBA Studios, depicts the former president’s rise to power and the personal and political rivalries he faced throughout his career.
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