Alden Richards depicts the life story of activist and awarded screenwriter Boni Ilagan in “Alaala: A Martial Law Special,” set to air tomorrow on GMA. It is said to be Alden’s boldest portrayal yet.
The GMA Public Affairs special recalls that around 70,000 people were imprisoned; 34,000 were tortured; 3,240 were killed; and 884 disappeared involuntarily, from which 612 are still missing – more than four decades after former President Ferdinand Marcos declared Martial Law.
Those who survived those dark years urge Filipinos to “Never forget.”
On the 45th anniversary of President Marcos’ declaration of Martial Law, GMA offers a special documentary that follows the journey of Boni Ilagan. Named after national hero Andres Bonifacio, Boni takes viewers to his experience from his days as an idealistic youth, upon the declaration of Martial Law and his eventual capture and torture under the hands of the Philippine Constabulary.
His recollections will be put to life in a short film written by Boni himself. A film within a documentary, GMA Public Affairs’ docu team will shadow the short film’s production, showing behind-the-scenes clips. Interviews from personalities who experienced the Martial Law atrocities first hand, as well as historians, will provide the big picture of how it was during the Martial Law era. King Rodrigo, son of late Senator Soc Rodrigo tells us how they took the parliament to the streets.
Alden shared the challenges of portraying the young Boni. “Physically, psychologically, emotionally, mentally – mahirap ‘yung role. I’ve never been more tortured in any of my roles,” Alden said.
Joining Alden in recreating one of the most tumultuous period in Philippine history are Gina Alajar, Bianca Umali, and Rocco Nacino.
Rocco portrays editor and journalist Pete Lacaba, who, together with Ilagan, also suffered under the hands of the Philippine Constabulary.
The Kapuso actor discovered that he was related to the award-winning writer. “[Sir Pete] came to me, saying, ‘Hey you know what I’m your mom’s second cousin.’ So that night halos hindi ako makatulog. Nag-research ako, I called up my mom and then na-confirm na kamag-anak ko pala si Sir Pete. It makes everything more meaningful at mas malalimpara sa akin,” Rocco said.
“Alaala: A Martial Law Special” airs tomorrow night on SNBO.
