By RONALD CONSTANTINO
LEGENDARY – What can possibly top the historical film “Heneral Luna,” which earned over Php200 million and won many awards? What else but “Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral,” the bio of the legendary Grogorio del Pilar, young (only 24) and dashing hero of the Fil-American War.
The people behind “Goyo,” including director Jerrold Tarog, says that it tops “Heneral Luna” in terms of production, star, and story values. And it may well exceed the R200-million gross of “Heneral Luna.”
Paulo Avelino leads the star-studded cast in the titular role of “Goyo.”
“Goyo” is produced by TBA Studios, Artikulo Uno Productions, and Globe Studios. It’s an advance celebration of Philippine cinema’s centennial next year.
* * *
IMPORTANT – Asked why it is important to tell the story of the young general, “direk” Jerrold replies:
“In many ways, ‘yung kwento ni Goyo, para siyang a call to critical thinking. Kinukwestiyun niya ‘yung sarili niya kung bakit ginagawa niya ito. And in a way, ‘yun din ‘yung magiging tanong ng audience kapag lumabas sila ng sinehan. Ano ba talaga ‘yung pinaglaban ni Goyo? Pag-ibig ba? Si Aguinaldo ba? O ‘yung bayan? I think magandang pag-isipan ‘yun nang audience, especially ng kabataan.”
Young people, the so-called millennials, can relate to and identify with Gregorio del Pilar, who died while defending the country against American colonizers.
* * *
HISTORICAL FIGURES – Some of the historical figures in “Goyo” include President Emilio Aguinaldo (Mon Confiado), Apolinario Mabini (Epy Quizon), Lt. Manuel Quezon (Benjamin Alves), Col Vicente Enriquez (Carlo Aquino), Col. Julian del Pilar (Rafa Siguion Reyna).
Goyo’s sweetheart Remedios Nable Jose is played by Gwen Zamora.
By the way, on the TBA pipeline is the filmbio of President Quezon, with Benjamin Alves in the titular role. But that’s another subject.