A DESCENDANT of General Miguel Malvar is not happy with the upcoming film about the famed revolutionary.
In a Facebook post, Gabriel Malvar, who identified himself as an executive producer-director in his profile, revealed he learned only about the project through news sites.
He shared that he thought it “fake news” at first until he learned that “a relative had unilaterally decided that he would enter into an agreement with outside parties to produce the Malvar film without the express consent of the entire clan.”
According to earlier reports, Atty. Jose Malvar Villegas, Jr., a grandson of the general, is spearheading the “Malvar” project with Ed Samson as writer, Jose Kaka Balagtas as director and Manny Pacquiao as lead star.
Gabriel maintained “The different lines of direct descendants were not informed nor consulted” about the project.
He went on to insist that as “direct descendant,” he should be considered “steward” of General Malvar’s legacy.
“My great-grandfather’s legacy speaks for itself. It is a legacy worth protecting,” he added.
Though Gabriel expressed admiration for Pacquiao particularly for his “very remarkable” life story, he believes his stature makes him unsuitable for the role.
“My fear is that he is larger than life and his character cannot be separated from Manny Pacquiao the person. If he plays lolo Miguel, the viewers will not be able to see and appreciate my grandfather. Senator Pacquiao’s personality will dominate. That is not a knock on the senator. It is the truth. He is too big to be contained in any role for that matter.”
“Had I been consulted, I would have said that I preferred someone not involved in politics or in public service to portray him,” said Gabriel.
The statement came following the official statement of JMV Film Production as led by Atty. Villegas, which read (published as is):
“The overwhelming acceptance and acclamation of the choice of Sen. Manny Pacquiao to play the major role in in the movie ‘MALVAR’ as Gen. Malvar, is a proof that the public accept the fact that Sen. Manny Pacquiao, that apart from being a Senator, he is also well known in the Movie World as a consummate actor, as well as being a Boxing World Champion who is famous all over the world.”
Those against the idea, it said, are just being used by some to further their “political agenda.” (RAMPADOR ALINDOG)
