Quezon’s Grandson Sparks Uproar at “Quezon” Film Screening
QUEZON – The premiere of the historical film “Quezon” took an unexpected turn as Ricky Avanceña, Quezon’s grandson, publicly berated Jericho Rosales and Director Jerrold Tarog, calling the film a “joke.”
A heated moment unfolded during the post-screening discussion of the new historical film “Quezon” when the grandson of former Philippine President Manuel L. Quezon, Ricky Avanceña, reportedly confronted actor Jericho Rosales and director Jerrold Tarog.
In a video shared by the Inquirer and filmed by Digital Content Producer Samuel Yap, Avanceña was seen criticizing the movie, calling it a “satire” and a “joke.” Clearly angered, he openly questioned the filmmakers’ approach and intent before the audience.
During the Q&A session of the TBA Studios screening held in Makati on Wednesday, October 22, Avanceña directly confronted Director Tarog, his voice filled with frustration. “So nagbibiro ka lang pala? So joke pala ito?” he asked. He added, “‘Wag natin papaniwalaan, joke pala ito! It is satire!”
Director Tarog maintained his composure and responded calmly, saying, “We’ll leave that to the audience to decide if it’s something they want to process.”
The exchange grew more tense when Jericho Rosales, who portrayed President Quezon in the film, stepped in to try to ease the situation. “With all due respect, sir, I understand your feelings. But this is a Q&A for our film,” Rosales said respectfully.
Avanceña quickly interrupted, saying, “Jericho, huwag mo ko ganyanin ha? One minute and I’m done.” He went on to accuse the filmmakers of earning money from the “misrepresentation” of his grandfather before storming out of the event.
Avanceña, whose mother is Zenaida “Nini” Quezon-Avanceña, the second daughter of President Quezon and First Lady Aurora Quezon, later vented his anger on Facebook. “F***ing Jericho Rosales tried to block me, in effect canceling a Quezon from a Quezon movie which sullied his reputation,” he wrote. He also urged the public to view the film and join his “social media defense,” claiming that Quezon was portrayed as a caricature.
In response to the controversy, TBA Studios released a statement on Friday, October 24, defending the film’s accuracy. “The film is grounded in verified historical accounts, including President Quezon’s own autobiography and other reputable references,” the studio clarified. They further noted, “While it includes fictional elements for dramatic purposes, the facts and context presented are easily verifiable,” and mentioned the inclusion of a companion book and study guide.
Veteran actor John Arcilla, who previously starred in Tarog’s “Heneral Luna” and “Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral,” also expressed his view. “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 commented, adding that while the film appeared to have a satirical tone, “the content itself doesn’t feel like one.”
“Quezon” marks the concluding chapter of Director Tarog’s celebrated “Bayaniverse” trilogy, which began with “Heneral Luna” (2015) and continued with “Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral” (2018).
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