Students and teachers from different schools gathered Monday afternoon at West Visayas State University Cultural Center for MLQ: Mga Lingering Questions on Leaders, Legacy, and Liberty, a Youth and Educators Forum featuring the cast and creators of the upcoming historical film Quezon.
The forum, held Sept. 8 from 1 to 5 p.m., combined dialogue on history and civic responsibility with a 10-minute special preview of the film directed by Jerrold Tarog. Acclaimed actor Jericho Rosales, who plays former President Manuel L. Quezon, headlined the panel alongside veteran stage and screen actor Bodjie Pascua, who portrays Raymundo Melliza, Iloilo’s second governor during the American occupation.
They were joined by award-winning actress Therese Malvar, who plays Nadia Hernando, and Daphne Chiu-Soon, president and COO of TBA Studios, the production company behind the film. WVSU Film Society and the WVSU University Student Council played a crucial role in bringing this event to the University as organizers for this leg of the Bayaniverse forum. Historian Alvin Campomanes gave the participants an in-depth discussion on Manuel L. Quezon’s life as a statesman and as a Filipino. He also discussed Quezon’s major political and presidential decisions that continue to influence the nation today.
The cast shared their reasons for accepting their respected roles and shared their preparations for the film and the significance of their historical figures they portrayed, director Jerrold Tarog, through a message, called upon the viewers and the students to be discerning and be critical of our political landscape, and Chiu-Soon underscored TBA Studios’ commitment to telling stories that both educate and entertain.
The gathering at WVSU is part of Dakila Collective, Active Vista, and TBA Studios’ educational roadshows to promote Quezon and strengthen historical awareness among the youth.
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By WVSU PAMCO
