'Ang bayani ay tao lang': Mon Confiado fascinated by Aguinaldo's complicated nature

MANILA, Philippines, October 8 ------ While the TBA Studios' "Bayaniverse" trilogy revolves around three different historical characters, an argument can be made that the franchise can be considered the Emilio Aguinaldo trilogy, given the direct roles the country's first president has in all three films. Mon Confiado portrays Aguinaldo in all three movies, including the upcoming entry "Quezon," which stars Jericho Rosales as the titular second president of the Philippines.

In fact, the film will depict Quezon's rise to power as an attorney, governor of then-Tayabas, the lower and upper houses of Congress, and the highest seat in the country. History buffs will know that Aguinaldo was Quezon's biggest rival in the 1935 presidential election, which will also be depicted in the movie, adding another layer of knowledge about Ka Miong.

However, individuals have begun viewing Aguinaldo as a villain rather than a hero, amplified by the antagonistic role Confiado portrays Aguinaldo in the first "Bayaniverse" movie, "Heneral Luna," which softens a bit in the follow-up "Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral."

At the press conference for "Quezon" last October 7 at the historic Manila Hotel, Philstar.com asked Confiado how he balances his performances of Aguinaldo with the public's historical perception of the latter, and in doing so marries the two. Confiado acknowledged the controversial perception of Aguinaldo in "Heneral Luna," which led to many questions about his heroic status. "Noong ginampanan ko character ni Aguinaldo sa 'Heneral Luna,' hindi ko siya tinitignan as kontrabida," Confiado said, a sentiment he shares across all his "villainous" roles.

In embracing Aguinaldo, he learned of the first president's positive aspects like being a revolutionary against the Spanish and Americans, as well as waving the Philippine flag to declare the country's independence.

In contrast, though, as Confiado points out, what director Jerrold Tarog (who helmed all "Bayaniverse" films) does in the franchise, all our heroes are only human. "'Yun ang maganda kasi pinapakita ang lahat ng flaws nila, lahat ng kapalpakan at pagkakamali," Confiado added. The actor also said that Aguinaldo's loss in the revolution and eventual capture by the Americans made him an even more complicated individual.

Confiado said he still found it a blessing to portray Aguinaldo and expressed his hope that "Quezon" would be a hit at the box office so that TBA Studios would walk back their decision to end the "Bayaniverse" at three movies. "Baka kainin ni Ma'am Daphne [Chiu] ang sinabi niya na huli na 'to, gusto ko bawiin niya," Confiado teased as he embraced the producer seated beside him. Confiado quipped that if TBA Studios wanted to make another movie about a president, there is a huge likelihood that Aguinaldo will be present.

Aguinaldo passed away in 1964, a month shy of his 95th birthday — meaning he lived during the presidencies of Quezon, Sergio Osmeña, Jose P. Laurel, Manuel Roxas, Elpidio Quirino, Ramon Magsaysay, Carlos P. Garcia, and Diosdado Macapagal.

Source: philstar.com