7 Movies to Watch for Philippine Independence Day 2019
Observed every 12th of June, Independence Day or Araw ng Kalayaan commemorates the liberation of the Philippines from Spain. The day also honors the many heroes who fought valiantly for Philippine independence.
If you want to learn more about the Philippine history, then let this list of historical films to serve as your guide.
Heneral Luna
Set during the Philippine American War, this biopic film follows the life of General Antonio Luna, one of Philippine History’s most brilliant soldiers. The general led his fellowmen to rise against the colonizers and campaigned to fulfill the Philippine Revolution. The film also sheds light on the untold events during the period.
Running Time: 1 hour and 58 minutes
Casts: John Arcilla, Mon Confiado, Arron Villaflor
Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral
This historical epic film follows the titular Gregorio del Pilar or Goyo, the young general who died at the Battle of Tirad Pass during the Philippine-American War. Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral, much like its predecessor Heneral Luna, shows the audience the mundane and human side of our otherwise famed and glorified heroes.
Running Time: 2 hours and 35 minutes
Cast: Paulo Avelino, Carlo Aquino, Arron Villaflor
Supremo
Supremo tells the story of Andres Bonifacio and the events that took place in 1896. Bonifacio or Supremo leads a small, untrained army to Manila with the hopes of recapturing the Walled City of Intramuros.
Running Time: 2 hours and 27 minutes
Cast: Alfred Vargas, Mon Confiado, Nicco Manalo
El Presidente
El Presidente follows the life of General Emilio Aguinaldo, the first president of the Philippine Republic. The film is narrated in flashbacks and shows events of Aguinaldo’s capture in 1901 to the restoration of the actual date of the Philippine Declaration of Independence under President Diosdado Macapagal.
Running Time: 2 hours and 42 minutes
Cast: Jorge Estregan, Nora Aunor, Christopher De Leon
Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo
The movie also follows the story of Andres Bonifacio, who led the Katipunan’s uprising against the Spaniards. But little did he know that the rise would lead to antipathy from those who share the same cause.
Running Time: 1 hour and 40 minutes
Cast: Robin Padilla, Vina Morales, Daniel Padilla
Jose Rizal
This biographic film focuses on national hero Dr. Jose Rizal. It follows his life in prison in Fort Santiago to his execution in Bagumbayan. The film also showed the Katipunan during and after Rizal’s execution and the events that led to the group’s armed uprising.
Running Time: 2 hours and 58 minutes
Cast: Cesar Montano, Joel Torre, Jaime Fabregas
Quezon’s Game
Quezon’s Game is the most recent addition to the list. The movie follows Manuel L. Quezon, the President of the Commonwealth of the Philippines. Set in 1938, the movie follows Quezon as he sets out to help Jewish refugees who fled from Nazi Germany. During all this, Quezon deals with a relapse of tuberculosis.
Running Time: 2 hours and 5 minutes
Cast: Raymond Bagatsing, Rachel Alejandro, Kate Alejandrino
What film are you going to watch this Independence Day? Don’t forget to share it with us in the comments!
