The general’s dream for the country

John Arcilla as Antonio Luna

Actor John Arcilla, who played the titular revolutionary in the hit historical epic “Heneral Luna,” says that the hero’s idealism has stayed with him long after the film’s success at the tills: “My aspiration to see this country as one of the most progressive in the region has remained. Our country is rich in natural resources—17th among 200 mega-biodiverse countries in the world. I was aware of this … before I played Luna and made it a point to share it with others after the film was shown. My passion for this cause has, in fact, intensified.”

Arcilla found the character he plays in the new stage musical, “DOM  (Dirty Old Musical),” relatable: “He is the typical Filipino who tries his luck abroad. Many people will surely be familiar with his struggles, his successes and failures in pursuing the Great American Dream. I myself have my own bittersweet stories about living in the land of milk and honey. This made me interested in and excited about doing this musical.”

“Heneral Luna” will have a special screening on June 21, 7 p.m., Glorietta 4 (Cinema 3)—with producer Ed Rocha and actors Arcilla and Epy Quizon gracing the event. The project is meant to raise funds for the  Hopeburst Foundation’s drug recovery facility in Tanza, Cavite. “DOM” will run Sept. 1-10 at the Music Museum. Bayani San Diego Jr.

Epy Quizon as Apolinario Mabini