Trailer of ‘Bato’ biopic shows former police chief as good son, family man, tough officer

The full trailer of “BATO: The Gen. Ronald dela Rosa Story” finally came to the fore on Jan. 23, giving a glimpse of what the biopic of the former Philippine National Police chief  is all about.

The trailer starts off with a young Bato reconsidering his dreams to pursue studies at the Philippine Military Academy. Like any good son would, he tells his father that family is more important than his dreams.

It then forwards to a middle-aged Bato—played by Robin Padilla—now with a wife (Beauty Gonzalez) and three children. Attempting to show the softer side of Bato, the trailer shows a scene of the tight-knit family celebrating the 8th birthday of daughter Monalisa. It did not take long, however, until this happy scene turned ugly as it was interrupted by masked men in motorcycles who sent bullets raining on the family’s home.

Padilla, here, returns to his forte of brawn and action as he retaliates and chases down the bad guys, with two guns in hand, no less.

A short scene of Bato sitting inside a church, facing what seems to be President Rodrigo Duterte, played by Efren Reyes Jr., is also shown. No words are uttered here.

The trailer attempts to shed light on three sides of Bato: as a selfless, caring son who shuns the PMA in favor of his family; a loving husband and father ready to protect and die for his loved ones, and the brawny and tough officer in the field.

The biopic, directed by Adolf Alix Jr., is slated to open in cinemas nationwide on Jan. 30—almost two weeks ahead of the scheduled campaign period for senators and party-list groups in the 2019 elections, which begins on Feb. 12. Dela Rosa is gunning for a Senate seat.

The trailer of “BATO: The General Ronald dela Rosa Story” may be viewed below.  /ra

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