Piolo Pascual, Enchong Dee, Dante Rivero, Cedrick Juan lead cast of historical film ‘GomBurZa’
Piolo Pascual, Enchong Dee, Dante Rivero and Cedrick Juan. Image: Jesuit
Communications (JesCom)
After extensive research and a series of auditions, Jesuit Communications (JesCom) has unveiled the cast of the historical film “GomBurZa,” which includes Piolo Pascual, Enchong Dee, Dante Rivero and Cedrick Juan.
“GomBurZa,” which will be helmed by award-winning filmmaker Pepe Diokno, is based on the story of Catholic priests Padre Mariano Gomez, Padre José Burgos and Padre Jacinto Zamora, who were executed in 1872 on charges of subversion.
JesCom, the Ateneo de Manila University-based producer of the upcoming film, announced in a press release on Thursday, Feb. 16, that the movie will feature Dee as Zamora, Rivero as Gomez, Juan as Burgos, and Pascual as Padre Pédro Pelaéz, the Filipino clergy leader who was a mentor of Padre José Burgos.
Dee spoke about his role and admitted that he felt a “certain level of pressure and inspiration” weeks before the movie’s scheduled filming.
“But I have faith in the people who are behind the camera, [so] it’s only right and just for me to give the same level of
professionalism towards my character,” he said.
Rivero and Juan, for their part, expressed excitement on taking on their roles as they shared some of the preparations they did for the film.
“I love my role as Padre Gomez! Pinag-aaralan ko na sa bahay (I am already studying it at home),” Rivero was quoted as saying. “I want to engage the audience. I want to make it memorable for them. This is going to be epic!”
“I said ‘yes’ right away when I got the offer; it was a no brainer!” Juan, meanwhile, stated. “Kailangan todohan ng effort, time and puso.” (This requires utmost effort, time, and [dedication].)
Other cast members include Epi Quizon, Jaime Fabregas, Carlitos Siguion-Reyna, Khalil Ramos, Elijah Canlas, Neil Ryan Sese, Paolo O’Hara, Tommy Alejandrino, Gerry Kaimo, Dylan Tay Talon, Jomari Angeles and Bon Lentejas.
The film’s production team and cast gathered for a Mass and a send-off event also on Thursday, a day before the 151st death anniversary of the three priests. /ra
