‘GomBurZa’ director Pepe Diokno amused by ‘MaJoHa’ blunder, but inspired to tell martyr priests’ story

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“GomBurZa” director Pepe Diokno. Image: Facebook

More than a year after former “Pinoy Big Brother” housemate Gabb Skribikin went viral for answering “MaJoHa” in an April 2022 episode, director Pepe Diokno pointed out that Skribikin’s infamous blunder became an inspiration to use film as a medium of reminding why it’s important to learn about Philippine history.

Skribikin was the subject of controversy after making up the phrase “MaJoHa,” instead of GomBurZa, to answer the question about the three martyr priests during the reality show’s “History Quiz Bee” segment. This led to netizens, celebrities and lawmakers raising concerns about the country’s educational system.

Fast forward to the season of the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2023, where a film named “GomBurZa” revolving around Catholic priests Mariano Gomez, Jose Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora, made headlines after bagging a total of seven awards at the awards ceremony.

Diokno, instead of seeing the viral phrase as some form of controversy, opted to see the “MaJoHa” blunder as an “inspiration” to bring the stories of GomBurZa to light.

“Pre-production kami n’un and natawa kami sa sinabi,” he told reporters during an advanced screening. “But at the same time, mas nabuhayan kami na gawin ang pelikula. It made me realize na in the same way, hindi kilala ng maraming Pilipino, especially ng youth ang GomBurZa.”

(We were then in the pre-production stage, and we found what he said funny. But at the same time, we were inspired to do the film. It made me realize that in the same way, not many Filipinos, especially the youth, do not know much about GomBurZa.)

Cedrick Juan was named Best Actor for his portrayal of Padre Jose Burgos. Image: Courtesy of Jesuit Communications, MQuest Ventures and CMB Film Services.

The filmmaker also shared that he, as well as the actors and production staff, “learned so much” about the martyr priests while working on the MMFF film. “The aim is to shake and inspire all of us.”

“When I first read the story of the three priests, na-inspire ako and naisip ko kung mabuti ba akong Pilipino, and what can I do to help the country,” he continued. Kung itong tatlong paring ito ay binigay ang buhay nila para ipaglaban ang tama, and their life helped shape our country. The challenge here is to think about the country and think about others.”

(When I first read the story of the three priests, I was inspired and asked myself if I was a good Filipino, and what I could do to help the country. These three priests could give up their lives to fight for what’s right, and their lives helped shape our country. The challenge here is to think about the country and think about others.)

(From left) Enchong Dee, Dante Rivero and Cedrick Juan as the titular GomBurZa. Image: Courtesy of Jesuit Communications, MQuest Ventures and CMB Film Services.

Among the awards reaped by “GomBurZa” at the MMFF 2023 Gabi ng Parangal last Dec. 27 were Second Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Sound Design, Best Production Design and Gatpuno Antonio Villegas Cultural Award.