John Arcilla backs fellow Quezon descendant who slammed 'Quezon' film

John Arcilla, who starred in the 2015 TBA Studios biopic "Heneral Luna," backed his cousin Ricky Quezon Avanceña, former President Manuel L. Quezon's direct descendant, who went viral this week for his reactions against "Quezon," the movie about their grandfather also produced by TBA.

In his Facebook comment to Avanceña's post, Arcilla agreed that the descendants should have been consulted in creating the film.

"Ricky I, or anyone else, cannot blame you. Our family is still very much alive; they should have considered consulting the direct descendants and relatives (?)," Arcilla wrote.

"The reason no one has made a film about Juan Luna, for instance, is that his wife’s family does not want the story told from someone else’s point of view— and I am not sure that principle applies here as well, especially since the direct descendants who are still alive were not even consulted."

Having worked with TBA and the film series' director, Jerrold Tarog, Arcilla admitted that he is friends with those behind both "Heneral Luna" and "Quezon," the first and third installments, respectively, of the "Bayaniverse" historical films being produced by TBA. "Heneral Luna" is about General Antonio Luna, while the second installment was "Goyo," about Gregorio del Pilar and starring Paulo Avelino in the titular role.

"We share the same sentiment. All the people involved are my colleagues and friends, and while I cannot apologize on their behalf—because, as you said, they have their own principles and freedom of expression—I believe that if the living family and descendants feel bothered by the matter, you/we are fully entitled to our reactions, or even to seek proper clarification or action if necessary," Arcilla continued in his post.

"Still, I understand that the 'satirical' angle might be the film’s best defense. It looked satirical in the way they styled the early rigodons of political opponents and some of the 'actings,' but the content itself doesn’t feel like one. The preachy and direct characterization of our Lolo’s persona according to what the film wants to paint was explicitly stated by the fictional Joven—who represents the audience—right to his face. That’s what truly feels bothersome. I feel you, ‘nsan (cousin)."

In the now viral video with millions of views, Avanceña can be seen participating at the question-and-answer segment of a "Quezon" screening. During the portion, Avanceña can be spotted having a heated argument with Tarog and the lead actor Jericho Rosales, who plays the titular character.

Avanceña asked if the film was a "satire" and alleged that the movie might have maligned his grandfather and family, given that members of the family had sacrifices for the country. His grandmother Aurora Quezon and aunt Maria Aurora or "Baby" were assassinated while on their way to open a hospital in Baler. Aurora was portrayed in the movie by Karylle Tatlonghari-Yuzon.