Alden, Sid back as Rizal, Bonifacio; Gerald fronts Jacinto film aiming for MMFF

Chua, who is involved in the film as a consultant, praised director Dr. Antonino Rommel Ramilo’s script for its powerful and nuanced depiction of the young hero.

“It tells what little we know about Jacinto beautifully, and interprets and imagines what we do not know artistically. The script captures what he stood for, but also how he loved,” Chua shared in a social media post. He also noted that he will make a short cameo appearance to experience the challenges of acting while teaching history.

Joining the ensemble cast are Aljur Abrenica as General Miguel Malvar, Angel Aquino, Mercedes Cabral, Alex Medina, Alexa Miro, Aicelle Santos, Ima Castro, Isay Alvarez, Robert Seña, Jason Gainza, Pekto Diaz, and Nikko Natividad, among others.

The production team, currently filming in historical locations across Batangas, is aiming to be selected for the next Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) lineup to reach a wider audience.

Regarded as the “Brains of the Katipunan,” Jacinto played a vital role in the revolutionary movement. He authored the “Kartilya ng Katipunan,” a set of 14 rules for members, and served as a journalist for the Katipunan’s publication “Kalayaan” under the pen name “Dimasilaw.”

With its title drawn from Jacinto’s collection of essays on revolutionary philosophy, “Liwanag at Dilim” is shaping up to be the first feature film centered on the young hero, following the 2024 stage production “Pingkian: Isang Musikal.”

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