Film Review #5: The 10 Years of Bayaniverse (2015–2025)

The Birth of a Filipino Cinematic Universe

A decade ago, filmmaker Jerrold Tarog envisioned creating a cinematic universe similar to Marvel and DC, but centered on Filipino national heroes. At a time when audiences eagerly followed their favorite comic book superheroes on the big screen, Tarog and his team at TBA Studios believed that this shared excitement could be replicated beyond the imaginary—by portraying the lives of real people and the events that shaped our history.

Photo grabbed from TBA Studios' Facebook page.

Act I: Heneral Luna (2015)

They began with the biopic of General Antonio Luna, whom I initially remembered only as one of the contributors to the propaganda movement's La Solidaridad under the pen name Taga-Ilog, and as the founder of the revolutionary paper La Independencia. After watching Heneral Luna in 2015 and rewatching it just days ago, I can confidently say that Tarog made an excellent choice in launching the trilogy with Luna's story.

Aside from being timely—it was released during the campaign season—the film had a solid foundation that laid the groundwork for the succeeding installments to materialize. It was a gamble for the team to go all out with the production, cast, and effects, but it was a risk worth taking. True to their aspirations, Heneral Luna earned millions in ticket sales, which enabled them to continue the trilogy they had envisioned.

The film ignited a renewed sense of national concern among its viewers, stirring anger over Luna's unjust death and the similar injustices that continue to happen in the country today.

Act II. Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral (2018)

Next came Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral in 2018. If Heneral Luna sparked the rage in our hearts, Goyo urged us to pause, listen, and understand. By portraying the internal struggles of key characters—especially Gregorio del Pilar himself—we witnessed the vulnerability of someone celebrated as a “hero.”

We were invited to reassess the meaning of loyalty—whether it is owed to a person or to a principle. We also saw a leader in Emilio Aguinaldo who, even with Apolinario Mabini’s wisdom by his side, struggled to unite his cabinet and army, often resorting to compromises that did more harm than good. It is easy to find fault in Aguinaldo, given his alleged role in silencing dissenters. But looking deeper reveals that no one in that era had known any better in such unprecedented and urgent times.

In fact, even before the Spaniards arrived to colonize the Philippines, a unified Filipino nation did not yet exist.

Act III: Quezon (2025)

As the Bayaniverse concludes with the film Quezon, we are left to ponder: Who are truly considered heroes? Does Heneral Luna—who, despite his temperamental and tactless nature, led his men to fight for the country at the cost of their own lives—fit the mold of a hero? How about the composed and charismatic Heneral del Pilar, known for his loyalty to President Emilio Aguinaldo? Or is it Manuel Luis Quezon, the first President of the Philippine Commonwealth, who relentlessly championed the nation’s independence?

Unlike the tension-driven Heneral Luna or the meditative Goyo, Quezon leans toward diplomacy and vision—the making of a statesman rather than a soldier. Mon Confiado, reprising his role as El Presidente Aguinaldo, provides a strong emotional bridge across the trilogy. His nuanced performance ties the films together with quiet power—a fitting irony, given how Aguinaldo outlived these three who once served under him. Jericho Rosales, meanwhile, delivers a commanding portrayal of Quezon—a politician who knows how to play the game of politics, both as one of the chess pieces and as the one who moves them. This may well be the most compelling performance of Rosales’ career. Rosales and Romnick Sarmenta, who plays Sergio Osmeña, show an undeniable chemistry that is utterly entertaining. This dynamic between Quezon and Osmeña is refreshing to see, and is something that I just discovered from the film.

While the cast performed well and Tarog's vaudeville-inspired storytelling was interesting, there was no singular standout in the film. The attempt to encapsulate Quezon's life after reading through 50 reference books made the narrative feel dense and uneven. The intent to inform and educate was there, but it came at the expense of smooth transitions and richer character development. A minor subtitle error ("kada buwan" translated as "per year") is forgivable, but the lack of emotional buildup for the audience was a missed opportunity.

Many historical moments were highlighted, yet the film fell short in conveying their emotional and moral implications. Still, the complicated feelings I had after watching it are proof that the filmmakers succeeded in presenting a layered, complex figure in Quezon.

Beyond Heroism

Rather than seeking definite answers to who deserves to be called a hero, I believe it is far more meaningful to examine what made these key figures in history relevant, both in their time and in ours. As historian John Ray Ramos shared during Dakila’s special block screening and talkback session last October 18, we should not only ask the 5Ws and 1H—Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How—but also add one more crucial question: "So what?"

While it is important to know the dates, events, and people who contributed to the freedom we enjoy today, it is just as vital to look beyond the surface and understand what made these figures human, why things unfolded the way they did, and how deeply our values as a nation remain rooted in their stories. 

Final Reflections

In the end, the Bayaniverse is more than a trilogy of historical films—it is a mirror reflecting who we were, who we are, and who we hope to become as Filipinos. Through Luna's fury, Goyo's doubt, and Quezon's ambition, we are reminded that heroism is not born from perfection or victory, but from conviction and purpose.

Perhaps instead of searching for a hero to emulate or a leader to inspire today's generation, it may be far better to embrace a collective effort—despite our differences—to build the change we have long yearned for across generations. Tarog's decade-long storytelling, with all its flaws and brilliance, draws us back to the past that shaped us and rekindles our desire to strive for a nation better than the one we inherited.