For generations, the name Gregoria de Jesús has been recalled mainly in connection with Andres Bonifacio — a narrow label that fails to reflect the life of a woman who fought, led, and safeguarded the Katipunan with unwavering courage. Her story runs far deeper and more powerfully than what most Filipinos learned in school, and this is exactly what the production of Lakambini: Gregoria de Jesus hopes to address.
This call for re-education rang loud at the film’s advance screening held at UP Cine Adarna on October 23 in Quezon City, where the team behind Lakambini emphasized the importance of restoring Gregoria de Jesús to her rightful place in the nation’s history. Joining the event were cast members Rocco Nacino, Elora Españo, and Ms. Gina Pareño.
Missing chapters in our History lessons
During the media conference before the advance screening,producer Ellen Ongkeko-Marfil said the project began when she realized how historical narratives and films have repeatedly sidelined women.
She said, “Sa dinami-dami ng mga pelikulang historical, naisip ko parang lagi yatang mga lalaki yung nangunguna sa mga historical film. Hindi ba sa pagbubuo ng bayan, hindi ba kasama ang kababaihan?”
(With so many historical films, I noticed it’s almost always men who take the lead. Isn’t nation-building something that includes women?)
“So I thought of Gregoria De Jesus, kasi siya yung asawa ni Andres Bonifacio na Father of Philippine Revolution. ‘Bakit wala akong alam non?’”
(So I thought of Gregoria de Jesús because she was the wife of Andres Bonifacio, the Father of the Philippine Revolution. Why did I know so little about her?)
She noted that most Filipinos recall only the same version of Oriang’s story.
“Ang alam lang natin yung umikot-ikot siya sa bundok, hindi niya mahanap yung katawan ni Andres, at saka yung [sikat na linyang] ‘Walang lihim na di nahahayag.’ Parang namatay na rin siya; we didn’t know anything!”
(What we know is she kept searching in the mountains for Andres’ body, and that famous line, No secret remains hidden. It’s like she disappeared from history; we didn’t know anything about her!)
She added, “In fact, up to now, if you go to schools, hindi siya kilala… Nung inaral namin siya for two years, namangha ako. Sabi ko, ‘Why is she overlooked? Napakagaling naman niya.’”
(Up to now, if you go to schools, she’s still not known… When we studied her for two years, I was amazed. I said, Why is she overlooked? She was exceptional.)
More than a footnote in Bonifacio’s heroic tale
The film itself stays faithful to Gregoria de Jesús’s real identity: as a patriot, warrior, and woman leader (the literal translation of Lakambini) whose role was indispensable to the Katipunan. The narrative shows her as the custodian of the Katipunan’s secrets and weapons, and highlights her perseverance in confronting not only the Spanish colonizers but also betrayal and political intrigue from her own countrymen.
Actor Rocco Nacino, who portrays Andres Bonifacio, expressed the cast’s collective excitement and hopes for the film at the mediacon.
He said, “Tulad naming lahat ay very, very excited po kami na mapanood natin sa wakas ang Lakambini. So, inaasahan po namin na mararamdaman po namin ang suporta ninyo to get this out. Please tell all your friends and family.”
(Just like everyone here, we’re very excited that Lakambini is finally being seen. We’re hoping we will feel your support to get this out. Please tell all your friends and family.)
He added that the film carries a message that resonates with today’s context amidst corruption.
“And I believe after watching… lahat po tayo magiging mas vocal to represent each and every Filipino, lalo na sa ongoing situation natin—alam natin lahat. And I hope that we all leave… as a Gregoria De Jesus.”
(And I believe that after watching, we will all become more vocal in representing every Filipino, especially with the current situation we’re in—we all know it. And I hope that we all leave the theater as a Gregoria de Jesús.)
A timely call
Lakambini Gregoria de Jesus is a meta-docu-fiction film that blends herstory, interviews, anecdotes from descendants and historians, the voices of artists, and an unfinished biographical film narrative first shot in 2015 into a bold new cinematic format.
It is based on the Palanca Award-winning script by Rody Vera, a Palanca Hall of Fame awardee, and is brought to life by award-winning filmmaker Jeffrey Jeturian and creative director Arjanmar Rebeta.
Timed with the 150th birth anniversary of Gregoria “Ka Oriang” de Jesús (commemorated on May 9, 2025), this release is supported by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP). She is among the three heroes honored this year by the NHCP, alongside Emilio Jacinto and Gregorio del Pilar.
The film stars Lovi Poe as Gregoria de Jesús, supported by Rocco Nacino as Andres Bonifacio, with the special participation of Spanky Manikan(†) and Paulo Avelino as Julio Nakpil, and Ms. Gina Pareño.
For the production team, if the curriculum has not given Oriang the prominence she deserves, perhaps this film can spark the shift: in schools, in homes, and in the minds of future generations.
Lakambini :Gregoria de Jesus premieres on November 5, 2025, in cinemas nationwide.
For block screenings, you may contact Pelikulove at pelikulove@gmail.com.
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