Even before it won several plums--2nd Best Picture, Best Actor in Paul Cedrick Juan as Father Jose Burgos, Best Director for Pepe Diokno, Gatpuno Antonio Villegas Award, Best Sound, Best Production Design and Best Cinematography--at the recent 49th Metro Manila Film Festival awards night held at the New Frontier Theater in Cubao, "GomBurZa"--the martyrdom of the three Filipino Catholic priests Fathers Mariano Gomez, Jacinto Zamora and Burgos--was already the favorite entry in the fest of most celebrities.
Noted scriptwriter and literary giant Jose Dalisay raved for the film, excerpts from his thoughts: "'Gomburza' had injustice aplenty, and all the praises that have been heaped on it are well-deserved. It truly is a film that should be seen by all Filipinos, to give them a better sense of how the 1896 Revolution started and, just as importantly, how the idea of being 'Filipino' took shape...
"The film's success rests largely on the shoulders of newcomer Cedrick Juan... who gives a magnificently compelling performance, supported by an able cast and the confident direction of young Pepe Diokno (who, I'm proud to claim, was a former student, as was Pat Evangelista--not that I had much to do with how well they turned out). There are a few technical infelicities but small ones that don’t really change anything..."
Popular TV newscaster Angelique Lazo penned her reactions: "I knew what the ending would be but I still cried anyway. This movie 'Gomburza' will not just move you to tears. It will stir something deep inside your heart and your very soul and will make you grateful for the sacrifices of our forebears. Hats off to JesComFilms, MQuest Productions, their partners, all the talents in front and behind the scenes, for bringing life to this important segment in our country’s history. Our people must never forget the martyrdom of 3 Filipino Roman Catholic priests..."
Angelique's husband, Ramon Mayuga, brother of the late feminist writer Sylvia Mayuga exclaimed: "I was also moved to tears by the film. "
Entertainment writer Nitz Miralles wrote in her Facebook wall: "Ang ganda ng posters ng 'Gomburza' at sa posters pa lang may sinasabi na. Ang dami naming learnings sa movie... Mahusay sina Dante Rivero, Enchong Dee at lalo na si Cedrick Juan malakas ang laban niya sa best actor sa (Its poster is already a winner. I learned a lot from the movie. The actors are good, especially Cedrick who has a big chance of winning best actor at the) awards night tomorrow, December 27," said Nitz prophetically.
"Ang daming cast ‘di na namin maisa-isa. Like namin ang movie na 17 days ginawa ni Pepe Diokno (We cannot enumerate one by one the manh cast members but I like the film which was shot in seventeen days by Diokno) with the help of his team.
"Present sa premiere night ang dad ni Pepe na si Chel Diokno na very proud sa anak niya...(Pepe's dad is proud of him)."
Respected stage, movie and TV actress Madeliene Nicolas thanked the bookers of the film that finally it can be shown in Quezon Province, her hometown being Calauag.
#GomBurZa #Film #MMFF #MetroManilaFilmFestival #PepeDiokno #CedrickJuan #OpinYon #WeTakeAStand