Portraying former Philippine president Manuel L. Quezon in Quezon inspired Kapamilya actor Jericho Rosales to reflect on what it means to be Filipino and use his voice to encourage others to celebrate their identity, language, and culture.
Recalling his speech as he received the Best Actor award at the Manila International Film Festival in New York, Jericho told PUSH ABS-CBN what drove him to center his speech on urging fellow Filipinos to keep our culture alive and thriving.
“I was trying to think of what to say if ever I win an award because I've always planted it in my heart also to avoid getting my heart broken. Because for me, parang awards nights are just a celebration of all the work of everybody and not about yourself. I go there na without any expectations,” Jericho recalled.
He went on: “I went to the toilet and I was like ‘If I get the award, what does it mean to me?’ And I wanted something deeper. I asked myself, ‘Why am I here? Why am I here in this industry? Why do I have the voice? Why am I in the position to be saying things?’ And so I said that the closest thing to my heart is I miss being a happy Filipino — a really empowered, inspired, stoked, and on fire Filipino.”
With Filipino talents gathered that night to celebrate their work and contributions to the arts, Jericho felt that the occasion was also an opportunity to remind Filipinos of the importance of holding on to their identity.
“I thought about the challenges that we're facing as Filipinos all over the world. Number one, a lot of people, nahihirapan na mag-Tagalog. So, huwag natin kalimutan iyon. Number two, and I said, sa culture natin, I want to be proud, because that night I just felt so proud to be Filipino. And I said, this is the feeling that I want to carry because we were celebrating Filipino talents,” he said.
For Jericho, that pride should not only be felt during special occasions. He hopes Filipinos can bring it with them wherever they go and continue passing it on to the next generation.
“I wanted to carry that pride everywhere, not just doon sa gabi na lang na iyon. And I said, let's celebrate our culture, keep the culture alive, keep the language, speak the language. Laging lang magsalita ng Tagalog sa bahay, or Filipino sa bahay, (pati) Bisaya or Ilocano or Bicolano,” he expressed.
Jericho received the Best Actor award for his performance in Jerrold Tarog's Quezon. The actor played the role of the former Philippine president Manuel L. Quezon, who also is known as the Philippines’ “Ama ng Wikang Pambansa.”
During his speech, Jericho emphasized the importance of keeping Filipino traditions and identity, specifically our very own language.
“It’s a language that makes us safe. Kailangan nating buhayin. Kailangan nating tulungan ang ating mga anak at ang ating mga pamangkin kung ano ang kulang pa ng Pilipino, ano ang wikang Pilipino at kung anong pinaglalaban ng mga Pilipino,” he said.
READ: Jericho Rosales urges Filipinos to keep culture alive
The actor also reminded Filipinos of the talent and capabilities they possess, saying: “Tayo ay may liyab sa talento. Tayo ay mahusay sa lahat ng bagay, hindi lang sa pag-aalaga, sa pagbibigay ng pagmamahal. At tayo ay hindi tanga.”