Veteran Filipino actor and director Eric Quizon continues to make his mark in Philippine cinema as he joins the cast of the new film "Jackstone 5," a movie that explores friendship, identity, and the experiences of Filipinos who have spent years working abroad.
Quizon recently visited Arizona for the community premiere of the film, led by the Asian International Film Festival Arizona (AIFFA), where members of the Filipino-American community gathered to celebrate Filipino cinema and welcome one of the industry’s most respected figures.
Directed by award-winning filmmaker Joel Lamangan, "Jackstone 5" follows the story of five longtime friends whose lives took different paths after working overseas. As they reunite and return to the places that shaped their youth, the characters reflect on their past, their choices, and the realities that come with growing older.
For Quizon, the film reflects the experiences of many Filipinos who leave home in search of better opportunities.
“It’s about five friends, many of them overseas Filipino workers, who decide to come home and revisit where they grew up,” Quizon said. “Each of them carries a different story about their lives and experiences.”
The film’s title also draws inspiration from the era of the Jackson 5, which became a shared cultural memory for the characters during their youth.
Quizon recalled that he himself saw the Jackson 5 during their famous visit to the Philippines in 1977.
“I was about 10 years old when they came to the Philippines,” he said, recalling how the group’s popularity became part of the generation’s cultural memory.
Eric Quizon (center) with John Saavedra, ABS-CBN U.S. Correspondent, and guests during the community premiere of Jackstone 5 in Arizona.
Friendship, family, and life after working abroad
At the center of "Jackstone 5" is a story about friendship and the realities many Filipinos face after years of working abroad.
According to Quizon, the characters return home with different experiences. Some become successful while others face difficult personal circumstances.
Some characters struggle with family relationships, while others confront how their sacrifices abroad affected the lives they left behind.
The film also highlights the experiences of members of the LGBTQ community, whose stories often go beyond the stereotypes people see.
“In our culture, people sometimes only see the joyful side of the LGBTQ community,” Quizon said. “But many of them go through challenges within their families, careers, and relationships.”
Despite the struggles portrayed in the film, Quizon said the message ultimately centers on the importance of relationships that endure through time.
“At the end of the day, when you grow older, the people who stay with you are your family and your friends,” he said.
Eric Quizon with members of AIFFA inside Pollack Tempe Cinemas during the Arizona screening of 'Jackstone 5.'
Balancing acting and directing
Known not only as an actor but also as a filmmaker, Quizon has spent many years working behind the camera as a director.
Because of this experience, he said he understands both sides of filmmaking.
“As an actor, I follow the director,” Quizon said. “But I also collaborate with them. Sometimes actors suggest things about their characters, and if the director agrees, it can improve the scene.”
Quizon explained that directing while acting can be particularly challenging because it requires focusing on both the performance and the overall production.
“When you are both the director and the actor, you are wearing two hats,” he said. “You have to think about your character and at the same time about the entire scene.”
For Quizon, preparation remains one of the most important qualities he expects from fellow actors.
“I want actors to come to the set prepared,” he said. “Do your homework before you arrive.”
Favorite films from his career
During the conversation, Quizon also reflected on some of the films that remain especially meaningful to him.
One of those is "Pahiram ng Isang Umaga," directed by National Artist Ishmael Bernal, which Quizon said became a significant experience early in his career when he was still a student.
Another film he highlighted was "Hihintayin Kita Sa Langit," a drama starring Richard Gomez and Dawn Zulueta, which he described as a timeless film that continues to resonate with audiences even today.
Quizon also spoke about "Pusong Mamon," a film in which he both directed and appeared alongside Albert Martinez and Lorna Tolentino.
He recalled that the film received strong praise from critics and earned him nominations for both acting and directing.
“The praises I received as an actor and as a director meant more than winning awards,” he said.
Eric Quizon poses for photos with Filipino-American fans after the premiere screening of 'Jackstone' 5 in Arizona. (Photos by Julian Gutierrez)
Connecting with Filipino audiences abroad
Quizon’s visit to Arizona for the community premiere of "Jackstone 5" highlighted the strong connection between Filipino artists and Filipino audiences living overseas.
For many Filipino-Americans who attended the event, the film resonates with their own experiences of living and working abroad while maintaining close ties to family and friends in the Philippines.
Quizon said meeting Filipino communities outside the Philippines remains one of the most meaningful parts of his career.
“It’s always special to see Filipinos overseas supporting Filipino films,” he said. “It reminds me why these films continue to matter.”
A legacy beyond titles
After decades in the entertainment industry, Quizon said the legacy he hopes to leave is simple.
Rather than focusing on awards or recognition, he hopes to be remembered for the kind of person he was both on and off screen.
“I just want people to remember me as a good actor and a good person,” he said.
For Quizon, making a meaningful impact on audiences and colleagues matters most.
“As long as you make a mark and change the lives of people,” he said, “that’s already enough.”
With a career that has spanned decades in Philippine cinema, Quizon continues to value the opportunity to connect with audiences both in the Philippines and abroad.
Through films like "Jackstone 5," he hopes viewers are reminded of the friendships, family ties, and shared experiences that remain at the heart of Filipino life.