The film begins with his capture by Philippine and US forces under Frederick Funston's command in 1901, then flashes back to 1886, when an old woman gives Aguinaldo and his childhood friend Candido Tirona cryptic prophecies. Ten years later, Aguinaldo is inducted into the Katipunan and later assumes leadership of its Cavite chapter while becoming mayor of Cavite El Viejo. When the trouble breaks out in Manila in late August 1896, Aguinaldo tries to assure the Spanish provincial government of non-interference and covertly marshals his forces despite a lack of weapons. Learning that the Spanish mostly put their forces in Manila, Aguinaldo finally mobilizes his troops and take the command of the Katipunan forces in Cavite
Acting
Jorge Estregan's surprisingly committed Aguinaldo transformation.
Production
Ambitious battle recreations on clearly limited budget.
Costume
Period details that scream 'we tried our best.'
Director
Mark Meily
Cristine Reyes
Hilaria Del Rosario
Cesar Montano
Andres Bonifacio
Christopher de Leon
Antonio Luna
Nora Aunor
Maria Aguinaldo
Ronnie Lazaro
Gen. Candido Tirona
Bayani Agbayani
Gen. Baldomero Aguinaldo
Allan Paule
Gen. Tomás Mascardo
Wendell Ramos
Gen. Mariano Noriel
John Arcilla
Mariano Trías
Mike Lloren
Vicente Riego de Dios
Ian de Leon
Artemio Ricarte
Felix Roco
Gregorio del Pilar
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
The film sparked debate in the Philippines about historical revisionism, with critics noting it was produced during an election year when star Jorge Estregan was running for office.
Nora Aunor, playing Aguinaldo's mother, is Philippine cinema royalty—her casting was meant to lend the controversial project instant credibility.
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