Arzen Rose Dulzura

TBA Studios responds to criticisms from Quezon’s family: ‘The film is grounded in verified historical accounts’

Article (news)

Peter Andrew Acierto

Push Team

Production company TBA Studios released an official statement after the recent critique done by one of the descendants of former Philippine president Manuel L. Quezon at a talkback session in Makati City earlier this week. On their official social media accounts, they maintained that the latest film, Quezon, is “grounded in verified historical accounts.”<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FTBAStudiosPH%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0SNw2QxnNYh2VFkanRYG1Ebv4qWxdnpY8BEB3HBxr3yUosVjrnYhb7VrUCQ9cohArl&amp;show_text=true&amp;width=500" width="500" height="291" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>Ricky Quezon-Avancena, one of the former president’s descendants, confronted director Jerrold Tarog and lead star Jericho Rosales during the talkback session and had a heated discussion about the film about his grandfather. <div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/movies-series/2025/10/24/director-jerrold-tarog-jericho-rosales-face-criticism-from-quezon-s-grandson-over-quezon-film-1513">READ: Director Jerrold Tarog, Jericho Rosales face criticism from Manuel L. Quezon’s grandson over ‘Quezon’ film</a></div>“Sinalaula niyo ang alaala ng aking lolo,” he shared.“Hindi niyo alam ang ginawa niyo. Dahil kayo, gusto niyong kumita ng pera. Gusto niyong sumikat. Sinalaula ninyo ang alaala ng isang pamilyang nagbuwis ng buhay... Mahiya kayo!” he added.While the film director and actor defended the film during the heated discussion, TBA Studios wanted to clarify for the audience to understand how the film was created. “At the recent talkback session for the film, one of President Manuel L. Quezon’s descendants expressed his views on the movie. While we respect and understand his sentiments, we wish to reiterate that the film is grounded in verified historical accounts, including President Quezon’s own autobiography and other reputable sources,” TBA Studios wrote.Despite the fictional elements found in the film, the production company maintained that all the facts and details that were shown in it are “easily verifiable” through various methods of research. “While the film includes fictional elements for thematic purposes, the facts and details presented in the film are easily verifiable through public records, online research, or library resources,” they added.A study guide and companion book–– which has about 48 pages–– was also released by TBA Studios which has a detailed list of the books and references that were used in the research process of the film.Towards the end of their statement, TBA Studios encouraged netizens to watch Quezon which is now out in cinemas nationwide. “We encourage everyone to watch the movie so they can form their own opinions and join the ongoing conversation about the film, our history, and how it continues to resonate today. We hope that #QUEZON can continue to inspire meaningful dialogue, reflection, and a deeper appreciation of our nation’s past,” the statement ended.

TBA Studios responds to one of Manuel Quezon's descendants after a heated discussion at one of its screenings earlier this week.

TBA Studios responds to one of Manuel Quezon's descendants after a heated discussion at one of its screenings earlier this week.