Anna Marie Lukban

Did you know that the "Incognito" Kontraks are named after Philippine historical figures?

Article (news)

Liezel Dela Cruz

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1744334694032Did-you-know-that-the-Incognito-Kontraks-are-named-after-Philippine-historical-figures-.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><p>Have you noticed that the names of the “Kontraks” are inspired by figures and legends from Philippine history?</p><p>Highly trained operatives with courage made of steel, the “Kontraks” are ex-soldiers tasked with protecting the nation from threats. They work in the shadows as they take on missions that test their loyalty, courage, and resilience. It’s no coincidence that their names echo the same spirit, with the characters being named after prominent figures from Philippine history. </p><p>It’s a subtle but brilliant way the series makes each character remarkable, and certainly one of the most mind-blowing details in <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/incognito"><strong><u>&quot;Incognito.&quot;</u></strong></a> So let’s decode the names behind the “Kontraks” and rediscover the real-life heroes who inspired them.</p><p>Daniel Padilla&#x27;s character name, Andres Malvar, is a tribute to the Father of the Philippine Revolution, Andres Bonifacio, who is known for his indomitable spirit and commitment to the nation&#x27;s independence. Bonifacio founded the KKK (Kataastaasang Kagalanggalangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan), a revolutionary society that opposed the Spanish empire. Despite the hardships—having been orphaned at an early age and living a life marked by challenges and tragedies, including being sidelined by elite revolutionaries and ultimately betrayed and executed by his fellow Katipuneros—Bonifacio’s leadership galvanized many to join the crusade against colonial rule. His bravery was shown in battles and in making tough decisions for the greater good. </p><div><br/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1744333119432Kontraks-names-1.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div><br/></div><p>Similarly, the character&#x27;s second name embodies the valor of Miguel Malvar, a prominent military leader during the Philippine-American War. He was a steadfast general who led with integrity and fought for sovereignty to the end. </p><p>Richard Gutierrez&#x27;s Jose Bonifacio also mirrors the courage and revolutionary spirit of Andres Bonifacio, as well as the intellect and strategic vision of Jose Rizal, the National Hero. Rizal was a man of many talents—a writer, physician, and reformist—but he is best known for using pen as his sword. His novels Noli Me Tángere (1887) and El Filibusterismo (1891), which exposed the injustices and abuses of the Spanish colonial government, ignited the flames of nationalism. His  commitment to peaceful reform and education as means for societal change distinguished him as a visionary leader.</p><div><br/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1744333132451Kontraks-names-2.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div><br/></div><p>Ian Veneracion&#x27;s Gregorio Paterno pays homage to Gregorio del Pilar and Pedro Paterno.</p><p>Known as the &#x27;Boy General,&#x27; del Pilar was one of the youngest generals in the Philippine Revolutionary Army. He rapidly ascended the military ranks due to his exceptional leadership and valor. He is best remembered for his heroic stand at the Battle of Tirad Pass on December 2, 1899, wherein, tasked with covering President Emilio Aguinaldo&#x27;s retreat during the Philippine-American War, del Pilar and a contingent of around 60 soldiers faced an overwhelming force of approximately 500 American troops. Despite being vastly outnumbered, del Pilar&#x27;s strategic defense of the pass delayed the American advance, allowing Aguinaldo to evade capture. Del Pilar fought valiantly until he was fatally shot, sacrificing his life for the cause of Philippine independence.</p><div><br/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1744333144077Kontraks-names-3.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div><br/></div><p>Paterno, on the other hand, was a prominent diplomat, politician, and writer. He played a crucial role in the peace negotiations between Spanish colonial authorities and Filipino revolutionaries. He is best known for brokering the Pact of Biak-na-Bato in 1897, which temporarily ceased hostilities between the two parties. Paterno&#x27;s efforts exemplified his belief in achieving political objectives through dialogue rather than armed conflict.</p><p>In <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/incognito"><strong><u>&quot;Incognito,&quot;</u></strong></a> Greg,  a.k.a. the Contractor, embodies the dual legacy of these historical figures. His character seamlessly integrates del Pilar&#x27;s fearless commitment to duty with Paterno&#x27;s diplomatic finesse.</p><p>Both a fighter and a healer, Baron Geisler&#x27;s character Miguel Tecson is a salute to Miguel Malvar (who also inspired the surname of Daniel&#x27;s character), and Trinidad Tecson, who joined the Katipunan Women Chapter.  She fought in 12 battles in Bulacan, including the famous Battle-of-Biak-na Bato, where she earned the title &quot;Mother of Biak-na-Bato.&quot; Also among Tecson&#x27;s many acts of bravery was her daring capture of firearms from jails and courthouses to help Filipinos lacking weapons. She was the first known Filipina to participate in the sacred blood pact (Sandugo), a ritual that symbolized friendship and alliance. </p><div><br/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1744333167389Kontraks-names-4.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div><br/></div><p>One striking parallel between Miguel&#x27;s character and Tecson is their role in tending to the wounded during battle. In the series, Miguel is portrayed as a military surgeon, who is expected to provide critical care to his fellow “Kontraks” when wounded. Remember when he tended to Max (Kaila Estrada)’s gunshot wound amidst their high-stakes encounter with a crime group in Matera? Similarly, in history, Tecson  played a crucial role as a nurse, organizing medical stations and training women to care for wounded Filipino soldiers. She is recognized as the &quot;Mother of the Philippine Red Cross.&quot;</p><p>Kaila Estrada&#x27;s Max Alvero draws inspiration from Rosa Sevilla Alvero. An educator and a writer, Alvero was the Filipina who fought for women&#x27;s right to vote. She founded Liga Nacional de Damas Filipinas, which lobbied tirelessly for the passage of women’s suffrage, leading to the landmark event on April 30, 1937, when Filipinas were granted the right to vote and hold public office. </p><p>At just 21 years old, she founded Instituto de Mujeres, one of the first schools dedicated to women’s education in the Philippines, now known as Rosa Sevilla Memorial School. It was here that women were encouraged to embrace progressive thinking and gain confidence in careers. </p><div><br/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1744333182759Kontraks-names-5.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div><br/></div><p>As a writer, she made her mark as one of the two female staff members of La Independencia, the official newspaper of the Philippine revolutionary government. </p><div><br/></div><p>Meanwhile, the character&#x27;s first name, Max, is derived from Macario Sakay, who is known for his resistance against American colonial rule. After the Philippine Revolution against Spain, the country’s struggle for independence continued under American rule, which sparked the Philippine–American War (1899-1902). While the war officially ended in 1902, resistance continued in various parts of the country, particularly in the Tagalog provinces. And Sakay emerged as one of the prominent leaders in that era. He formed the Republika ng Katagalugan, a group of guerrilla fighters who fought against American soldiers and authorities. Unlike other revolutionaries, Sakay never officially surrendered to the Americans.</p><p>Alvero and Sakay&#x27;s unwavering commitment to their cause mirrors the character of Max, who shares the same fierce sense of independence. </p><p>Gab Rivera, played by Maris Racal, is named after Gabriela Silang and Leonor Rivera. Their stories resonate through Gab&#x27;s bravery and grace.</p><p>Silang is one of the most celebrated heroines in Philippine history. She is most renowned for her role in leading a revolutionary movement against Spanish colonial rule in the late 18th century. After the assassination of her husband, Diego Silang, a revolutionary leader who fought against Spanish forces in the Ilocos region, she fought to bring him justice, and took up his cause and led the patriot forces in his place. She continued his mission to free the Ilocos region from Spanish oppression, and led her army in fierce battles, displaying tactical intelligence and remarkable courage.</p><div><br/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1744333202112Kontraks-names-6.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div><br/></div><p>On the other hand, Rivera represents a different, but equally powerful, aspect of Filipina strength—endurance and love for country. She was Jose Rizal&#x27;s muse who is said to inspire the Maria Clara character in Rizal&#x27;s &quot;Noli Me Tangere.&quot; Her love fueled his fight. Her name and story live on through her letters to Rizal, her dedication to education, and her steadfast belief in a better future for the Philippines.</p><p>Tomas Guerrero, portrayed by Anthony Jennings, takes his name from Tomas Claudio and Fernando Guerrero.</p><p>Claudio, a WWI hero, was the first Filipino soldier to die in First World War. Much like the ‘Kontrak’ who borrowed his name, Claudio worked a series of odd jobs to support himself, including laboring on a sugar plantation and canning salmons, both overseas. His perseverance led him to fulfill his lifelong dream of becoming a soldier, eventually joining the US Army, and the  American Expeditionary Forces sent to Europe. He fought for the Allies, making the ultimate sacrifice as the only Filipino casualty of World War I.</p><div><br/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1744333225591Kontraks-names-7.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div><br/></div><p>On the other hand, Guerrero is remembered as a prominent Filipino-Spanish poet, journalist, lawyer, and politician who made significant contributions to literature and public service. From an early age, Guerrero showed remarkable talent in languages and literature. His love for writing and his deep sense of patriotism led him to become one of the key contributors to La Independencia, the newspaper edited by General Antonio Luna during the Philippine Revolution. Guerrero’s poetic works are celebrated not only for their lyrical beauty but also for their profound messages that resonated with the nationalistic spirit of the Filipino people. </p><p>Just like the heroes who came before them, the “Kontraks” are driven by something far greater than themselves—a deep-rooted sense of duty to protect and serve. Catch <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/incognito"><strong><u>&quot;Incognito,&quot;</u></strong></a> weeknights, on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live (KOL), TV5, and A2Z.</p><div><em><span>*Photos credit to Star Creatives Instagram page</span></em></div>

<p>Let’s decode the names behind the “Kontraks” and rediscover the real-life heroes who inspired them.</p>

Let’s decode the names behind the “Kontraks” and rediscover the real-life heroes who inspired them.