Herstory Reclaimed
After 12 years in the making, “Lakambini: Gregoria de Jesus” finally arrives in cinemas, bringing to life the untold story of the Katipunan’s muse, revolutionary, and widow of Andres Bonifacio. The film is a meta-docu-fiction that blends dramatized scenes, historical interviews, and archival anecdotes to paint a vivid portrait of Ka Oriang. Lakambini highlights the significant role of Gregoria de Jesus in the revolution and how she endured political betrayal.
The film had a special screening last May 30, 2025, at UP Manila in line with her 150th birth anniversary. It also had a violet carpet premiere last October 23, 2025, at the Cine Adarna, UP Diliman. The color violet, symbolizing dignity, and justice, honored Oriang’s legacy.
Three Faces of a Heroine
To capture the many phases of Gregoria de Jesus’s life, the film cast Lovi Poe, Elora Españo, and Gina Pareño. Each actress brought a distinct emotional depth to Oriang’s journey. Lovi Poe portrays the youthful Oriang, capturing her fiery spirit and romantic idealism. Meanwhile, Elora Españo steps in during Oriang’s midlife, reflecting her resilience and grief after Bonifacio’s death. Veteran actress, Gina Pareño, portrays her as a woman of wisdom with enduring strength.
Andres Bonifacio: A Revolutionary Reimagined
Rocco Nacino’s portrayal of Andres Bonifacio reveals Supremo’s bravery, unwavering commitment to the nation despite struggles, and his love for Oriang.
Julio Nakpil: The Music of Revolution
In a special participation, Paulo Avelino and the late Spanky Manikan portray Julio Nakpil, Oriang’s second husband. Paulo Avelino embodies the younger Julio Nakpil, the composer whose gentle notes would one day harmonize with Gregoria’s revolutionary rhythm. As for the elder Nakpil, the late Spanky Manikan’s role in the twilight years of Nakpil showed enduring love. As a member of the Katipunan, Nakpil composed revolutionary anthems, providing the soundtrack to the struggle for freedom.
Seeds of Revolution: The Spark That Started It All
In 2013, the founder of Pelikulove and producer Ellen Ongkeko-Marfil, and screenwriter Rody Vera, envisioned a historical film with a heroine. From the initial director, Jeffrey Jeturian, Arjanmar Rebeta of the Libro for Ransom took over as director. Marfil and the creative team were driven by a desire to show that the revolution was not just fought by men, but by women like Gregoria, who risked everything for freedom.
But the journey was not without challenges. The film’s production spanned over a decade, hampered by funding issues, creative differences, and the daunting task of weaving together documentary and narrative elements.
Why Lakambini Matters
Just as Jerrold Tarog’s Heneral Luna, Goyo, and Quezon’s sparked national pride, Lakambini invites viewers to reimagine heroism through a feminist lens. It is not just a film, it is a tribute to the women who fought, loved, and led in silence. With its nationwide release on November 5 and its inclusion in QCinema International Film Festival from November 14–23 at Gateway Cineplex 18, Eastwood Cinemas, Fisher Box Office, Robinsons Movieworld Galleria, and Ayala Malls Cinemas Cloverleaf and TriNoma, Lakambini is poised to inspire a new generation of Filipinos.
To bring this film to your school, company, or community, you can reach out at: pelikulove@gmail.com or through the following mobile numbers: 0915–9731183 / 0993–9663931 / 0968–6915210. Lakambini: Gregoria de Jesus leaves us with a powerful message: history is not just his story, but hers as well.
