‘Ako si Ninoy’ director tells story behind the musical film

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 13) — The director of “Ako si Ninoy,” a musical film about the life and tragic death of late Senator Benigno Aquino Sr., on Monday shared the story on how the movie was created.

Speaking to CNN Philippines’ New Day, Atty. Vince Tañada said his latest creation was initially a musical commissioned by the late President Cory Aquino in 2009 prior to her death. They were able to have 500 shows all over the Philippines for the musical.

“It was only last year when I decided to adapt it into a musical film because I can see the proliferation of disinformation in the country and I really need to do something,” said Tañada, who was also the man behind the award-winning film "Katips: The Movie."

In making the musical film version, he said they were guided by historians and Rebecca Quijano, the so-called “crying lady” and star witness in the killing of Aquino in August 1983. History lessons helped the cast in their characterization to properly portray their roles, he added.

Among the actors considered to play the role of Ninoy Aquino were Piolo Pascual and Jericho Rosales. Tañada said he chose singer JK Labajo due to the latter’s Rockstar quality.

“I feel like the music aspect of this film would really help a lot with the message that the film wants to bring to the audience,” Labajo said.

While the job involved a lot of preparations and pressure, both Labajo and Sarah Holmes, who plays Cory Aquino, said that it was an honor for them to be part of the film.

“Ako si Ninoy” will be released on Feb. 22.