HENERAL LUNA

Set during the Philippine-American war, a short-tempered Filipino general faces an enemy more formidable than the American army: his own
treacherous countrymen.

In 1898, General Antonio Luna ( John Arcilla ), commander of the revolutionary army, is spoiling for a fight. The Philippines, after three hundred
years as a Spanish colony, has unwillingly come under American rule. General Luna wants to fight for freedom but members of the elite would
rather strike a deal with the United States. The infighting is fierce in the new cabinet but General Luna and his loyal men forge ahead even as his
military decisions are met with resistance from soldiers who are loyal only to President Aguinaldo ( Mon Confiado ). Ultimately, it is the generals
legendary temper and pride that bring him to his death when a pack of presidential guards assassinate him in broad daylight. While American
newspapers are quick to point the blame to Aguinaldo, the mystery has never been completely solved and the Generals killers were never put to
justice.

I do not believe that a biography of a man should be all praises. It should be both praise and
criticism because it is not bad to show the human side of a person. You make him human by
painting his defects.

Teodoro Agoncillo (1912 to 1985), Filipino historian

Despite being a leading propagandist during the twilight years of Spanish regime and a
revolutionary leader at the onset of the Filipino-American War, Antonio Luna remains one of the
most unappreciated of all Philippine heroes. The movie Heneral Luna, directed by Jerrold
Tarog and developed by Artikulo Uno Productions, seeks to change that.

The movie, which will be shown in cinemas nationwide beginning this September 9, puts the
spotlight on Lunas heroic works and his unflattering personality (which eventually led to his
assassination).

A hero with an unflattering personality? Isnt that an oxymoron? The only reason it seems so is
because countless historians in the past seems to have made it a point to portray heroes as
flawless individuals effectively making their work more like hagiographies instead of a fact-
based account.

The movie shows Lunas most valued character trait: his passion and uncompromising
commitment to the cause of Philippine independence as well as his brilliance in military tactics.
No less than Emilio Aguinaldo, the countrys first president, described him as the best war
general under him (siya ang pinakamahusay kong heneral).

However, the movie also discusses the aspects of his personality that made people see him as
a repulsive human being. He is not a smooth-talker, and is too hot-headed. In other words, he is
a my way or the highway type of person. That of course did not sit well for a lot of officials in
Aguinaldos administration, causing Luna to have so many enemies.

Heneral Luna is neither led by showbiz A-listers that other historical biopics in recent years had
(like Cesar Montano in Jose Rizal, Jericho Rosales in Baler, and Alfred Vargas in Supremo)
nor backed-up by splashy promotional campaigns. Instead, it is relying on social media to
heighten public interest. The producers have also organized special screenings in various
schools to target history educators and students.

Filipino netizens always rant about not seeing enough quality content on the media (television
and cinemas, particularly) in general. Now is a chance for us to show our support to a movie
that not only shows the life of one of the most courageous Filipinos who ever lived but also
discusses a critical part of our nations history.

President Emilio Aguinaldo (Mon Confiado) together with his Prime Minister Apolinario Mabini
(Epi Quizon) and the whole presidential cabinet are debating the issue of the American
presence in the Philippines. Felipe Buencamino (Nonie Buencamino) and Pedro Paterno (Leo
Martinez) support a trade with Americans while General Antonio Luna (John Arcilla) and
General Jos Alejandrino (Alvin Anson) wants to wage war to gain independence for the
Philippines. Luna asks the cabinet to authorize a pre-emptive strike while the Americans have
yet to land their ground troops. Aguinaldo however assured his cabinet that the Americans had
promised to help win freedom from their Spanish overlords. Unfortunately, the Americans have
invaded key cities in Manila, indicating a possible war against the Filipinos.

Luna and his trusted comrades General Jos Alejandrino, Colonel Francisco Paco Romn
(Joem Bascon), Captain Eduardo Rusca (Archie Alemania), Captain Jos Bernal (Alex Medina)
and Major Manuel Bernal (Art Acua) embark on an arduous campaign against the invading
American forces. During an intense battle against American troops led by General Arthur
MacArthur Jr. (Miguel Faustmann) and General Elwell Otis (E.A. Rocha), Luna asks for
reinforcements from the Kawit Battalion but its commander, Captain Pedro Janolino (Ketchup
Eusebio), refuses to comply because the order did not come from President Aguinaldo himself.
Luna angrily rides to Janolino's camp, humiliates him in front his men, and dismisses the
battalion for insubordination. Luna then assembles an army of 4,000 soldiers by declaring his
infamous "Article One", stating that all who refuse to follow his orders shall be executed without
the benefit of a trial in a military court. He also recruits Lieutenant Garca (Ronnie Lazaro) after
seeing his marksmanship skills, and makes him commander of his elite unit of sharpshooters.

As the war drags on, Buencamino and Paterno indicate their support of a proposal by the
Americans for Philippine autonomy. Enraged by this, Luna orders their arrest. Lunas campaign
is undermined by General Toms Mascardo (Lorenz Martinez), who opposes Luna's order for
reinforcements, stating that he will only follow the President's direct orders. While the two
generals are about to clash in Pampanga, the Americans advance steadily as other Filipino
generals like Gregorio del Pilar (Paulo Avelino) retreat to the north. Luna visits Aguinaldo and
Mabini to file his resignation, knowing that Buencamino and Paterno had been set free.
Aguinaldo refuses to accept his resignation, but agrees to let Luna establish a headquarters for
the Philippine Army in the north.

Later, Luna is summoned by a telegram to the Presidents headquarters in Cabanatuan.

Although his officers are suspicious, Luna rides to Cabanatuan, bringing only Romn and Rusca
with him. Most of the soldiers had already left headquarters under Aguinaldo's orders, with the
exception of some elements of the Kawit Battalion. Luna discovers upon arrival that Aguinaldo
had already left and only Buencamino remains in the office. As they exchange heated words, a
single shot is fired outside. Luna investigates
and encounters Captain Janolino and his men, who attack him. Luna is shot, stabbed, and
hacked repeatedly to death. Romn is also killed while a wounded Rusca surrenders to the
Kawit soldiers. Most of Luna's remaining loyal officers are arrested, while some are killed,
including the Bernal brothers.

As ordered by Aguinaldo, Luna and Romn are buried with full military honors by the Kawit
Battalion - the same men who killed them. Mabini, who is among the mourners, notices a
bloodied Bolo of one of the soldiers; however, the Kawit Battalion would be exonerated
thereafter.

While American newspapers quickly blame Aguinaldo for the death of Luna, after the war an
aged Aguinaldo denies his involvement on the assassination; he acknowledges Antonio Luna as
his most brilliant and most capable general. MacArthur and Otis acknowledge Luna as a worthy
adversary, laughing at the fact that the Filipinos killed the only real general they had.

In the mid-credits scene, General Gregorio del Pilar makes ready to cover Aguinaldo's retreat to
the north. He gathers Luna's remaining men and orders his aide to select 60 of them.

Hero of the Philippine Revolution

Gen. Antonio Luna, brilliant general under Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo during the Philippine
revolution, born October 29, 1869 in Urbiztondo, Manila to Joaquin Luna de San Pedro and
Laurena Novicio., died June 5, 1899 in Cabanatuan. Antonio Luna was the fiery-tempered but
brilliant military strategist of Gen Aguinaldo. He was the brother of the famous painter Juan
Luna. Antonio Luna studied Bachelor of Arts at the Ateneo Municipal de Manila, studied
pharmacy at the Univerity of Santo Tomas, but finished it in Barcelona, Spain. He obtained his
Doctor of Medicine at the Central University of Madrid, and studied further in France and
Belgium. He wrote in La Solidaridad under the Nom de Plume "Taga-Ilog" He also managed the
paper La Independencia.

In 1897, he was deported to Spain and imprisoned in Carcel Modelo de Madrid. When he was
released, he studied military tactics. During the Phil-Am war, he was made a general by
Aguinaldo. Because of his bravery, he was made director of War on September 26, 1898.
General Luna became famous for bravery, unusual style of fighting, and strict discipline. ( strict
and dictator-like )

At the age of 31, he was shot dead in Cabanatuan in a treacherous attack led by a disgruntled
Filipino Sergeant.

Quotable quotes
Mas magandang mamatay sa digmaan kaysa magpasakop sa dayuhan.

2. Ano ba ang tingin niya sa Cavite? Ibang bansa?

When told that forces under Kawit Company will not be providing him with necessary
reinforcements for a battle

3. Mas mahalaga ang papel natin sa digmaan kaysa sa anumang nararamdaman natin sa isat
isa.

A certain woman told Luna, emphasizing that petty conflicts over women are distracting the
revolutionaries cause

4. Hindi natin sila matatalo sa teknolohiya. Pero matatalo natin sila sa taktika.

Antonio Luna on the Filipinos chances of defeating the Americans

5. Hindi panlalait ang pagsasabi ng totoo. Luna to Felipe Buencamino, one of his tormentors

6. Hindi ko ginusto na siya ay mamatay, pero naniniwala akong makatarungan ang nangyari.
Malupit siya, abusado, mayabang! Felipe Buencamino on Antonio Luna

Heneral Luna (2015)

Full Cast & Crew

Directed by

Jerrold Tarog Writing Credits (in alphabetical order)

Henry Francia

E.A. Rocha

Jerrold Tarog Cast (in credits order)

John Arcilla John Arcilla ...

Antonio Luna

Mon Confiado Mon Confiado ...

Emilio Aguinaldo

Arron Villaflor Arron Villaflor ...

Joven Hernando

Jeffrey Quizon Jeffrey Quizon ...

Apolinario Mabini

Paulo Avelino Paulo Avelino ...

Gregorio del Pilar

Joem Bascon Joem Bascon ...

Paco Romn

Archie Alemania Archie Alemania ...

Eduardo Rusca

Arthur Acua Arthur Acua ...

Manuel Bernal

Alex Vincent Medina Alex Vincent Medina ...

Jos Bernal

Rest of cast listed alphabetically:

Marc Abaya Marc Abaya ...

Younger Antonio Luna

Alvin Anson Alvin Anson ...

Jos Alejandrino

Noni Buencamino Noni Buencamino ...

Felipe Buencamino

Mylene Dizon Mylene Dizon ...

Isabel

Edgar Ebro Edgar Ebro ...

one of the General

Julia Enriquez Julia Enriquez ...

Nurse

Ketchup Eusebio Ketchup Eusebio ...

Pedro Janolino
Anthony Falcon Anthony Falcon ...

Sgt. Diaz

Dennis Marasigan Dennis Marasigan ...

Costales

Leo Martinez Leo Martinez ...

Pedro Paterno

Lorenz Martinez Lorenz Martinez ...

Tomas Mascardo

Allan Paule Allan Paule ...

Juan Luna

Bing Pimentel Bing Pimentel ...

Laureana Luna

Create a character page for: Create ?

Produced by

Daphne Chiu ... line producer

Ria Limjap ... associate producer

Ericson Navarro ... line producer

Fernando Ortigas ... executive producer

E.A. Rocha ... producer Music by

Jerrold Tarog Cinematography by

Pong Ignacio Film Editing by

Jerrold Tarog Production Design by

Benjamin Padero

Carlo Tabije Production Management

Glastnae Garcia ... production management team

Lexter Tarrela ... production manager Sound Department

Mikko Quizon ... supervising sound editor Visual Effects by

Jergens Correa ... vfx supervisor

Jauhn Dablo ... visual effects director

Rachelle Suficiencia ... VFX Lead Camera and Electrical Department

Dom Dycaico ... camera operator

Carlos Mauricio ... camera operator

Marvene Rom Munda ... camera operator Animation Department

Ely Gapay ... cbb animator

Erwin Ralph Malabanan ... lead cbb animator

Alberto C. Malonzo ... cbb animator

Carmina San Juan ... cbb animator

Ricky Vher Simon ... cbb animator

John Vincent Suarez ... cbb animator

Vincent Vitug ... cbb animator Casting Department

Anthony Cinco ... extras casting assistant

John Arcilla asH E N E R AL AN T O N I O L U N A

Epy Quizon as
 APOLINARIO MABINI

Mon Confiado asP R E S I D E N T E M I L I O AG U I N A L D O

Epy Quizon asAP O L I N A R I O M AB I N I

Aaron Villafor asJ O V E N H E R N AN D O

Archie Alemania asC AP T . E D U AR D O R U S C A

 Joem Bascon asC O L . P AC O R O M AN

Alvin Anson asG E N . J O S E AL E J AN D R I N O

Nonie

Nonie Buencamino asF E L I P E B U E N C AM I N O

Paulo Avelino asG E N . G R E G O R I O " G O Y O N G " D E L P I L AR

Alex Medina asC AP T . J O S E B E R N AL

 Ronnie Lazaro asL T . G AR C I A

Mylene Dizon asI S AB E L

Ketchup Eusebio asC AP T . J AN O L I N O

Bing Pimentel asD O A L AU R E AN A L U N A

Art Acua asC O L . M AN U E L B E R N AL

Leo Martinez asP E D R O P AT E R N O

Lorenz Martinez asG E N . T O M AS M AS C AR D O

Ben Alves asL T . Q U E Z O N

Nonie
Lyka Mae D. Aguinaldo

Reflection

We were used to being ruled. We had no concept of a nation, not even the idea of having the
freedom to rule our own land. There was certainly no national pride nor national consciousness
that would drive Filipinos to fight and die for their country.

This made the fierce leadership of Luna needed, forcing Filipinos to claim their freedom. Luna
had to pull people out of the learned helplessness that had enslaved them. He had to show the
people the way to be free which required sweat, blood, and sacrifice. It demanded greatness.

General Luna was not only trying to win a war, he was building a nation and teaching its people
to be free. His style of leadership was a necessity given such context and goals.

Before General Luna demanded Filipinos to fight for the country, he first showed an example
and led the way. He did not demand what he could not offer. General Luna led by example.

Antonio Luna was ready to die for his country from the onset. He knew what was at stake. He
gave up a life of comfort and complacency to fight for his country's freedom. General Luna was
a loving and loyal son to Inang Bayan and he expected that same love and dedication from
each Filipino. Why? Because he knew that's the only way for the Philippines to be free.

"Heneral Luna" is a movie to watch. Thanks to this movie, the Philippines is given the chance to
honor the sacrifice of General Antonio Luna. It also reminded us of how great the enemies that
lie within us are.

In spite of the dark cloud hovering over our country, I remain hopeful that we become more
enlightened about the situation the Philippines is in, and finally realize what it is exactly that we
need to changeourselves.