‘Goyo’ premieres in Cebu

The Cinema 1 of the Movieworld at Robinsons Galleria Cebu was transported back to the historic Philippine-American war in the late 1800s during the red carpet premiere of the film ‘Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral’ on Sept. 1.



Cebuanos witnessed a star-studded premiere night as the cast of Goyo graced the event, led by Paulo Avelino (Gregorio Del Pilar), Mon Confiado (Emilio Aguinaldo), Gwen Zamora, Empress Schuck, Carlo Aquino, Rafa Siguion-Reyna, Stephanie Sol, and Jason Dewey.

In an interview that transpired shortly before the showing of the film, Goyo director Jerrold Tarog is always excited to screen his films in Cebu because of the overwhelming support of the Cebuanos for his films. Tarog shared that he screened his first feature film in the province a couple of years ago.


A sequel to the film ‘Heneral Luna’ released in 2015, ‘Goyo’ is a ‘coming-of-age’ film that focuses on the young general Gregorio Del Pilar, nicknamed ‘Goyo,’ whose bravery in fighting for the Philippine republic under the leadership of then president Emilio Aguinaldo, catapulted him to the rank of a General at the young age of 24 before his eventual death at the Battle of Tirad Pass.

Far from the imagery that history books portrayed of the young general, the film delves deeper into the sensibilities and introspections of Goyo as a young boy and as an army commander who vouched to protect his fellow countrymen.

Compared to its predecessor ‘Heneral Luna’ which took on a feisty and commanding character, Tarog described ‘Goyo’ to be a more “subdued” and “reflective” film. Nevertheless, the film still attempts to invite the audience to question themselves and the heroes they hold to a high esteem.

‘Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral’ is now showing in cinemas nationwide.

(Dominic Yasay)