'Ako si Ninoy,' a film featuring JK Labajo as Benigno Aquino Jr., is coming to cinemas soon
Another film on the late Ninoy Aquino is coming to cinemas.
Philippine Stagers Foundation dropped the first trailer of Ako si Ninoy, a film by Katips director Atty. Vince Tañada on the life of Benigno Aquino Jr. amid former president Ferdinand Marcos Sr.'s martial law.
The film stars singer JK Labajo as the assassinated former senator alongside Sarah Holmes, Johnrey Rivas, Marlo Mortel, and Cassy Legazpi.
Joaquin Domagoso is also part of the movie while his father, former Manila mayor Isko Moreno, plays Aquino in another upcoming film on the Marcos opposer by Darryl Yap titled Martyr or Murderer.
"Kailangan natin ng bayani, 'yung totoo, 'yung hindi gawa-gawa, 'yung hindi pinorma para mabago ang imahe ng pamilya, 'yung bunga ng masusing research ng mga akademiko't iskolastiko, 'yung pinag-aralan ng mga historians, 'yung subok ng bawat Pilipino noon at ngayon!" Tañada wrote about the upcoming film as it was announced.
From the trailer, the story looks to highlight Aquino's political career, his family life, and assassination. The teaser also gives a glimpse at events that occurred after his death such as the inauguration of his wife Cory as the country's president. It also shows stories from activists during the martial law era.
Historian Xiao Chua appears to have also worked on Ako si Ninoy, as he wrote about his experience working with Labajo.
"Noong nakita ko si JK Labajo sa harapan ko na magtransform bilang si Ninoy, nangilabot ako. This is something big! Aydol ng kabataan bilang isang mang-aawit," the professor shared on Facebook.
"Malaking bagay ito kasi hindi naman niya ikayayaman ito pero gagamitin niya ang hatak niya sa kabataan upang tumulong na maikuwento ang mga bagay na pinalalabo ng mga pambabaluktot," Chua added.
On November 2022, it was announced that Darryl Yap was working on his own Aquino-centric film, Martyr or Murderer, which serves as a sequel to Maid in Malacañang.
