Cover Karylle as Aurora Quezon and Jericho Rosales as Manuel Quezon in Jerrold Tarog’s ‘Quezon’ (2025) (Photo: Pong Ignacio & Trixie Vertera)
Karylle as Aurora Quezon and Jericho Rosales as Manuel Quezon in Jerrold Tarog’s ‘Quezon’ (2025) (Photo: Pong Ignacio & Trixie Vertera)
1 / 1
Filipina actor and singer Karylle shares the uncanny personal ties that linked her to the role of Aurora Quezon and discusses the film’s vital message about leadership for a new generation
As historical biopics illuminate the past, Jerrold Tarog’s film, Quezon, stands as a powerful continuation of the Bayaniverse trilogy. While much attention centres on Jericho Rosales’s portrayal of former President Manuel Quezon, Karylle embodies a figure equally compelling: Aurora Quezon, the former First Lady and a celebrated humanitarian.
At the Bayaniverse anniversary shoot last September, Karylle reflected on accepting this significant role, noting how the timing felt like a cosmic confirmation of her own artistic direction. She shares that she was already embracing the title of “cultural singer” because she was doing a significant number of projects in that arena in theatre. This deep dive into Filipino performance and attire—working with designers like Jor-el Espina—made her question why she hadn't yet been cast in a period piece or film. As it turned out, “Everything kind of just like connected,” she explains, detailing how her wish manifested the opportunity.
Her connection to Aurora Quezon runs deep, extending far past the actor’s artistic aspirations. It is a series of coincidences—or perhaps destiny—rooted in their shared passion for charitable works. Karylle discovered that many of her longstanding volunteer efforts tie directly to the former First Lady’s philanthropic foundations.
Karylle reveals that Aurora and she “have crossed paths many times in the sense that... whatever she started, I have, at one point, served or volunteered there.”
She describes her personal pride in wearing her Red Cross pin, an organisation Aurora Quezon also served in. After her husband’s demise, Aurora volunteered with the American Red Cross prior to setting up the Philippine chapter, a truly amazing contribution. Furthermore, the White Cross Orphanage, where Karylle has been volunteering since she was 18, began as the Quezon Preventorium, with its storied beginnings tracing back to the First Couple.
Karylle recalls discovering a photograph of Aurora in a rarely accessed area of White Cross. “I just shot my podcast in the spot where she is,” she recounts. The connections kept appearing, including the Quezon Institute (QI) in Quezon City, which once housed Child Haus, another organisation Karylle supports. For the actor, the convergence of their worlds explains her obsession with these institutions. “No wonder I’m so obsessed,” she remarks.
More from Tatler: Jericho Rosales on taking the role of Manuel Quezon
Above Aurora Quezon in Malacañang Palace (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)
Aurora Quezon in Malacañang Palace (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)
1 / 1
To capture the profound intimacy between a statesman and his life partner, Karylle went beyond studying historical texts. Since her scenes didn’t demand many lines, she devised an old-fashioned method to strengthen her bond with her co-star, Jericho Rosales.
“I was just proudest connecting with Jericho through letters,” she shares. She would write Rosales notes as Aurora, reminding him that Quezon was not just a politician, but a family man. This practice was not historically accurate, yet it was deeply appreciated by Rosales. Karylle also dedicated herself to studying Aurora’s personal effects, including practising her signature. As a pen enthusiast, Karylle felt a sense of accomplishment in trying to copy the distinct script found in Aurora’s journal entries.
The film hints at the depth of the Quezons’ dynamics through a single, powerful line Aurora delivers to her husband in the trailer: “I love you. But you are a chameleon. Don’t deny it.” Karylle explains the weight of this term, “It must mean that they are equal. They’re equals, right? That their relationship is that strong, that intimate and that honest.” It dispels the image of the First Lady as merely a figurehead, hinting at a relationship where the President genuinely sought his wife’s counsel on pressing matters, particularly during wartime.
See also: Iain Glen dives into Philippine history for his role in upcoming biopic ‘Quezon’
Above The cast of Jerrold Tarog’s ‘Quezon’ (2025) (Photo: Harold Soon)
The cast of Jerrold Tarog’s ‘Quezon’ (2025) (Photo: Harold Soon)
1 / 1
Karylle views Quezon as a film perfectly timed for a modern audience increasingly engaged in civics. “I am very, very happy about that,” she says of the younger generation’s interest in politics and good governance. This new wave of thought is a gift—a moment when “eyes are opening, and people can’t stop looking.” She even cites her husband, Yael Yuzon, whose favourite Spanish line is, “Abre los ojos.”
Echoing her co-star Rosales, Karylle stresses the film’s purpose: to inspire reflection. It reminds viewers that while politicians achieve great things, they are fundamentally human. “We need to stop putting them up on a pedestal. Let’s not make gods of them,” she asserts. The core message is simple: “history is history... Let’s learn it, guys.”
Above Official trailer of ‘Quezon’ (2025)
Quezon is now showing in cinemas nationwide.
NOW READ
‘Little Shop of Horrors’ stuns audiences with an electrifying production
Angela Nicole Regis Guiral is the assistant digital editor of Tatler Philippines. She studied journalism and has since written features that look closely at how culture, lifestyle and social impact converge, while occasionally wandering into the worlds of style and travel.
