For over a century, she has been relegated to a mere footnote in our history, but now, the revolutionary heroine Gregoria de Jesús, famously known as the Lakambini ng Katipunan, is finally stepping into her own spotlight with a dedicated feature film.
This momentous step in history, the meta-docu-fiction titled Lakambini Gregoria de Jesus, is set for release on November 5, 2025.
Celebrating the Mother of the Revolution
The timing couldn’t be more perfect. This film arrives right as we celebrate the 150th birthday of Gregoria “Ka Oriang” de Jesús, which was commemorated just recently on May 9, 2025. As the recognized Lakambini ng Katipunan (Muse of the Katipunan), she is one of the three heroes honored this year by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), alongside Emilio Jacinto and Gregorio del Pilar. It’s high time her story got the blockbuster treatment!
The Powerhouse Cast and Unique Format
The film stars the incredible Lovi Poe as Gregoria de Jesús, with Rocco Nacino as Andrés Bonifacio. We also have special appearances by the late, great Spanky Manikan (+) and Paulo Avelino as Julio Nakpil, as well as the revered Gina Pareño. Talk about an all-star lineup!
What makes this film truly groundbreaking is its format. Lakambini Gregoria de Jesus weaves together women’s history (herstory), interviews, and anecdotes from relatives and historians, as well as the voices of artists. All of this is masterfully interwoven with an unfinished biographical film that was first started in 2015, resulting in a modern, innovative cinematic form.
A Patriot, A Warrior, A Leader
This movie reclaims Oriang’s identity as a patriot, a warrior, and a female leader (the literal meaning of Lakambini). It underscores her crucial role as the keeper of the Katipunan’s secrets and weapons. Furthermore, it highlights her incredible resilience in facing not only the Spanish colonizers but also the betrayal and political intrigues from her own countrymen.
Producer Ellen Ongkeko-Marfil perfectly encapsulates the struggle that birthed this film:
“Ang buhay ni Gregoria de Jesús ay isang patunay ng katatagan, pagtitiis sa harap ng pagtataksil sa politika, at matinding personal na pakikibaka. Ang kanyang hindi natapos na paghahanap ng katarungan ay salamin ng aming mahigit isang dekadang pagsisikap na maihatid ang kuwentong ito sa pelikula. Sa pamamagitan ng pag-uugnay ng dalawang naratibo, ipinapakita ng pelikula na ang mga pakikibaka noon ay nagsisilbing inspirasyon sa kasalukuyan. Pinatutunayan ng Lakambini na ang mga babaeng Pilipino ay hindi lamang mga kasama ng mga bayani; sila mismo ay mga rebolusyonaryo—walang hanggan at matatag.”
The film itself is a creative reflection on Oriang’s strength. It’s based on the Palanca Award-winning script by Rody Vera, a Palanca Hall of Fame awardee, and brought to life by the esteemed director Jeffrey Jeturian and the young creative director Arjanmar Rebeta.
Director Arjanmar H. Rebeta adds a compelling challenge to the audience:
“Gusto naming sagutin kung bakit matagal na pinatahimik ang kanyang tinig. Si Gregoria de Jesús, o Oriang, ay isang mandirigmang ang tapang ay hindi akma sa hulmang itinakda ng kasaysayan para sa mga kababaihan. Sa pamamagitan ng kanyang mga salita—ang kanyang mga tula, mga liham, at ang ‘Sampung Aral para sa Kabataan’—binibigyang-buhay namin ang kanyang diwa at hinahamon ang bawat Pilipino na makita na ang tunay na kabayanihan ay walang hangganan. Ang pelikulang ito ay isang kultural na muling pagkamulat.”
The release of this film is proudly supported by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) and is truly a significant literary and cultural event. It challenges conventional perspectives and finally grants the Mother of the Revolution her rightful place in national history.
Lakambini Gregoria de Jesus will be shown in cinemas nationwide starting November 5, 2025. For block screenings, you can contact Pelikulove at pelikulove@gmail.com. Don’t miss this chance to witness a pivotal piece of Philippine “herstory”!
The Chikkaness 