Piolo Pascual, Enchong Dee, topbill period film GomBurZa

FOLLOWING a comprehensive search to find the right people for the roles, Jesuit Communications (JesCom), producer of the upcoming period film “GomBurZa,” has officially unveiled its star-studded cast. 

“GomBurZa,” refers to Mariano Gomez, José Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora, three  Catholic priests who were executed by Spanish authorities.

They were killed via garrote on February 17, 1872 in Bagumbayan [now Luneta] over charges of subversion because of their alleged involvement in the Cavite mutiny of 1872. 

Top actors are set to give life to the three martyrs. 

Playing the leads are Dante Rivero as Padre Mariano Gomez, theater and movie thespian Cedrick Juan as Padre José Burgos, and matinee idol Enchong Dee as Padre Jacinto Zamora.

Kapamilya actor Piolo Pascual will play the very crucial role of Padre Pelaez, the member of clergy who would mentor Burgos. 

Completing the cast are Epi Quizon, Jaime Fabregas, Carlitos Siguion-Reyna, Khalil Ramos, Elijah Canlas, Neil Ryan Sese, Paolo O’Hara, Tommy Alejandrino, Gerry Kaimo, Anthony Falcon, Dylan Tay Talon, Jomari Angeles, and Bon Lentejas.

Helmed by award-winning director Pepe Diokno, the movie will talk about the story and heroism of the three martyr priests.

The cast speaks up 

The cast,  in a press statement, shared their feelings about landing their roles.

Rivero, who won the Urian Best Supporting Actor for “On The Job 2: The Missing 8” said, said he loves his role as Padre Gomez.  

He also shared that once he dons his priestly costume, he will be totally in character. 

“Pinag-aaralan ko na sa bahay. I want to engage the audience. I want to make it memorable for them. This is going to be epic!” he said. 

Juan, a theater actor who was also cast in “Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral,” said portraying Padre Burgos is the highlight of his decade-long acting career. 

“I said ‘yes’ right away when I got the offer; it was a no brainer!,” he said, as he promised to give his all for the role. 

Dee, meanwhile, is bent on showcasing another side of him as he plays the role of Padre Zamora. 

“Yes, he is a hero, but you can’t take away the human part of him: the temptation, the weaknesses but those are the things that will bring him closer to the audience,” he said. 

The production’s team and cast gathered for a mass on Thursday ahead of the 151st anniversary of the martyrdom of the three priests.