- Robin Padilla shared to the media that he first talked to his nephew Daniel Padilla to play the role of young Gen. Bato dela Rosa on his film bio
- They also considered Coco Martin as the adult lead character while his son-in-law Aljur Abrenica will play as the young character
According to Robin Padilla, the production team was looking for a younger actor to portray the role of Gen. Ronald ‘Bato’ dela Rosa in his bio flick. At first, they wanted Daniel Padilla to portray the role of young Bato.
They also wanted Coco Matin to portray the role of Bato, and were toying with the idea of having Aljur Abrenica.
“Si Aljur po ang kinukuha namin dito, hindi lang nagkaintindihan dahil pinagbibintangang propaganda yung pelikula, mahirap!
“Hindi kami natuloy, ilang beses na kaming nag-usap ni Aljur.”
Padilla has been part of planning the filmbio and it was supposed to be originally produced by Star Cinema. Later on, he decided to produce it himself. Then decided not to pursue the project due to some conflict with Gen. dela Rosa, which, eventually, has been fixed.
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Padilla is quite grateful to ALV Films and Regal Films for embracing the project.
“Nagpapasalamat ako sa ALV kasi ibinigay po sa amin ang lahat na teknikal na gamit. Kung ano po ang ginagamit sa Hollywood, ’yun po ang ginamit namin. Wala naman po akong masasabi, the best team ang ibinigay sa akin.”
Despite the disparity with their physical structures, Padilla wanted to portray the role in a manner where he will have the freedom to interpret the character on his own.
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“Sabi ko, ‘Direk, hindi po ako impersonator ni Bato. Artista po ako. Ayoko ng gagayahin natin ’yung mga ganito, ganito, hindi ko po kaya ’yun. Kailangang bigyan mo rin ako ng 50% na sarili kong interpretation at kung sino si Bato sa tingin ko. Kasi, kung gagayahin natin si Bato talaga, eh, kumuha tayo ng talagang kamukha ni Bato.”
The film will showcase the roots of the former PNP chief: From his childhood, family background and work experiences; forming the back bone of his story, including career challenges, as well as every significant event in his life.
Bato: The General Ronald dela Rosa Story will be showing in cinemas on January 30 and also stars Beauty Gonzales, Alvin Anson, Archie Alemania, Chanel Morales, Efren Reyes, Gardo Versoza, Gina Alajar, Jess Mendoza, Joko Diaz, Jun Hidalgo, Kiko Estrada, Kiko Matos, Polo Ravales, Mon Confiado, Ricky Davao and many more.
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The movie is directed by Adolf Alix Jr.
