‘”The viewers will not be able to see and appreciate my grandfather.” These were the exact words of Gabriel Malvar as part of his official statement to convey his strong opposition to Manny Pacquiao playing the hero in the General Miguel Malvar film.
According to Gabriel who is General Malvar’s great grandson, his entire clan was not informed about the biopic as well the choice of actor to play the General.
He said: “Apparently, a relative had unilaterally decided that he would enter into an agreement with outside parties to produce the Malvar film without the express consent of the entire clan. This caught us by surprise.”
Gabriel described his great grandfather as a trader, the hardworking, honest, and living embodiment of the virtues and values they aspire to be. Gabriel is pertaining to values they have grew up with such as generosity, integrity, dedication, concern for the welfare of others, and hard work.
Despite his strong opposition towards Pacquiao playing the role of his great grandfather, he praised Manny’s remarkable life story. Garbiel is admittedly afraid that if Manny will portray Miguel’s role, viewers will not appreciate the former’s story, as the senator’s personality will dominate.
At the end of Gabriel’s official statement, he reiterated that doing this film does not have his approval. More so, if the film will not be executed well may taint the legacy of the legendary general Miguel Malvar.
On the contrary, JMV Film production released an official statement in regards to producing the film and choosing Sen. Manny as the lead actor. They believe that Pacquiao and the other cast members that includes veteran actors and actresses and even singer Imelda Pipin will ensure the movie’s success.
JMV also stated that whoever tries to continue criticizing the upcoming film in the form of multi-media may face possible cybercrime charges .
Moreover, Gabriel Malvar firmly believes as the great grandson of the legendary general, he is entitled to protect and ensure his ancestor’s reputation isnot tainted. He reiterated:
“As a direct descendant, I am a steward of this illustrious legacy. It is my duty to protect it and ensure that his reputation and what he stood for are not tainted. It would be disrespectful and a [disservice] to my great-grandfather if even in the movie about his life, he is not the center of the attention and is merely an afterthought with all the distractions.”
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He also added Miguel deserves nothing less for all the hardships and sacrifices he has done for the country.
“If I cannot add to it, then at the very least, I should make sure that it is not diminished, Miguel Malvar deserves nothing less.”
