Historian Xiao Chua expressed his admiration for singer JK Labajo for portraying the role of Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. in the upcoming film ‘Ako si Ninoy’.
The said film sheds light on the life of the former senator during Ferdinand Marcos Sr.’s martial law. It is written and helmed by “Katips” director Vince Tañada.
In Chua’s Facebook post on January 22, he said that Labajo’s participation in the film would mean a lot because the singer’s influence could help spread Ninoy Aquino’s story. The historian shared, “Noong nakita ko si JK Labajo sa harapan ko na magtransform bilang si Ninoy, nangilabot ako…this is something big! Aydol ng kabataan bilang isang mang-aawit…malaking bagay ito kasi hindi naman niya ikakayaman ito pero gagamitin niya ang hatak niya sa kabataan upang tumulong na maikuwento ang mga bagay na pinalalabo ng mga pambabaluktot.”
Chua, who is a part of the film project, said that he holds Labajo in high regard now. He declared, “Mas hinahangaan ko siya ngayon, dahil ang ginawa niya ay tunay na pag-aalay ng sarili bilang isang artista…Mabuhay si Ninoy!…Mabuhay si JK!…Karangalan ko na kahit ilang minuto lamang ay makatrabaho kita.”
The official trailer for Ako si Ninoy was released on Philstagers Films’ YouTube channel on Sunday, January 22.
The film is an adaptation of Tañada’s musical play of the same title.