After more than a century of being relegated to the footnotes of history, the legendary revolutionary heroine Gregoria de Jesús, known as the Lakambini ng Katipunan, is finally front and center in her own film.
This crucial historical correction, the meta-docu-fiction Lakambini Gregoria de Jesus, is set for release on November 5, 2025.
This milestone coincides with the 150th birth anniversary of Gregoria “Ka Oriang” de Jesus, commemorated last May 9, 2025. Revered as the Lakambini of the Katipunan, she is among the three heroes honored this year by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), alongside Emilio Jacinto and Gregorio del Pilar.
The film stars Lovi Poe as Gregoria de Jesús, supported by Rocco Nacino as Andrés Bonifacio, with the special participation of Spanky Manikan (+) and Paulo Avelino as Julio Nakpil, and the venerable Ms. Gina Pareño.
Lakambini Gregoria De Jesus blends herstory, interviews, anecdotes from descendants and historians, the voices of artists, and an unfinished biographical film narrative first shot in 2015 into a bold new cinematic format.
It reclaims Oriang’s identity as a patriot, warrior, and woman leader (the literal translation of Lakambini), highlighting her indispensable role as the custodian of the Katipunan’s secrets and weapons. The narrative showcases her perseverance in confronting not only the Spanish colonizers but also betrayal and political intrigue from her own countrymen.
“Gregoria de Jesús’s life is a testament to resilience, enduring political betrayal, and immense personal struggle. Her unfinished quest for justice mirrors our own decade-long battle to bring this story to the screen. By weaving the two narratives, the film demonstrates that the struggles of the past are the inspiration for the present. Lakambini affirms that Filipino women are not just companions to heroes; they are revolutionaries themselves, limitless and unyielding,” Producer Ellen Ongkeko-Marfil said.
The film is a creative reflection of Oriang’s own resilience. Based on the Palanca Award-winning script by Rody Vera, a Palanca Hall of Fame awardee, the film is brought to life by award-winning filmmaker Jeffrey Jeturian and emerging creative director Arjanmar Rebeta.
“We wanted to answer why her voice was silenced for so long. Gregoria de Jesús, or Oriang, was a warrior whose courage didn’t fit the mold history set for women. By bringing her words—her poetry, her letters, and her ‘Ten Pieces of Advice to the Youth’, to life, we are challenging every Filipino to see that true heroism is boundless. This film is a cultural reawakening,” Director Arjanmar H. Rebeta said. 
The film’s release is supported by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) and is poised to be an essential educational and cultural event, challenging the status quo and finally giving the Mother of the Revolution her rightful place in the national story.
Lakambini Gregoria de Jesus premieres on November 5, 2025, in cinemas nationwide. For block screenings, please contact Pelikulove at [email protected].
