More than a century after she was sidelined to historical footnotes, revolutionary heroine Gregoria de Jesús—the Lakambini of the Katipunan—takes the spotlight in her own feature, the meta-docu-fiction ‘Lakambini Gregoria de Jesus’, opening in cinemas nationwide on November 5, 2025.
Timed with the 150th birth anniversary of Gregoria “Ka Oriang” de Jesús (marked May 9, 2025), the film is supported by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) and positions itself as both cultural event and historical corrective. De Jesús was honored by the NHCP this year alongside Emilio Jacinto and Gregorio del Pilar.
Lovi Poe leads the cast as Oriang, with Rocco Nacino as Andrés Bonifacio, Paulo Avelino as Julio Nakpil, a special participation by the late Spanky Manikan, and the venerable Gina Pareño.
Blending herstory, interviews with descendants and historians, artists’ reflections, and footage from an unfinished 2015 biographical project, the film reframes De Jesús as patriot, warrior, and leader—the literal meaning of “Lakambini.” It highlights her role safeguarding Katipunan secrets and arms, and her resilience against Spanish colonial repression as well as betrayal and political intrigue from compatriots.
Producer Ellen Ongkeko-Marfil said: “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… Lakambini affirms that Filipino women are not just companions to heroes; they are revolutionaries themselves, limitless and unyielding.”
Based on a Palanca Award–winning script by Rody Vera (Palanca Hall of Fame), the film is brought to life by award-winning filmmaker Jeffrey Jeturian and emerging director Arjanmar H. Rebeta. Rebeta noted: “We wanted to answer why her voice was silenced for so long… 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.”
Positioned as a “meta-docu-fiction,” the work aims to bridge scholarship and popular cinema, inviting audiences to reconsider the revolution through Oriang’s eyes—and to restore her to a rightful place in the national narrative.
‘Lakambini Gregoria de Jesus’ opens November 5, 2025. For block screenings, contact Pelikulove at pelikulove@gmail.com. (with reports from Lau Balocos)
