Atty Ferdinand Topacio on why Borracho Films is bankrolling 'Gringo: The Greg Honasan Story'

(From left): Atty. Ferdinand Topacio and Sen. Gringo Honasan 

In 1987, when he was still studying in Ateneo University, Atty. Ferdinand Topacio wrote about Gringo Honasan that became an "unpopular" article among his peers.

"Madami kasi sa kanila ay pro-Cory Aquino that time but pinandigan ko si Sen. Honasan," he said to that effect at a recent conference. "I only make movies I believe in and I believe his story needs to be told."

Recall that Honasan was a key figure in the EDSA Revolution that catapulted Aquino to the presidency in 1986. A year later, he led the coup d'etat attempt against Aquino, and several others that came after it.

While there have been movies in the past that touched on Honasan's part in history, only Topacio's Borracho Films titled "Gringo: The Greg Honasan Story" comes straight from the horse's mouth.

"I believe in the advocacy of this person," the famed lawyer said. "We need someone sa senado na di namumulitika, dispassionate, without heat, unbiased, so technical and cerebral (with his ways)."

Honasan, who attended the conference, said he wanted "na ikwento ang kasaysayan ng sambayanang Pilipino" that's why he greenlighted the biopic.

"Ang kasaysayan natin, walang tulak-kabigin," he said. "We are developing country, just 120 years old. Habang malinaw pa ang lahat sa pagsiisip ko ay kailangan ko itong makwento kung saan (tayo) nanggaling, saan tayo ngayon aat saan natin balak pumunta."

Borracho Films Fab 7 talents. They are Nica Balmes, Aviegale Castillo, Zelene Dizon, Elle Fernandez, Sean Raval, Jesy Vidal and Stella Blanca  

The senator added it is important to "arm" the youth with the right information about history "para ihanda sila sa mabigat na responsibilidad na babalikatin nila pag sila na ang mamumuno sa ating pinagpalang bansa."

It's adjective used not without basis. Honasan pointed out that our location holds so many potential for the country. 

"Etong bansa natin, hindi ko ilalaban ito at itataya ang buhay ko, ng aking pamilya, ang aking caree at aking buong pagkatao kung etong Pilipinas ay hindi special."

Honasan elaborated: "Tingan niyo lang ang mapa: tayo ang may hawak ng traffic light ng mundo. Lahat ng eroplano at barko, dumadaan sa teritoryo natin. Ang asset natin, mas kailangan nila tayo kesa mas kailangan natin sila, gaano man sila kalaki...."

Honasan thinks the Philippines could become "the digital hub, the economic, social and spiritual hub" of the world if we play our cards well.

"Ang mga nahihirapan sa ibang parte ng mundo, sa atin dapat pumunta---kung mababawasan lang natin ng konti ang pamumulitika."

The public servant cleared his biopic will not make a "superhero" out of him.

"It will be from the perspective of an ordinary person. Isang tao na tinatablan ng bala, umiiyak, tumatawa, na-i-inlove, nagkakamali ng paulit-ulit," Honasan said.

At the time of writing, casting for the movie has yet begun.

The press conference also saw the presentation of Borracho Films Fab 7 talents. They are Nica Balmes, Aviegale Castillo, Zelene Dizon, Elle Fernandez, Sean Raval, Jesy Vidal and Stella Blanca.