According to the movie’s screenwriter Janice Perez, ”Quezon’s Game” was produced to shed light and honor the heroic feat of late President Manuel L. Quezon – when he fought for the country to open its doors to Jewish refugees at a time when everybody deliberately closed theirs.
True enough, the film highlights a chapter of Philippine history that most textbooks ‘do not even mention’ or tend to overlook. Marking this unsung act in 1930s, Matthew E. Rosen’s masterpiece puts a spotlight on how Philippines showed defiancy to the rest of the world.
Under this noble man’s rule, the country was able to provide a safe haven for more than 1,200 ‘skilled’ Jewish people from the Nazi’s unmercy killing.
Set location plays a pivotal aspect in the totality of a film’s success. And the picturesque Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in Bagac, Bataan, simply gave justice to this outstanding piece. Thanks to the open-air museum, the film looked as if it really did happen on the same era. In fact, the film became a virtual tour to the 26-hectare wide property.
Las Casas, the only property in the Philippines to showcase the country’s colorful history through a rare collection of old restored houses, is owned by Bataan-native Jose “Jerry” Acuzar.
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From the old-style trains, wood rafts to crafted staircases, Las Casas’ unique architectural treats became a perfect backdrop to the film where in fact most, if not all, its scenes featured almost every corner of the 400-hectare heritage hotel.
Becoming a film-friendly destination, Las Casas is the same property where John Arcilla’s iconic dying scene as Heneral Luna was shot.
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Quezon’s legacy is no doubt a remarkable one as it left a legacy of kindness not just to its fellow Filipinos, but to the rest of the world.
Taking inspiration from the mighty president, Manuel L. Quezon University standing bold and proud in Quezon City was founded on the same virtues that this man had imbued.
In October 2014, Acuzar acquired ownership of the university through its company New San Jose Builders, Inc.
MLQU, like Las Casas, opened doors to endless opportunities who then shall contribute to the nation building by honing nationalistic and competent graduates.
Below are more screenshots from the movie ‘Quezon’s Game’ which was shot in Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar:
‘Quezon’s Game’ is still showing in select cinemas now from Star Cinema and Kinetik.