Filipina revolutionary best known as the wife of Andrés Bonifacio, the founder of the Katipunan, and the Lakambini (Muse) of the Katipunan, Gregoria de Jesus or Oryang, played a key role in the Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonial rule.
After more than a century of being confined to the margins of history, the iconic revolutionary heroine Gregoria de Jesús, the Lakambini ng Katipunan, finally takes the spotlight in a film dedicated to her story. ‘Lakambini Gregoria de Jesus’ opens in Philippine cinemas on November 5.
Why are there only a few women documented who are part of important events in history?
“Salamat at may bill. Ang mangyayari kapag ‘yan ay pinatupad, meron naman tayong curriculum kasi ako ay consultant of the Araling Panlipunan curriculum of the Department of Education, so meron naman tayong pwedeng paglagyan ng mga babaeng bayani lalong lalo na na marami sila sa bawat yugto ng ating kasaysayan. Kailangang mabanggit sila. Kaya I will ask them na magkakaroon ng curriculum guide upang ‘yan ay mapalaganap. ‘Yung tanong kung saan pang yugto ng kasaysayan kung saan may mga babaeng bayani, aside from the Philippine revolution, nariyan pa ‘yung World War II, mga amasona natin, mga gerilyang babae. Napakarami niyan na ‘yung isa pa nga, na si Remedios Gomez Paraiso alyas Kumandar Liwayway, bago pumunta sa labanan ay nagli-lipstick muna kasi sabi niya, kapag nakikita siyang naka-lipstick ng mga kawal niya na naka-kabayo noon, nai-inspire sila. Actually, may isang Kapampangan film, Ari, pero background lang siya dun,” professor Xia Chua explains.
“Hindi naman sa sinasabi kong meron ding female heroes, but naniniwala ako kasi hindi naman nakikipagkompitensya, but I just feel iba kasi mag-isip ang lalaki. Iba sila tumingin sa problema at iba din sila mag-solve ng problema, ganun din ang mga babae. Aside from that, there’s a different perspective. So, itong pelikulang ito, kung sinasabi ninyo na kilala na natin si Andres Bonifacio, si Oryang hindi pa natin masyadong kilala. But it is actually a reframing. A reframing of a story that we have studied perhaps. Like, ano ba ang ibig sabihin ng hero? You have all these historical films, of course some are anti-heroes, pero ano ba ‘yung value? Combat ba? Nung hindi kami nakapasok sa festival, one of the things that was said, parang walang combat scenes. ‘Yun ba ang mark ng heroism? To go to combat? Magaling ngang pumatay pero wala naman vision para sa isang bayan. Iba kasi ang views ng women, they bring different values. So, it really needs to be a partnership, hindi pwedeng lalaki lang. It’s bringing also the values that women bring. In particular, she’s not any other woman, I think she’s ahead of her time. You will see, kapag pinanood ninyo ang film, tandaan ninyo na women sufferage came in 1937, she was born 1875, nag-rebolusyon siya ng 1897, tama ba? She was 21 or 22, nagkaroon siya ng trial. And in 1928, gumawa siya ng autobiography at 10 tagubilin para sa mga kabataan na kapag narinig ninyo, magtataka kayo kasi kasing ganda ng mga quotation ni Jose Rizal,” filmmaker Ellen Ongkeko-Marfil continues.
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 pelikulove@gmail.com.
Watch our coverage of the media launch below: