Poverty is a heavy enough burden on its own, but when tragedy strikes just as a person nears their goal, it forces a grim reflection on the sheer unfairness of life—the bitter irony of a finish line that shifts the moment it’s touched.
In the film Graduation Day, Jeric Gonzales (supported by a poignant turn from Aidan Veneracion as young Simon) delivers a gut-wrenching performance that centers on this exact cruelty: the instant a hard-won victory is hollowed out by a final goodbye.
When asked what their reaction is after reading the script of a story, of a boy who perseveres against all odds, until he graduates, but only to face an untimely death:
“It was so tragic, lalo na ako ang nag-play ng role na Simon. After all the struggles, after all the journey, nangyari sa family niya, ‘yung ending niya ganun. Nakakalungkot, pero kasi itong pelikulang ito is about for us to realize na ‘yung buhay kasi ay hindi talaga natin hawak, it’s up to God. Whatever happens, whatever we achieve in life, gaano ka man ka-swerte o ka-malas, happy or successful, you’ll never know. Pero ang takeaway ko dito is may new beginnnigs, may hope pa,” Jeric Gonzales answers.
“It’s true, it’s a very tragic love story of a grandmother and her grandson. Love story talaga ito ng mag-lola. Dito mo mari-realize na kahit gaano kalapit mo sa Diyos, may mga bagay na hindi mo maaaring matanto agad, siya lang talaga ang nakakaalam, katulad ng sagot ng batang ito (points at Jeric), ‘yun din ang sagot ko. But, it’s a matter of accepting your faith and believing in God just the same, kasi hindi naman dito ang katapusan,” Ms. Elizabeth Oropesa adds.
“It’s a philosophical film. Aside from being a religious film, it’s more of a philosophical film. And in philosophy, it’s wondering – life is a mystery. Kaya mahiwaga ang buhay ng tao. Kung sino pa ang nagsisikap at masipag, hindi umuunlad. Punong-puno ng hiwaga ang buhay ng tao. Dito kasi, pumasok na ‘yung sistema ng pagsusulat. If in case ang namatay ay ‘yung lola, mahuhulaan. So, ibe-bend natin ‘yun. Dalawang uri ng “graduation” kasi ito. Akala natin kwento ni Simon, pero hindi. Kwento ito ng isang lola na ayaw paniwalaan na ulilang lubos na siya. Secondary lang talaga ‘yung kwento ng taong nagsusumikap. Pero, ang totoong kwento ay ‘yung kwento ni lola sa home for the aged na wala nang kamag-anak.
Graduation Day tells the story of Lola Nelia, a seamstress, who raises her grandchildren – Paolo, Somon and Teresa (who is a child with special needs) – after the early death of their parents. Tragically, Paolo dies in an accident, leaving only Nelia and Simon, a working student, to support their struggling family. As Simon nears graduation as a cum laude scholar, they are filled with hope.
The film stars Jeric Gonzales, Elizabeth Oropesa and Simon Ibarra, with Angellie Sanoy, Rico Barrera, Mygz Molino and Aidan Veneracion. Directed by Dante Balboa.
‘Graduation Day’ opens in cinemas on March 18, 2026, from Bentria Productions. Rated PG by the MTRCB.
Watch our coverage from the media conference after the premiere below: