MANILA – Veteran actress Lorna Tolentino considers it an honor to be given the chance to play Edita Burgos, the mother of missing activist Jonas Burgos, in a true-to-life movie.
In an interview with ABS-CBN News after the screening of the movie “Burgos” at the Cultural Center of the Philippines over the weekend, Tolentino said she is glad that Mrs. Burgos appreciated the way she portrayed the character even if she was not the first choice for the role.
“Isa talagang malaking karangalan na magampanan ko at mai-share namin sa lahat ang Burgos story. Sa script pa lang, alam ko na na it’s beautifully written by Ricky Lee and beautifully directed by Joel Lamangan,” she said.
Nora Aunor was originally tapped to play Burgos.
Upon learning that she landed on the role, the 51-year-old actress said she took time to study and understand her character.
“Nung nalaman ko na ako talaga ang nakuha na, talagang ni-review ko si Mrs. Burgos. Tinitignan ko lahat ng interviews niya para malaman ko talaga kung paano. Kapag dumadalaw siya sa set, tinitignan ko talaga kung paano siya gumalaw, magsalita. Talagang pinag-aralan ko ng husto,” she said.
While she is not expecting any awards, Tolentino said it would be rewarding if people will go out and see the film.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Burgos said Tolentino gave “a very sensitive portrayal” in the movie.
“It’s not only very accurate, it’s a very sensitive portrayal not only during the lonely and sorrowful moments but even the joyful experience with the children. Ang ganda ganda,” she said.
The actress's performance was so real that she and her other children cried while watching Tolentino film some scenes, Mrs. Burgos said.
“During the shooting in the farm, habang nanood ang mga anak ko at lumalapit nga si Pip (Tirso Cruz III) sa kanya at parang nagpi-picnic. They didn’t even realize that tears were falling down. Parang 'yung tatlong anak ko, while they were looking, umiiyak na sila. Bumalik na naman lahat,” she said.
Six years after her son was allegedly abducted by “bad soldiers,” Mrs. Burgos is still hoping to find Jonas alive.
“J, this is for you and for all the others who disappeared. Marami na ang nakakaalam so don’t worry. Just keep on praying and hold on. Eventually we will be together. I believe he’s alive, but hindi ko pa mahanap. Since there is no proof that he is dead, to me I choose to believe he’s alive,” she said.
