COMMUNITY | DAKILA relaunches ‘Bayani Ba’To?’ with film ‘Quezon’
Now in its fourth run, Bayani Ba’To? uses cinema as a tool to reexamine national heroes and their place in the country’s socio-political landscape.
DAKILA, through its learning platform Active Vista, is bringing back Bayani Ba’To?, a nationwide forum for youth and educators that aims to challenge historical narratives and encourage critical discussions about leadership, legacy, and civic engagement. This year’s installment features a partnership with TBA Studios and highlights the upcoming historical film Quezon as its focal point.
Now in its fourth run, Bayani Ba’To? uses cinema as a tool to reexamine national heroes and their place in the country’s socio-political landscape. This year’s theme, “MLQ: Mga Lingering Questions on Leaders, Legacy, and Liberty,” focuses on the life of President Manuel L. Quezon—examining not only his accomplishments, but also the political contradictions that defined his leadership during the Philippines’ path to independence.
The forum includes a special 10-minute preview of the film Quezon, followed by a dialogue with the film’s cast and crew, and a panel discussion featuring historians, educators, and youth leaders.
This is the third collaboration between DAKILA, Active Vista, and TBA Studios under the Bayaniverse initiative, which began with Heneral Luna and continued with Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral. These forums have served as platforms for civic education, sparking critical awareness among young Filipinos.
The Bayani Ba’To? 2025 tour will visit 10 cities nationwide, beginning July 26 in Metro Manila and continuing through September. Other stops include Dumaguete, Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Laguna, Bicol, and Iloilo.
Past editions of the forum also featured discussions around the films Heneral Luna, Hermano Pule, and Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral. Through these events, DAKILA seeks to nurture a new generation of cultural organizers and civic-minded youth.
“For those interested in attending or partnering with the event, reservations can be made through engagement@activevista.ph or +63 920 510 7143. Educators and organizers can also coordinate private screenings of Quezon through TBA Studios via QuezonInCinemas@tba.ph.”
The 2025 Bayani Ba’To? Tour will reach 10 key cities across the country:
July 26 – Metro Manila
August 2 – Dumaguete
August 9 – Bacolod
August 9 – Cagayan de Oro
August 23 – Metro Manila
August 30 – Cebu
August 30 – Laguna
September 6 – Bicol
September 6 – Iloilo
September 20 – Metro Manila
