THE Gringo Honasan Story will finally happen this year. Produced by lawyer Ferdie Topacio’s Borracho Films, who gave the public Lester Dimaranan’s ‘Mamasapano’ (2022), the Honasan biopic got the greenlight from the senator himself, who is working closely with award-winning screenwriter Eric Ramos for the screenplay.

The story will come from Senator Honasan, as informed by Secretary Mike Defensor. “This is his first film and he will disclose the story from his point of view of what really happened,” Defensor added. “We’ll talk about his life. We’ll talk about EDSA. We’ll talk about many issues.

“What were the bolts for reform. What were they fighting for up to now. I want to congratulate Senator Honasan because this is the theme of his life story. This is not just a film. We are telling the story of our country and what inspired our nation.”

Borracho Films producer Ferdie Topacio insisted he only makes movies he believes in. “I know how hard to finish one film,” he admitted. “From Mamasapano alone, we believe that the story had to be told.

“Hindi lang basta pulitiko. Kahit sinong pulitiko ang lumapit sa akin, if I don’t believe in him, whatever his investment he wants to make in the production, I will not accept it if I don’t believe in the person.

“I really believe in the advocacy of Senator Gringo. He’s my idol. Hindi ako namumulitika. We need someone like him who is passionate. We’ll talk about his life without bias, but very technical, with a very cerebral approach. Tahimik pero mapanganib.”

To know “the man, the myth, the legend,” screenwriter Eric Ramos already did his research and revealed Senator Gringo is the son of a commander of presidential guards during the term of President (Ramon) Magsaysay and President (Carlos) Garcia.

“Bata pa lang si Senator Honasan, kabisado na niya ang palasyo. Fast forward to 1986, his mission was to enter Malacañang Palace. But when he became a cadet in the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), his goal to become a soldier was fulfilled.

“As a military officer, the film will show how his life was molded by the PMA. We will show him as a soldier, how he was bruised and wounded. His left ring finger was cut in battle.

“His fate with Senator Juan Ponce Enrile became attuned that they started the 1986 EDSA Revolution. The story of the movie will go beyond EDSA. We will show how Senator Honasan bolted from the turf of President Cory Aquino.”

Up to now, Eric revealed he has yet to finish the script. “The story is really complicated. It’s very colorful. His perspective is very unique. There’s no one like him. I’m very thankful for this project.

“This is a personal challenge for me to write about EDSA. It’s a subject that I revisited when I wrote about ‘Oras de Peligro’ last year for director Joel Lamangan.”

Senator Honasan agreed that everybody can help in telling his life story for the next generation to hear and watch. This is his first biopic and he wants to be proud of the outcome when seen on the big screen.

“I want to prepare the youth of today for the responsibility that will be put on their shoulders by the time they are ready,” Senator Honasan explained.

“We are making a biopic. The people need to see clearly how I think, how I talk and how I move.

“Statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO) revealed that from age zero to six, we should feed the children well. Otherwise, we are raising a new generation of stunted kids. Maliit na ang katawan, under-developed pa rin ang utak.

“That’s one advocacy for me. Kung gagawa tayo ng programa, nutrition at edukasyon. Good manners and right conduct.

“Development of children is so important. We should not forget the desire to teach young people to become nationalistic. We should teach them where we came from.

“Napakahirap ng pangmatagalan. You cannot give what you do not have. Where will we begin? Harmony in our families. Cooperation in our communities. Order in the state. Inclusive route.

Helping each other. Security in our frontline.”

As far as his choice of lead actor is concerned, Senator Honasan cannot specify a particular name for his biopic.

“I have to ask our children to recommend a name,” Senator Honasan said. “I might think of a different person. As far as leading lady is concerned, I only have one leading lady and we have been married for 50 years. Please forgive me, but I cannot give one.”