How the Maid in Malacañang Cast Compares to Their Real-Life Counterparts
Darryl Yap's Maid in Malacañang has landed in theaters. Set in 1986 Manila, the primary story features the "untold story" of the Marcos family—President Ferdinand Marcos (Cesar Montano), Imelda Marcos (Ruffa Gutierrez), Imee Marcos (Cristine Reyes), Bongbong Marcos (Diego Loyzaga), and Irene Marcos (Ella Cruz)—during their last 72 hours in the presidential palace. Below, we have a guide to the characters who appear in Maid in Malacañang and their real-life counterparts.
Cesar Montano as Ferdinand Marcos
José Rizal actor Cesar Montano plays President Ferdinand Marcos. While he only had a limited time to get into the role, he said he discovered a lot of things about the former President as he was doing his research. The actor has responded to the criticism about Maid in Malacañang, saying that he doesn't believe the film aims to revise history.
Ruffa Guttierez as Imelda Marcos
Ruffa Gutierrez was Yap's personal choice to play Imelda Marcos. "When the offer to play her came, I gladly accepted it," she said. During an interview, she said she sought advice from Montano for the role who told her to "sleep with Imelda on [her] mind."
Cristine Reyes as Imee Marcos
The eldest of the Marcos children was portrayed by Cristine Reyes. The actress admitted that playing a younger version of the senator was a challenge as it is "not just another film—it's history." She prepared for the role by studying Marcos' movements and gestures.
Diego Loyzaga as Bongbong Marcos
Montano's son Diego Loyzaga portrays a young Bongbong Marcos. The actor says that the chance to play Marcos was "very beautiful" as the role opened his eyes to the family's dynamic: "How were they as a family, how were they as Filipinos, and what was their dynamic at home, in Malacanang?"
Ella Cruz as Irene Marcos
The actress, best known for her role in Aryana, plays Irene Marcos while Kyle Velino plays Marcos' husband Greggy Araneta. Back in July, the actress drew flak for calling history "tsimis." She said, "It is filtered and dagdag na rin, so, hindi natin alam what is the real history. Andoon na iyong idea, pero may mga bias talaga."
Giselle Sanchez as Corazon Aquino
In a newly-released clip, Giselle Sanchez was seen bespectacled in a yellow dress, which is a signature of the late former President Corazon Aquino, playing mah jong with a group of nuns. After Cebu's Carmelite nuns denounced the scene as "reprehensible," Sanchez said in a statement that "Maid in Malacañang is NOT a bio-pic. This is a story of a family."
