Where Is TJ Trinidad and Why Isn't He Playing Quezon?
TBA Studios dropped the teaser of the highly-anticipated biographical drama Quezon on Tuesday, February 18. The announcement came as a pleasant surprise to showbiz watchers who did not expect "Asian Drama King" Jericho Rosales to play the titular role.
Celebrated for his portrayals in iconic ABS-CBN series including Pangako Sa 'Yo (2000), Kahit Isang Saglit (2008), Dahil May Isang Ikaw (2010), The Legal Wife (2014), and Bridges of Love (2016), Rosales was last seen in the television drama action series Lavender Fields, alongside Jodi Sta. Maria and Janine Gutierrez. In the historical film sphere, Rosales played a supporting role as Dr. Jose Rizal in Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo back in 2014.
Where is TJ Trinidad?
Over at social media platform Reddit, fans of director Jerrold Tarog's works are wondering why TJ Trinidad, who played the older Quezon in Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral, was not cast for the role. There are Reddit users who think Trinidad is more fit to play the role of Quezon because his demeanor and tisoy looks are closest to the former president.
In a statement sent to Esquire Philippines, TBA Studios President and COO Daphne Chiu explained why they picked Rosales for the lead role: “Jericho’s unbelievable screen presence has made him one of our best actors today, and we're all looking forward to working with him and seeing how his artistry can give life to one of the country’s most charismatic yet divisive political figures.”
Chiu further clarified why Trinidad was not cast in the film. "TJ Trinidad has business commitments outside of showbiz that he's currently focused on. He has expressed his full support for the film especially Jericho Rosales and Benjamin Alves, who will portray Quezon in different versions. TJ sent a message to TBA Studios saying, 'Thank you TBA, and good luck to the cast and crew. Can't wait to see this on the big screen!' We love TJ and wish him all the best in his endeavors."
Other actors who have portrayed the role of President Quezon include Raymond Bagatsing in Quezon's Game, Benjamin Alves in Heneral Luna and Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral, and Richard Gutierrez in the official Lupang Hinirang music video produced by GMA Network.
We asked Filipino historian Xiao Chua his thoughts on Rosales' selection for the role of Quezon. He said: "The Heneral Luna film proved that acting, more than looks, can make the film. We do not know what happened along the way, but Jericho Rosales looks a million dollars for a Quezon. That short side glance at the teaser made it for me. We are not doing cosplay or caricature, we want to know the heart of the man."
Trinidad in an election poster that appeared on Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral (right)
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Meanwhile, everyone's wondering, where in the world is TJ Trinidad?
A quick online search reveals that Raul F. Trinidad Jr., better known as TJ, has made a successful move into the corporate world. According to his LinkedIn account, the former matinee idol—who holds a bachelor's degree in Business Administration and majored in Marketing Management at the De La Salle University—now works as Vice President for Business Development of Falconer / ACTSI (an ICTSI affiliate).
He joined ICTSI Inc. in 2017 "to help establish Falconer Aircraft Management Inc., a company set up to manage ICTSI’s internal fleet and oversee aviation related investments such as ACTSI, a large full-scale Maintenance Repair and Overhaul and Parking facility based in Subic Bay International Airport, Philippines."
Trinidad is actively involved in business development, overseeing financial operations, managing government liaison, and implementing strategic short- and long-term objectives to solidify ACTSI's regional presence and reputation.
Regarding the actor's career shift, a Reddit user humorously commented, "He wants the vice presidency position which is a legitimate career move."
While Trinidad keeps a relatively quiet social media presence, it appears from his past Instagram posts that he is enjoying a private life with his wife, Marga Valdes, and their two kids.
“Here, you will see Quezon as a person. He’s not written as a hero. He is cunning, he is charming, he is intelligent," says Rosales of his role as Quezon.
Jericho Rosales on Playing Quezon
As for Rosales, the actor says he feels honored to be selected for the coveted role. "Coming to a script like this which is so potent and so entertaining, I feel so lucky and happy,” Jericho said in a press statement. “Here, you will see Quezon as a person. He’s not written as a hero. He is cunning, he is charming, he is intelligent. Quezon is such an interesting character to play; there are so many things I can put into the role to build Quezon as a character. That adds to the pressure, but at the same time I am very excited,” he added.
Quezon marks TBA Studios' return to major film production since 2020, continuing their cinematic 'Bayaniverse'—a series of Philippine historical films that includes box office hits Heneral Luna and Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral. Filming for Quezon is set to start in March 2025.
The film will depict Manuel L. Quezon's journey from lawyer and soldier to the Commonwealth's first president (1935-1944), including his fierce campaign against Emilio Aguinaldo. TBA Studios President Chiu confirmed a local and international release.
