Flonique Guimary

Rocco Nacino feels pressure in portraying Andres Bonifacio in ‘Lakambini’

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Nikka Avegail Sabio

Push Team

<p>Portraying a historical figure, especially a national hero, was both a challenge and a full-circle experience for Kapuso actor Rocco Nacino, who stars in the upcoming meta-docu-fiction film <em>Lakambini: Gregoria de Jesus</em>.</p><div> </div><p>In an exclusive interview with PUSH ABS-CBN, Rocco opened up about the depth of preparation he put into embodying his role as Andres Bonifacio.</p><div> </div><p>“Nahirapan, yes, kasi kailangan makita sa movements na we are really fighting for something, may movement talaga. Iba ‘yung mag-act na ‘sige magre-revolution tayo’, pero iba ‘yung may nginig sa boses na ‘gagawin ko ito, na hindi ako takot kung ano man ang mangyari sa akin, mapatay man ako o hindi’,” Rocco said.</p><div> </div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1762162280826rocco nacino (2).jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div> </div><p>The actor revealed that he immersed himself in research about the life, mannerisms, and characteristics of the revolutionary hero to ensure authenticity in his performance.</p><div> </div><p>“So, that was very hard to embody being now na nasa modern times tayo. It’s a lot of research, a lot of adjustments. Katulad ng sinabi ko kanina kay Direk, sabi ko, ‘Direk, sabihan mo ako kung medyo teleserye. Sabihan mo ako if nagpapapogi ako masyado sa lente.’ None of that naman,” he added.</p><div> </div><p>Rocco also admitted that early in his career, he felt pressured about his looks as a “moreno” actor, something he has since learned to embrace with pride.</p><div> </div><p>“A lot of pressure na rin, of course. Kanina sabi ko, dati, bumababa self-esteem ko kasi akala ko kapag artista ka dapat mestizo ka, pero I’ve had so many projects na period and ganito ang role ko. Isang malaking karangalan pala. I thank God and my parents na ganito ‘yung looks ko at nakakaganap ako ng ganito,” he proudly said.</p><div> </div><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-7" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DP3kjdXDyp6/embed/captioned/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=607&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A7%2C%22os%22%3A983970.8000001907%2C%22ls%22%3A103823.40000009537%2C%22le%22%3A103827.40000009537%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="981" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-7" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><div><strong> </strong></div><p>The actor shared that working on historical projects has deepened his sense of nationalism and appreciation for Philippine history.</p><div> </div><p>&quot;It&#x27;s also very ironic na I didn’t grow up here and my first language pa is Mandarin and hindi pa Filipino, so mas lalo kong minahal ‘yung process. I took for granted din noon ‘yung <em>Ibong Adarna, El Filibusterismo </em>and<em> Noli Me Tangere</em> and then came the time na gaganap ako ng characters na ito and even have a film,” he shared.</p><div> </div><p>“I think it was God’s little prank on me na since ‘di mo noon na-appreciate ‘yung history so ipapasok kita sa mga projects na ito, so the effect on me was astounding and I&#x27;m very, very privileged to be part of this,” he continued.</p><div> </div><p>Although <em>Lakambini: Gregoria de Jesus</em> took years to be released, Rocco believes its premiere is perfectly timed, especially for today’s younger audiences.</p><div> </div><p>“Matagal na namin ito gusto maipakita sa mga tao. We need something to spark that hero inside of us, kaya sabi ko na ang importante na ang mareach out nito ay sa mga kabataan. They need to become heroes in their own way, and through this naman, we can do that so why not start and be part of it,” Rocco expressed.</p><div> </div><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-8" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQZUL2nj8Sh/embed/captioned/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=607&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A8%2C%22os%22%3A984763.3000001907%2C%22ls%22%3A103823.40000009537%2C%22le%22%3A103827.40000009537%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="1053" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-8" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><div> </div><p>He further emphasized: “We need this and ‘wag tayo matakot na i-voice out kung may nakikita tayong mali.”</p><div> </div><p>Following this project, Rocco said he’s open to taking on more roles that celebrate Filipino history and culture.</p><div> </div><p>“It&#x27;s hard to say kasi marami naman sila. Isa lang naman akong follower. I’ll see where the road takes me so doing these things it opens up opportunities. I was offered something kanina lang, so hopefully magkatuluyan na kasi isang period film din, so let’s see and hopefully I’ll be part of it,” he said.</p><div> </div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/celebrities/2025/5/27/lovi-poe-honors-gregoria-de-jesus-on-150th-birth-anniversary-her-story-deserves-to-be-remembered-1853" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>READ: Lovi Poe honors Gregoria De Jesus on 150th birth anniversary: &#x27;Her story deserves to be remembered&#x27;</strong></a><strong></strong><br/></div><div> </div><p><em>Lakambini: Gregoria de Jesus,</em> starring Rocco Nacino, Lovi Poe, Paulo Avelino, Gina Pareño, and the late Spanky Manikan, opens in cinemas nationwide on November 5.</p><div> </div>

<p><b>Rocco Nacino shares his thoughts on being part of historical and periodic projects.</b></p>

Rocco Nacino shares his thoughts on being part of historical and periodic projects.

EXCLUSIVE: Rocco Nacino feels pressure in portraying Andres Bonifacio in ‘Lakambini’

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EXCLUSIVE: Rocco Nacino feels pressure in portraying Andres Bonifacio in ‘Lakambini’

Nikka Sabio,

Push Team

Published Nov 03, 2025 05:31 PM PHT

Read More:

Rocco Nacino

Lakambini

Andres Bonifacio

PUSH

Lakambini Gregoria de Jesus

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