JOEY SAMSON coat and trousers, vintage necktie, and CHRISTIAN DIOR shoes. Photographed by Artu Nepomuceno for the October 2025 Issue of Vogue Philippines. Artwork by Bea Lu
In the spirit of Philippine Independence Day, here are five films to watch over the long weekend.
This weekend, the Philippines celebrates its 128th year of independence. Throughout its history, the country has been through three colonization periods, the Spanish, American, and Japanese, as captured through historical documentation and reimagined in contemporary cinema. But film goes beyond telling the story; themes of freedom, independence, and patriotism all undergo a critical lens, and in turn, make us reflect on what it means for us in the present.
Below, we curate a list of Filipino films to watch over this Independence Day weekend.
Quezon (2025)
Directed by Jerrold Tarog, Quezon is a historical biopic following the political rise of Manuel L. Quezon (played by Jericho Rosales) as he navigates the Commonwealth era and the 1935 presidential elections. Aside from following Quezon’s intense ambition, use of media, patronage, and “the noble lie,” the film also captures the Philippines’ pursuit of full independence from the American occupation.
Where to watch: Prime Video
Perfumed Nightmare (1977)
Perfumed Nightmare is a 1977 semi-autobiographical comedy-drama directed by National Artist Kidlat Tahimik. The story follows a young, starry-eyed Filipino jeepney driver who is obsessed with the Western world and space travel, who travels to Europe and gets disillusioned with modern capitalism and American imperialism.
Where to watch: Criterion Channel
Dekada ‘70 (2002)
Based on Lualhati Bautista’s novel of the same name, Deka ‘70 is a Filipino historical drama set during Ferdinand Marcos’ Martial Law. Directed by Chito S. Roño, it follows the Bartolome family as parents Julian and Amanda struggle to raise five sons amidst escalating political oppression, violence, and the awakening of their own civic conscience.
Where to watch: YouTube, Apple TV
GomBurZa (2023)
Directed by Pepe Diokno, GomBurZa is a historical film about three Filipino priests, Mariano Gomez, José Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora, who were falsely accused of sedition and treason by the Spanish colonial government in 1872. It highlights how their deaths were the catalyst that sparked the Philippine Revolution, influencing José Rizal to write his novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo.
Where to watch: Netflix
Magellan (2025)
The 2025 historical drama film Magellan, written and directed by Lav Diaz, follows the titular character’s journey leading a doomed Spanish expedition to the Spice Islands. The film tackles topics such as the ravages of colonialism, religious extremism, and Magellan’s fatal clash in the Philippines.
Where to watch: Criterion Channel
Frequently Asked Questions
The Philippines’ Independence Day is celebrated every June 12, with the Declaration of Independence read on June 12, 1989.
General Emilio Aguinaldo declared the Philippines’ independence.
As of 2026, 128 years have passed since the Philippine declaration of independence.
The Philippine Declaration of Independence happened in Kawit, Cavite.
Philippine Independence Day can be celebrated by attending local flag-raising ceremonies, enjoying traditional feasts, watching historical films, and supporting local businesses.
