Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo

The film opens with the execution of the GOMBURZA in the wake of the 1872 Cavite Mutiny. The brutal act stirs a quiet resistance across the islands as whispers of reform begin to spread. Subversive ideas survive in secret and set the stage for later uprisings.

On July 3, 1892, Dr. Jose Rizal launches La Liga Filipina, a peaceful reform movement aimed at uniting Filipinos under a single, hopeful voice. The film portrays its goal as channeling reform through civic organization and dialogue. The initiative signals a shift from mere discontent to organized national solidarity.

Bonifacio visits the church and encounters Gregoria de Jesús, known as Bantug, and her circle Oriang. Bantug remains skeptical, suspecting Bonifacio has joined a secret Mason lodge and is not as devout as he seems. He denies these accusations, insisting they are friars' inventions, and his resolve begins to crystallize.

Bonifacio and Oriang deepen their bond, leading to marriage after Bantug’s parents bless the match. The union strengthens his sense of duty to family and country alike. Personal and political commitments intertwine as he pursues reform through the Katipunan.

The following day, Emilio Aguinaldo—the gobernadorcillo—joins the Katipunan, expanding its reach. His inclusion signals a broader acceptance of the reformist cause among local leaders.

The Katipunan begins to publish Ang Kalayaan through the presses of Diario de Manila, spreading their message far and wide. The papers are distributed to awaken fellow countrymen to the cause, bringing the movement from whispers to a visible campaign.

Spaniards catch wind of subversive activities and raid the Binondo press, uncovering Ang Kalayaan. The raid heightens fear and suspicion within the organization while forcing them to tighten security.

One of the paper’s publishers is tortured, a brutal scene that steels Bonifacio. In response, he rallies the Katipuneros to Tandang Sora’s home to reaffirm their resolve.

Tandang Sora lends Bonifacio a sword and lends weight to his resolve, becoming a symbolic patron of the struggle. Her support anchors the revolutionary leadership during dangerous times.

The revolution is publicly proclaimed on August 29, 1896 as Katipuneros cry Mabuhay ang Katipunan, Mabuhay ang rebolusyon, Mabuhay ang Supremo. From that moment, the movement moves from clandestine organizing to open rebellion across towns.

On the uprising day, the rebels move stealthily: they cross a river, pull a Spaniard’s leg, and a companion is shot. Inside a gatehouse, a torch is hurled from a trolley loaded with canisters as Bonifacio and his men press forward, and a fierce battle erupts.

Doubt and division threaten the leadership as Aguinaldo’s inner circle worries Bonifacio’s ability to unify the movement. Aguinaldo is elected president while Bonifacio becomes interior minister, but the vote is challenged, prompting Bonifacio to void the results.

Daniel Tirona questions Bonifacio’s credentials, provoking a furious clash that shakes the fledgling leadership. Bonifacio voids the election, deepening the rift and casting doubt on the Katipunan’s direction.

Bonifacio is pursued by rival forces; Ciriaco is shot dead and Procopio is beaten, and Oriang faces a threat of rape by Col. Agapito Bonzón. Wounded and neglected, Bonifacio clings to his dream of true independence.

Bonifacio lifts his personal flag high and leads a final charge, a symbolic last push for independence. The banner gradually morphs into the present Philippine flag, echoing the nation’s enduring aspiration.

Antonio Luna makes a cameo in a post-credits moment, a nod that foreshadows the film Heneral Luna. The scene links the historical arc to future chapters of the Philippine struggle for independence.