Pedro Calungsod: Batang Martir

Pedro Calungsod Batang Martir, also known as Journey of a Young Saint is a 2013 Philippine biographical film depicting the life and martyrdom of Saint Pedro Calungsod. Written and directed by Francis O. Villacorta and produced by HPI Synergy Group and Wings Entertainment, is an official entry to the 2013 Metro Manila Film Festival, and was released on December 25, 2013. Rocco Nacino stars as Calungsod, who is only the second Filipino canonised by the Catholic Church after Saint Lorenzo Ruz de Manila.

The idea for the movie came to Villacorta three years ago when he came across two lengthy articles on Calungsod by John Schumacher, a Jesuit priest. According to him, Early 2011, I began digging deeper into the story of the young martyr by researching the story of his superior, Fr. Diego Luis de San Vitores, and the San Diego Mission to the Marianas now Guam... The research of the film took two years while the preproduction spent almost a year. According to the writer and director, Francis Villacorta, Young people today can learn a lot from the heroic life of San Pedro Calungsod. Ordinary as he was, being a young catechist and mission assistant, the dedication to his work and his devotion to God is all too inspiring...this is a fascinating study of a young life all too willingly given up for the love of our Savior. Honestly, I believe our life on earth is all but a preparation for our reunion with Him, our Creator in the end... When asked how would they draw the attention of Filipinos to watch the movie, he stressed that the audience will appreciate the adventure, fears and tensions in the film. He stated, Just like himSan Pedro Calungsod, it was a short life but a meaningful one...There should be a celebration of Christianity which is our aim and hope of this film....On June 2013, the script was submitted for the official selection of the 2013 Metro Manila Film Festival along withother movies from various producers. On June 18, 2013, Metro Manila Development Authority chairman, Francis Tolentino announced the movie as one of theofficial entries of the said festival.JM De Guzman was originally chosen to play the character of Calungsod, but withdrew due to health reasons. According to his team, De Guzman is attending to some health concerns, it might take time for him to concentrate and focus on his work ahead. On August 11, 2013, teen actor Rocco Nacino was announced as the official actor who will play Calungsod on the fil

Source: Wikipedia