Blessed Teofilo Camomot (Photo from Pintakasi)
Veteran producer-director Ben Yalung is on the lookout for the right actor to portray the late Archbishop Teofilo Camomot in an upcoming biopic chronicling the Cebuano prelate’s extraordinary life.
Among the names being considered are Piolo Pascual, Paulo Avelino and Cedric Juan — but the final decision is still wide open.
“We’re open to suggestions,” said Yalung, who emphasized that the role doesn’t require a celebrity with box-office appeal. “It’s really the story that will carry it.” Known for his previous work on religious films such as “Kristo” and “Birhen ng Manaoag,” Yalung is producing the film with the Archdiocese of Cebu through APFI. Filming is expected to begin as soon as the lead actor is cast, with production scheduled to run for around three and a half months.
Screenplay writer Celso de Guzman described the film as a chronological retelling of Camomot’s life, spanning four key eras: pre-war, World War II, post-war and Martial Law. The narrative is framed through the eyes of a biographer investigating accounts of Camomot’s reported miracles — including levitation, bilocation, healing and exorcism. “We wanted to focus on his ordinary life being lived extraordinarily,” De Guzman shared.
One striking revelation in the script is that Camomot was initially reluctant to become a priest. His dream was to be an agriculturist. “He was kind and helpful by nature,” said de Guzman, “but there was no early sign that he would one day enter the priesthood.”
Born in Carcar, Cebu, Camomot remains a beloved figure in the Visayas, where many already pray through his intercession. He also founded a congregation of nuns known as the Daughters of Sta. Teresa.
Ric Saludo, senior vice president for programming at the religious network ETVN (Emmanuel TV Network), noted that Camomot’s life is not only inspirational but also historically significant — especially now that he is officially on the road to sainthood. “The path to sainthood in the Catholic Church involves a meticulous four-stage process: Servant of God, Venerable, Blessed and, finally, Saint,” Saludo explained.
Camomot was declared Venerable by Pope Francis in 2022, a designation affirming that he lived a life of “heroic virtue.” For him to be beatified, however, at least one posthumous miracle must be verified by the Vatican. “Miracles that happened while he was alive don’t count,” Saludo emphasized. Two such miracles are currently under review. The vetting process includes rigorous scrutiny by a designated skeptic — often referred to as the “devil’s advocate” — who is tasked with testing the authenticity of the claims.
If one miracle is confirmed, Camomot will be declared Blessed. Two confirmed miracles would lead to canonization. He joins a growing list of Filipino candidates on the path to sainthood, including Mo. Ignacia del Espíritu Santo; bishops Alfredo Obviar and Alfredo Verzosa of Lipa; a catechist from Pasig; and a young boy from Cubao remembered for his joyful spirit despite chronic illness. Their causes reflect a powerful truth: that holiness can emerge from the quiet corners of ordinary Filipino lives.
Meanwhile, Yalung is also known for producing “Karnal,” the acclaimed film by the late National Artist Marilou Diaz-Abaya, and “Isa Isa Lang,” directed by the late National Artist Fernando Poe Jr., under his production company Cine Suerte. /ra
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