Chavit (film)


Chavit, also known as Chavit Singson Story and Chavit: Blood Son of Ilocos, is a 2003 Filipino epic biographical drama film directed by Carlo J. Caparas based on a script by Caparas and politician Chavit Singson. About the life of Singson, it stars Cesar Montano as the titular character, alongside Eddie Garcia, Tirso Cruz III, Dina Bonnevie, Pinky de Leon, Ricardo Cepeda, Joel Torre, Tommy Abuel, Marita Zobel and Jean Saburit.

Premise

This film is about the story of Luis "Chavit" Singson, the Governor of Ilocos Sur. Singson started EDSA II in October 2000 when he alleged he gave President Joseph Estrada 400 million pesos as payoff from illegal gambling profits.
Estrada was put under investigation, but on January 16, 2001, a key piece of evidence was blocked in court, leading to protests in Manila and other major cities backing Vice President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo resulting in the ouster of Estrada.

Plot

The film starts with the origin of the Singsons of Ilocos Sur and the birth of Jose and Caridad's second son Luis. Chavit grows up amidst series of killings within the province, perpetrated by the Crisologos. In 1963, Representative Claro Crisologo endorses his wife Milagring for the governorship of the province in 1963. This prompts "Operation Withdraw" where all mayors of Ilocos Sur are threatened to withdraw their candidacy. Chavit becomes the chief of police in Vigan. Although the town's residents want Chavit to run for mayor, his father decides to run instead and Chavit runs for councilor. Chavit becomes the champion of the Ilocanos especially those victims of the Crisologos, particularly their son Bingbong, starting a rivalry between their families. Chavit seeks the help of Senator Ninoy Aquino.
In 1969, Bingbong perpetrates the burning of Ora Este and Ora Centro in Bantay. The following year, Congressman Claro is assassinated at Vigan Cathedral. Chavit challenges Milagring for the governorship and wins. Biboy is convicted for arson and sentenced to life imprisonment. While behind bars, Bingbong turns his life around through Bible studies before being released. During the People Power Revolution in 1986, Chavit is ousted, but is elected to Congress due to his charisma, and eventually returns as governor. He then gets involved with President Joseph Estrada, leading to the Second EDSA Revolution.

Cast

Some of the characters were changed and their real names are enclosed in parentheses.

Production

The role played by Dina Bonnevie was originally intended for Snooky Serna. In the scene where Singson was shown crying following his brother's death, the former governor was played by his real son, Christopher. Impersonator Willie Nepomuceno played three roles in the movie, playing Ferdinand Marcos, Fernando Poe Jr. and Joseph Estrada, one of his most popular roles.