AT JUST eight years old, a young girl began a habit of kindness — secretly handing over her packed lunch and snacks to children in nearby slum areas each time their carpool passed by.
What began as a child’s quiet act of empathy eventually shaped the values and leadership style of Pamela Baricuatro, now governor-elect of Cebu.
Her story, from selfless schoolgirl to a political trailblazer, is set to come to life on the big screen through an upcoming biographical film with a working title, “The Story of Pam.”
Screenwriter Eric Ramos, a two-time Palanca awardee, recalled his preliminary interview with Baricuatro held three weeks ago during a press conference in a hotel in Cebu City on Saturday, June 28, 2025.
“She made it a habit, giving her food away without telling anyone. It wasn’t until she developed gastritis that her parents discovered she had been skipping meals to feed other children,” Ramos said as her early generosity was unknown even to her parents, until the consequences caught up.
The film is being produced by Borracho Films, with high-profile lawyer Ferdinand Topacio, Baricuatro’s legal counsel in her ongoing disqualification case, serving as executive producer.
“Inspirational”
“The life of Governor Pam is truly inspirational. That’s why this film is being made,” said Topacio.
“Pre-production is already ongoing, and we aim to start filming by August,” Topacio said in Tagalog.
That defining childhood memory, along with Baricuatro’s journey through hardship, single motherhood and public service, will serve as the foundation of the film now in pre-production.
The movie promises to offer not just a political profile but a deeply personal look at the woman behind the headlines.
“How she rose from adversity… she became a medical representative, then a flight attendant, all to support her only child after an early separation from her husband. That’s where her resilience really showed,” Ramos said.
Veteran actress Alice Dixson has been tapped to portray Baricuatro, with Gabby Concepcion set to play her longtime partner, Brian To.
Isabel Rivas is also being considered for the role of outgoing Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia.
Ramos, who recently conducted initial interviews with Baricuatro, said the story defied his expectations.
“I didn’t know her before. All I knew was that she was a political neophyte who dared to challenge the odds. But after speaking with her, I was moved. Her story has weight and heart,” said Ramos.
The film is expected to premiere in 2026.
Baricuatro, who ran under the Partido Demokratikong Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan, was proclaimed governor-elect on May 13.
She unseated Garcia, the long-time incumbent governor, with a decisive lead — garnering 1,107,924 votes against Garcia’s 765,051, a margin of approximately 342,000 votes. / CDF