LOOK: Brillante Mendoza confirmed to direct Duterte’s SONA

MANILA, Philippines – It’s official: Brillante Mendoza is directing President Rodrigo Duterte’s first State of the Nation Address (SONA).

In a series of photos posted on the Presidential Communications Office (PCO)’s Twitter account, Mendoza is seen in a meeting with PCO secretary Martin Andanar.

The caption: “PCO Secretary [Martin Andanar] and [Brillante Mendoza] prepare for #PresidentDuterte 1st SONA. #PartnerForChange.”

PCO Secretary @MartinAndanar & @brillante_ma prepares for #PresidentDuterte 1st SONA. #PartnerForChange pic.twitter.com/cDNKCDUxPX

— Presidential Comm (@PresidentialCom) July 14, 2016

Late in June, Mendoza and Andanar both said that the director had been offered the job, but said that it was just an invitation at the time. (READ: Brillante Mendoza offered to direct Duterte’s first SONA)

In an interview with ABS-CBN, Mendoza said that it will be simple, as he wants to show the real Duterte: “Ipapakita lang natin ang natural, ipapakita kung papaano siya makipag-usap sa mga tao at kanilang tunay na reaksyon. Kung baga walang embellishment.”

(We will show him being natural, we’ll show how he talks to the people and their real reactions. No embellishments.)

Mendoza is an award-winning director, whose films like Kinatay and Thy Womb have been recognized at international film festivals.

His most recent movie, Ma’ Rosa, was shown at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival, with Jaclyn Jose winning Best Actress for her role in the film.

Duterte is set to hold his first SONA on July 25. – Rappler.com