Cesar Montano: It’s an honor to replace Robin Padilla

CESAR Montano (right) with Maria Ozawa KRIS RYAN ZARA

What a blast we all had at the cast party of my BFF Cesar  “Buboy” Montano’s movie, “Nilalang” (Entity) at Tipsy Pig. We kept teasing Buboy about his shower scene. True to form, he portrayed his role  (an NBI detective Tony) with great  aplomb.

The unconventional action-thriller is WLP  (We Love Post), Haunted Tower Pictures, Parallax Studios and Viva Films’  Metro Manila Film Festival entry. Since the production team is composed mainly of advertising people, their creative juices never run dry. They meticulously polished every detail of the film.

Buboy’s leading lady is Japanese sensation Maria Ozawa. She told me that she has fallen in love with the Philippines so she plans to stay here for good. Maria also said that she is on the lookout for a boyfriend and Filipinos are easier to work with than Japanese. Knowing Buboy, he must have made Maria feel so at home. He is truly one of my few favorite nilalang (human beings).

Here’s my tête-à-tête with Buboy:

What was it like working with Maria?

Easy and fun. She’s very grounded, kind and  professional—and she loves Pinoy jokes!

What’s your favorite scene in the movie?

The opening scene, which was wintertime in Japan, and my first confrontation scene with Maria.

How did you feel taking the place of Robin (Padilla) as lead star of “Nilalang?”

It’s no big deal for me, even if I wasn’t the original choice. It’s an honor and joy to replace Robin. It’s too good a role to pass up.

Was it harder to deliver your Spanish lines in “Rizal” or Niponggo lines here?

Spanish. I’m more at ease with Niponggo because I’m quite familiar with it since I have Japanese golf buddies.

What advice did you give your son Diego Loyzaga about show biz and love?

To be focused on his work and to be professional. He should not let his heart overpower him the way I let it get the better of me when I was younger. To put God in the center of his career and love life.

What’s your fondest Christmas memory?

Going Christmas caroling when I was a kid in Sta. Ana. Such priceless joy! Wish I could do it all over again.

What is your New Year’s resolution?

Never start a day without worshipping God and asking for wisdom and protection.

What is the toughest part of being Cesar Montano?

Not having enough time to make use of my God-given talents.

What are you most proud of?

In the midst of adversity, I can still thank God and worship Him. I can still smile and crack jokes. Only God can make that happen!