Cesar Montano calls for MMFF revamp

Cesar Montano

A great story is worth retelling. Just like the classic Danny Zialcita film in 1985, “Bakit Manipis ang Ulap?” It has been revived by Viva Films as a “teledrama” on TV5 (premieres Feb. 15) and topbilled by Cesar Montano, Diether Ocampo and Claudine Barretto.

Buboy (Cesar’s nickname) is eager to work with Clau and Diet for the first time.

During our recent bonding with Alvin Anson and Noel Cabangon, my BFF Buboy shared with us a brilliant idea that would elevate the movie industry.

I’m not at liberty to divulge details yet. It only goes to show that Buboy wants to give his colleagues a different kind of reward for taking their craft as seriously as he does.

Here’s my one-on-one with Buboy:

How similar and different is your teleserye from its original movie version?

Technically, it is similar in terms of roles, but the story has to be stretched. The two-hour film has been turned into a TV series that will go on for months.

What’s your take on the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) controversy?

MMFF’s by-laws have to be fixed. The committees must be revamped, especially the members who aren’t really qualified to judge the merits of a film.

The criteria for the awards should be concretized. The distribution of theaters for all the entries must be equal until the end of the festival.

If your life story is made into a movie, what will the title be? “Batang Maynila.”

What’s a misconception about you?

Some people mistake me for a braggart, perhaps because they misunderstand me when I joke around.

What was a life-changing moment for you?

When I got separated. I discovered that life can still be beautiful even as a “bachelor.” This new phase of my life brought me to another level of spirituality and made my faith in God deeper.

What do you remember most about your struggling days as an actor?

When I was a nobody, I did bit roles in the movies of Ishmael Bernal and Fernando Poe Jr. I could go anywhere without scrutiny. No autograph-signing and picture-taking. I miss the freedom I had back then. It felt like staring at the stars in the middle of the night.

What are your top three tips for aspiring actors?

Always listen. Don’t memorize your lines, master them. Spend time with your fans, because they are the main reason why you’re in the biz.

Is it true that your son, Diego, is courting Kathryn Bernardo?

I have no idea. All I know is that he spends a lot of time with Sofia Andres. He even brought her to the house already. He and Sofia will have a teleserye on ABS-CBN soon.

What don’t people know about Cesar Montano?

I am nothing without my lord and savior Jesus Christ!