Cesar Montano receives acting award from ICCT

Cesar Montano invited me to join him at the awarding ceremony of ICCT College’s Cinemalente Film and Media Festival where he was named best actor. I teased my BFF Buboy (Cesar’s nickname) that he should have a new cabinet made because there is no more space for his nth trophy. In his acceptance speech, he said that the award is something he will treasure because it’s not from the usual award-giving bodies in show biz.

He feels flattered that the young students of the university look up to him. Buboy regaled the audience with behind-the-scenes anecdotes about his critically-acclaimed films, “Jose Rizal,” “Muro Ami” and “The Great Raid.” It gave him a certain kind of high sharing his story with the students who were all hungry for new insights. It seemed like a crash course on basic acting. In fact, Buboy is willing to conduct a free acting workshop for the youth soon.

Here are excerpts from Buboy’s speech:

“As far as acting is concerned, where there is challenge and sacrifice that is where I want to be. That’s where the magic begins. I always want to get out of my comfort zone. When I did ‘Jose Rizal,’ I had to master Spanish. My TV was tuned in to the Spanish channel 24/7. On the set, everybody had to speak to me in Spanish. Pictures of Jose Rizal were all over my house. My director Marilou Diaz-Abaya gave me a lot of Rizal books to read so I can imbibe his ways. In ‘Muro Ami,’ I was on a strict diet and I worked out six times a week by the beach where we shot the movie. I had to be really lean and toned for my role. In ‘The Great Raid,’ that was where I saw how disciplined they were in Hollywood. We were not allowed to sleep between takes. Unlike here, when it’s not yet your scene, you can relax. In Hollywood, they strictly observe the 12-hour working period. So if you are caught sleeping on the job, they will take your picture. Even if it’s not yet your turn, you have to be ‘fully present.’”

I was touched when Buboy made special mention of me in his speech. Our friendship goes beyond show biz. My congratulatory gift to him was a magnetic memo board with this mantra printed on it: “Love What You Do.” It’s so Buboy because he never does things half-heartedly—like with his new passion for golf. Buboy’s awards in golf are catching up with his acting awards already.

After the event, Buboy and I enjoyed bonding at his place. The wine and conversation flowed freely as we listened to Tony Bennett’s songs. “At this point in my life, I refuse to let stress get the better of me,” Buboy said. “When all the crazy intrigues get too much to bear, I just surrender it all to God.”

CESAR Montano at the awarding ceremony FACEBOOK PHOTO

To lighten the mood, I teased him, “I wonder when a rumor that you are gay will spread.”

He shot back: “That’s something nobody will believe.”

We both had a good laugh .

Nowadays, his sickly though feisty mom and loyal staff through the years keep him company.

It was so endearing when he reminisced about the happy days with his late sister, Gemini, who was a special child. Her framed picture is displayed in the hallway of Buboy’s house along with other family pictures.

It’s during those unguarded moments that make me wish people who pass judgment on him get to see what a kind soul Buboy truly is.

Glamping

Lifestyle, the cable channel for women, teams up once again with Travel Factor for “Glamping by Lifestyle.” It will be held on April 8-10 at the Summer Siren Festival in Crystal Beach in Zambales. There will be yoga sessions, flow arts, poi dancing, hula hooping, hand-drumming and cross-fit workouts. Hale, Moonstar 88, Mother Bass, The Zombettes and other artists will dish out the perfect soundtrack for summer. Plus top DJs will keep the party mood going.

Personal

Thank you dean Alvin Sejera and the faculty of ICCT (Cainta, Rizal) for the warm welcome.