CesarMontano (center)with kids Diego and Angela
After our exclusive story about Cesar Montano’s side regarding his son Diego Loyzaga’s angst-ridden Instagram posts came out last week, the former sent me this message: “Thanks, BFF. All I want to say is this: As a father, my priority is to ensure the safety of my son’s life. Next is to assist him in achieving his dreams and goals. As of now, I’m meddling in his life even if he gets mad and no matter what he says because I just want to make sure he stays alive and is away from danger.”
When I chide Buboy (Cesar’s nickname) that he could be mistaken for Diego in his old films shown on Cinema One, he insists that his son is more handsome than him. That’s the proud dad in him.
To see eye to eye with his dad, Diego ought to try using his ears. Buboy is no saint but he is not the evil guy that Diego makes him appear.
For another side of the story, I thought of interviewing Buboy’s eldest daughter, Angela. She’s 35 and has two sons, Clyde (10) and Joshua (4). Her mom, Marlyn Polinga (Buboy’s first wife) passed away in 1993.
Since I’m a family friend, I’ve seen Buboy in his unguarded moments with Diego and also with Angela. Even if she’s all grown up, Angela will always be a daddy’s girl.
Here’s our exclusive chat with Angela:
What can you say about Diego’s allegations against your dad? I got worried for both of them. I wondered how it came to this. When news broke out about Diego’s angry posts about Dad on Instagram, I texted Diego. I could not believe those words were coming from him so I asked if it was really his account. He said he loved me as his Ate but he didn’t feel like talking about the issue.
What’s your unsolicited advice to your half-brother Diego? Sit down with our dad to clear things out. He should vent out all his ill feelings by having a one-on-one with Dad. He should not let himself be swayed or manipulated by anyone. Ranting on social media won’t solve the problem. It will only make things worse.
Diego, you are still so young and very talented. You have a bright future ahead of you, and a lot of opportunities beyond your expectations will surely come your way.
How would you describe your Dad? He is so kind and very supportive. He may have some flaws just like everybody else, but I can say that he has a good, loving heart and is a good provider to all his children. Actually, if he had a choice he’d love to be with all of us. No dull moment with him because he loves to crack jokes.
What’s your relationship with Diego like? We didn’t grow up together so I can’t say that we are really close. But we have our “sibling moments.” He’s sweet to me when we see each other. He hugs me and calls me Ate. I went to the wake of his grandfather (on the maternal side). When our Lola (Cesar’s mom) died, he came to her wake, too.
How does your Dad discipline you? During our high school days with my late brother Angelo, Dad was strict… [regarding] our study hours. He always made sure we prayed before meals and ate everything on our plate. Once, when Angelo and I were noisy in church, he spanked us when we got home. But when he disciplined us, he always explained the reason behind it so we knew it was for our own good.
What’s your message to your dad’s bashers? Instead of bashing, just pray for him and Diego. Whether it’s the parent or the son who’s wrong, it’s the whole family that’s affected.
What’s the best thing about being the daughter of Cesar? He loves me unconditionally and he will always be there to support me no matter what. He protects me and gives the assurance of security.
What’s the toughest part about being the daughter of Cesar? People tend to expect more from me. And when negative issues about Dad are in the news, I have to be extra-patient and understanding because some people will only believe what they want to believe.
Travel show
The hip travel show hosted by Milo Anzo, “Lost Boy Adventures,” ends its first season Saturday, Feb. 18 (9:30 a.m. in ABS-CBN Sports + Action). Expect a more exciting Season 2, which will promote environment stewardship and have an anti-bullying campaign, aside from taking you to undiscovered pieces of heaven in the Philippines.
Personal: Daghang salamat to my Davao Angel, Jane Trinidad, for being a friend above and beyond the call of duty.