Show must go on for grieving Tirso

Clockwise, from top left: Bodie, TJ, Tirso, Djanin and Lynn Cruz

Despite the recent death of his son, Tirso Cruz III still made an effort to attend the press conference for the Metro Manila Film Festival entry “Jack Em Popoy”: The Puliscredibles,” and mingle with show biz reporters.

The seasoned actor is still “coping” with the death of his 37-year-old son, TJ, who died late last month due to lymphatic cancer. But as they say in this industry, he pointed out, “the show must go on.”

Duty

“No matter what happens, the people will be there, hoping to see you on television, in film or onstage. That’s why it’s important for us artists to separate our professional life from our personal life,” he said.

He’s not saying that grieving for his son comes second. It’s just that, as an artist, he believes it’s his duty to deliver what the people expect from him.

Support

“I’m thankful for all the support. I’m thankful for everything I have learned from my parents and my fellow actors that even if you’re going through a tough time, you have to keep it to yourself first,” he said.

“While Filipinos are very understanding of such situations, it’s your job to serve the people to whom you owe your career,” Tirso added.—ALLAN POLICARPIO