Exclusive: Eddie Garcia wants ‘no goodbyes’

Eddie Garcia

When I heard the news about Tito Eddie Garcia’s accident, my mind went on flashback mode. I fondly remember the fun interview I had with Tito Ed in his home. He and his longtime partner Lilibeth Romero made me feel so welcome in their cozy place.

It happened on my birthday month. So sweet of Tito Ed and Lilibeth to give me a birthday present after our interview. They even served merienda.

Tito Ed is soooo warm and down-to-earth. It almost makes me forget that he’s a living legend—a true show biz icon.

Luchie Chanco, Lilibeth’s sister and a friend of mine, shared her thoughts about the actor: “Eddie is very kind, humble and a good-natured gentleman. He is cheerful, always looking at the bright side of things. No airs about himself and does not see himself as a big actor.”

“Eddie always says, if he dies, he wants to be cremated on the same day. No wake, no viewing. He wants his ashes to be scattered over Manila Bay. No goodbyes. People will just notice that he is not around anymore.”

My Ma (the late Inday Badiday) once told me that when she asked Tito Ed if he’s billing-conscious, his reply was, “Not at all. As long as my name is spelled correctly, that’s fine with me.” Such humility.
Hopefully, the “Oragon” (Bicol slang for a strong/astig person) in Manoy Eddie will make him get back in fighting form. Let’s keep praying for his miraculous healing. We can not adore him (on and off-cam) enough.

Liza Diño-Seguerra told me that long before the accident of Tito Eddie, the Film Development Council of the Philippines which she heads was already planning to have a retrospective of his films at the Udine Far East Film Festival in Italy next year. Initial films included in the retro are “Rainbow’s Sunset,” “Bwakaw,” “ML,” “Hintayin ng Langit” and “Pagdating sa Dulo.”

The organizers of the festival want to honor the contributions of Tito Eddie to Philippine cinema. They are planning to give Manoy a Lifetime Achievement Award and invite him to Udine as a guest speaker.
At 90, the well-respected actor remains to be on top of his game.

In a coma at press time

As of 1:40 p.m. of June 13, Thursday (the day this column was written and Inquirer Entertainment went to press)—Tito Ed’s spokesperson, Dr. Tony Rebosa, gave this update on his condition: “Mr. Eddie Garcia is still in a very critical condition and in [a] coma. He is on life support but despite the serious neck injuries he sustained, he continues to defy the odds and is valiantly fighting for his life.”

Let’s keep praying that God won’t send Tito Eddie a call slip yet. He is irreplaceable in the biz. Even in his old age, his passion for acting has not waned at all.