MANILA, Philippines — Celebrities have recalled their memorable moments with the veteran actor Eddie Garcia after he passed away Thursday at the age of 90.
READ: BREAKING: Eddie Garcia passes away
Mr. Pure Energy Gary Valenciano recounted Manoy’s words of encouragement to him whenever they see each other in events.
“I always used to come up to this man when we would be in the same event and tell him that if I ever got to his age, I’d like to be as strong as he was. He would just smile and often encourage me by saying he was happy that I was doing ok,” Valenciano wrote in an Instagram post.
Valenciano also took pride in getting the chance to work with Garcia: “It was an honor to have done a movie with sir Eddie Garcia under the direction of another legend, the late Lino Brocka back in the 80s.”
Valenciano and Garcia starred in Brocka’s “Kung Tapos Ang Kailanman” with Ricky Belmonte and Gina Pareño, among others.
“I won’t forget you, Sir. Thank you for being a part of the movie and TV industry. What a role you’ve played!!! Rest now as you live in His peace,” Valenciano said.
Actress Iza Calzado also recalled her first encounter with Garcia at the set of the television series “Kung Mawawala Ka.”
“I still remember seeing you for the first time when I was introduced in the show ‘Kung Mawawala Ka’ and how your mere presence took my breath away. I have admired you for your professionalism and passion for the craft,” Calzado said.
She expressed thanks to the late actor for his kind words when they met at the Cinemalaya press conference a year ago.
Calzado shared, “This was taken last year at the Cinemalaya press conference where you told me that you watched our show, State of the Art, and said the kindest things about me and the show. Thank you for being so generous with your words and spirit!”
Comedienne Pokwang, on the other hand, shared that she met Garcia when she was in third grade.
“Una kitang nakita noong grade 3 pa ako nag sho-shooting ka sa lugar namin sa Antipolo ng pelikulang “Sa Ngalan ng Anak,” Pokwang recalled.
She was able to work with him in 2009 with the late comedian and actor Dolphy.
“2009 nakatrabaho kita with Tatay Dolphy sa pelikulang ‘No Body But Juan.’ Grabe dream come true para sakin at halos maiyak ako sa saya,” he said. (Editor: Eden Estopace)