Cesar’s close encounters with Hollywood stars

Cesar Montano with his daughters (from left) Sam, Buching and Cheska

I had a blast with my BFF (for over a decade and counting) Cesar Montano at his place during our pre-New Year bonding. Also present were Buboy’s (his nickname) Sta. Ana barkada. They have been friends long before Buboy became famous. Their bond remains intact. It only goes to show that fame has not changed Buboy a bit.

After being elevated to the Hall of Fame as best actor at the 2019 Metro Manila Film Festival, Buboy is all revved up for his film projects with Inspire Studios this year.

One of them is “Last Man Out” (LMO). It’s the untold story of the extraordinary bra­very that turned tragedy into triumph. It will also focus on the Special Bolo Battalion of Palawan. His movie with Robin Padilla, “Blood Brothers,” is already in the postproduction stage. After his hiatus, Buboy is so back.

Here’s my chat with Buboy:

What made you accept the offer to do LMO?

I’m so excited to do the film. My role is quite challenging. I met the writer in California, and we talked for hours about my role.

What’s the difference between working with the crew of a local production and a fo­reign crew?

Members of a Filipino crew are flexible and talented. While those of a foreign crew are so boxed in their task. It’s hard for them to shift or take a different approach if given a situation that needs troubleshooting. But don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying they aren’t talented. They are an awesome bunch.

Tell us about your role in LMO.

As of this moment I am not at liberty to divulge details about my role. All I can say is it’s similar to Mel Gibson’s role in “The Patriot.”

Please share some memorable encounters you had with Hollywood actors. The unforgettable ones include those with James Franco, Joseph Fiennes and Benjamin Bratt. They remain groun­ded despite fame. I mentioned to James that I have directed some action films. I told him a bit about “Bullet,” “Mananabas” and “Alas Dose.” He was amazed. It’s his dream to direct, too. James became my buddy since then.

Benjamin had a great time playing cards with the Filipino Guerrilla Team during our break in “Boot Camp.” He felt so at home with us because we have the same color. He’s a Peruvian. Joseph is the friendliest guy among them. We played tennis most of the time.

How’s your relationship with your three grown-up daughters? After Christmas, we attended Sunday worship service. Then, there was nonstop laughing during dinner. Sam, Buching and Cheska all paint well. Nagmana sa akin, so we’re planning to mount an exhibit of our works soon.

What kind of show would lure you to come out on TV again? A wholesome family sitcom. But that will probably come after I finish all the films I’m slated to do.

What’s more important to you, awards or box-office success? It is always our intention to have both. But over and above that, a good message of the film has to be delivered. Audience should have a good “takeaway” in their heart after watching our movie.

How do you handle it when you are working with a ham actor? I encourage and help him out. It has to be a team effort.

What’s the most important lesson you learned from your colorful past?Forgiveness. It’s not easy, but nothing is impossible if we ask God for help. Love and pain come as a package deal. Forgiveness balances things off. INQ