John Lloyd Cruz and the owner of the restaurant featured in “One More Chance.” Image: Instagram/@dumpsitegallery
John Lloyd Cruz went to one of the restaurants featured in his 2007 film “One More Chance” to join in the birthday celebration of its owner, who was one of the people who kept him company during times he was disheartened.
The award-winning actor showed moments from restaurant owner Roberto Bellini’s birthday party through the former’s official Instagram page on Thursday, Jan. 4.
In a separate post shared on his other Instagram page @dumpsitegallery, Cruz paid tribute to Bellini and regarded the latter’s restaurant as the origin of his “One More Chance” character, Popoy.
“‘Di ako huminto sa pagdalaw sa lugar kung saan pinanganak si Popoy,” Cruz wrote in the caption. (I never stopped visiting the place where Popoy was born.)
Despite the language barrier, Cruz said Bellini was among those who made him realize the importance of having something to work on.
“…Siya lang marahil ang napili kong pakinggan at tunay na nagpaunawa ng halaga ng mayroon kang ginagawa. ‘You have to work, John Lloyd,'” he said, quoting Bellini.
“Salamat, kaibigan. Salamat, Roberto. Maligayang kaarawan sa’yo. Nasa puso kita at isipan,” he greeted.
Bellini’s restaurant was where Popoy and Basha, portrayed by Bea Alonzo, had a confrontation a few weeks after their breakup.
“One More Chance,” directed by Cathy Garcia-Molino, revolves around the love story of Popoy and Basha. The hit film has a sequel, “The Second Chance,” which was released in 2015.
A musical adaptation of the first film is also set to be staged this year, featuring songs of the folk-pop band Ben&Ben.