Manny Castañeda, actor and director, dies aged 69

Image: Facebook/Manny Castañeda

Veteran actor and director Manny Castañeda died at age 69, Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) chair and CEO, and lifelong friend Jose “Joey” Javier Reyes said on Monday, July 1.

Castañeda’s family has yet to issue an official statement, but Reyes who was one of the closest people to the actor-director told INQUIRER.net that he had been diagnosed with pneumonia a month ago.

“Most likely cardiac arrest,” said Reyes when asked for Castañeda’s cause of death. “He has been sickly lately. Just a month ago he was diagnosed with pneumonia, and also a heart condition.”

In his Facebook post, Reyes shared an old black-and-white photo of himself with Castañeda as he recalled the good times with his “BFF” (best friend forever) of 61 years.

“We were eight years old when we met. We missed a number of years between the final years of grade school and high school. But we made such a big deal about how we found each other again at the canteen in De la Salle College then,” he said. “And we were inseparable since that time, all throughout college … until we both ended up teaching then finding our place in the insane world of show business”

Reyes said he and Castañeda “were there for each other all the way,” despite having different “political beliefs” and sharing arguments throughout the latter’s life. This, according to Reyes, is hard for him since he won’t be able to “bitch it out” with his best friend.

“No, it is not going to be the same. But His Will Be Done. I know you are now having a major time giving an update to Don and Khryss and all our friends who are having eternal coffee breaks in the Great Beyond. And I know that where you are … you will [be] on the lookout for me,” he added.

He said Castañeda was a “great part of [his] life” and his presence is “irreplaceable.”

“I never told this [to] you when you were around because I knew you would just cringe and tell me to shut up, but you are such a great part of my life because you are my irreplaceable BFF. I am going to miss you big time,” he wrote.

In an earlier Facebook post, the filmmaker said that he is “in pain” for losing his friend. “My heart is so broken. I love you, my Friend. I will miss you so badly.”

Castañeda started his acting career in 1979 when he starred in the movie “Aliw.” He has since appeared in the films “Sakal, Sakali, Saklolo,” “Oro Plata Mata,” “Darna,” “Nag-iisang Ikaw,” “Nang Iniwan Mo Ako,” and “Sana’y Wala Nang Wakas,” to name a few.

He was also a regular fixture at the “Sic o’Clock News,” a popular political satire and comedy show in the late 80’s, along with Jaime Fabregas, Ces Quesada, and the late Rene Requiestas.

He also made appearances in the TV series “Makiling,” “FPJ’s Ang Probisyano,” “One of the Baes,” “Bora,” and an episode of “Maalaala Mo Kaya.”

Meanwhile, as a filmmaker, Castañeda is best known for his work in the films “Sa kabilugan ng buwan,” “April, May, June,” “Shame,” and the segment “Impakto” in the 1994 film “Shake, Rattle & Roll V,” among others.