Eddie Garcia’s staying power

EDDIE Garcia in “Bwakaw”

I am in awe of Eddie Garcia as an actor and as a person. He is truly a living legend, yet he remains so down-to-earth. He has mastered the art of growing old gracefully.

I enjoyed interviewing him at his cozy place in Alabang. He and his longtime partner, Lilibeth, made me feel instantly at home. “Manoy” outdid himself in the critically-acclaimed film “Bwakaw” where he portrayed an aging closet gay with a pet dog.

What’s his message for closet gays?

“Just like all of us, they are also human beings,” he said. “So they deserve respect and equal treatment.”

What’s the secret to his staying power?

“Everything in moderation,” he quipped. “And staying away from trouble.”

If he were a dog like Bwakaw, what breed would he be?

“A Saint Bernard because it’s playful just like me,” he said.

At 83, Tito Eddie hasn’t forgotten how to have fun. The lovable “old dog” in him still has new tricks up his sleeve.

Diehard MJ fan

As a diehard Michael Jackson fan, I got caught up in the frenzy of organizing a party for what would’ve been the late King of Pop’s 54th birthday at Café ’80s with The Official Michael Jackson Fans Club Philippines and Grupo ’80s.

We were all dressed ala-MJ. We had an exhibit of MJ memorabilia, a cupcake tower and a performance by impersonator Julius Doria.

MICHAEL Jackson Fans Club at Cafe ’80s (top); MJ cupcake tower PHOTOS BY arnold almacen

Special guests were Luke Mejares and Medwin Marfil (True Faith), who both sang some of MJ’s hit songs.

Dorian Holley, MJ’s vocal coach in the concert film “This Is It,” sent me a message via Facebook after I posted the video of our party on his FB wall: “Well done. I wish I could have been there. Next time you have something like that for MJ, fly me and my band in. We have great covers of MJ songs.”

What better way to keep MJ’s memory alive?

‘Idol’ worship

All roads lead to the Big Dome on Sept. 21 for the “American Idols Live! Tour 2012,” topbilled by Phillip Phillips and the pride of Pinoys, Jessica Sanchez. Joining them are the other Top 10 finalists Joshua Ledet, Hollie Cavanagh, Skylar Laine, Elise Testone, Colton Dixon, DeAndre Brackensick, Heejun Han and Erika Van Pelt.

Time for some serious idol worship. Call 9115555 or log on to ticketnet.com.ph.

Personal

Thanks a mil to Bam Alegre and Jojo Aquio of GMA News, Pinky Fernando of Fernandos Bakeshop, Jon Yauder and Jerry Yap for helping make our MJ party a tremendous success.