CESAR Montano and wife Sunshine Cruz: Work in progress.
There was a certain sadness in Cesar Montano’s eyes at the press con of his movie, “Alfredo S. Lim: The Untold Story” (opens Feb. 27) at Bellisimo restaurant in Quezon City. My heart went out to him. It’s not easy to face the press when you’re hounded by controversies.
The actor-director-producer was excited about the release of his “masterpiece” but the husband-father in him is distraught, with all the brouhaha about his marital woes. I wish people who don’t really know him would stop crucifying him.
Buboy is man enough to admit his shortcomings. These days, Instagram posts speak louder than words, as shown by Buboy’s wife, Sunshine Cruz.
Sunshine and Cruz (her first name and maiden name) seemingly convey a message—that is, for the sun to keep shining on the Montanos’ marriage, the couple must be able to bear the cross that comes with it. May their domestic front not turn into a battlefront.
As their close friend, I really hope that time and space apart will make them see what they have as a couple.
Here’s Cesar, uncensored:
How are you coping?
It’s tough. Puyat at pagod sa shooting. I told my staff na huwag muna akong balitaan tungkol sa mga isyu. The right time to deal with all that will come. Social media are not the right avenues for this. They will only aggravate matters. I don’t see why I should explain to people who don’t really care about me. It’s crazy out there; you’d think I was caught in the act. Pinalayas daw ako ni Shine. Ang totoo, di ako umuwi kasi nagpalamig ako.
How are things between you and Shine?
Di pa naman sunset (laughs). I won’t deny that we’re having problems, which is normal in any marriage. We are in the process of fixing things. Only God, who brought us together, can mend what’s broken. We need our friends’ prayers and understanding.
Shine and I are not perfect and neither is our marriage. This storm shouldn’t tear down our marriage. We’ve been through hell and back. Hopefully, this too shall pass.
How’s your relationship with your three daughters with Shine?
I try to answer all their questions. I am transparent with them because I also want them to be that way with me. They are the permanent girls in my life.
On a lighter note, why should people watch “Alfredo S. Lim: The Untold Story?”
We are hoping the audience will see what we saw in Alfredo Lim—an extraordinary individual, a hero in his own right who aims to teach and inspire just by being himself. The movie will give viewers a better insight into his character. The travails he underwent as a child when he was left for adoption… will show his soft side. Who would think that a toughie like him also cries?
What about the “Untold Story of Cesar Montano?”
The script isn’t done yet. I am a work in progress. I’m only human. I fall; I get up again. Life goes on.
Vote for Manoy and Guy
Eddie Garcia is nominated for best actor (“Bwakaw”) and Nora Aunor for best actress (“Thy Womb”) in the Asian Film Awards in Hong Kong. The awards ceremony will be held on March 18. Please vote for Tito Eddie and Ate Guy: https://hk.promotions.yahoo.com/movie/afa2013. Voting is until March 11.
These living legends deserve all the accolades and more!