..Now that some actors, like Aga Muhlach, are running for public office in 2013, will Cesar Montano repeat what he did in 2007 and 2010 by making a third bid for politics?
Is he running again, this time for Manila vice-mayor?
Cesar set the record straight once and for all at the presscon of his upcoming drama-thriller “Biktima,” directed by his friend, the US-educated (Los Angeles Film School) RD Alba.
“Wala akong planong tumakbo ngayon. Ang daming nag-suggest sa akin. And it’s an honor to be (Manila Mayor Alfredo) Lim’s runningmate. Pero paano ko gagawin yon sa dami ng gagawin kong pelikula?”
Cesar’s experience as a senatorial and gubernatorial candidate (in his native Bohol) taught him a couple of lessons he’d like to impart to fellow actors who want to try politics.
“You have to be smart. Prioritize your family. Kapag nakaupo ka na, saka sila gumamit ng puso nila. Kasi lalamunin sila ng sistema.”
First indie
This time, Cesar knows better. So he’s focusing on his comfort zone: acting. He just finished his first indie film, “Biktima,” which he shot for four days in Bohol.
Cesar is in his element once more as a man devastated after insurgents attack his reporter-wife (Angel Aquino). He turns to his wife’s best friend (Mercedes Cabral) for solace.
Things just fell into place for Cesar and “Biktima’s” director.
“Nagkataon nasa Bohol ako noon. Tinanong niya (Direk RD) kung pwede kaming mag-shoot. It took us four days. Mabilis umanggulo si Direk. At walang stress. Relax na relax. Nakikipagkuwentuhan lang ako sa mga kaibigan ko sa Bohol. Nagpapalit lang ng damit at nag-shoo-shooting.”
Their target, Cesar reveals, is a slot at an international filmfest. And this, he beams, is possible since he himself is proud of the film, its director and fellow actors.
“Nakasama ko na si Direk sa 'Panaghoy sa Sugba.’ Producer din siya. I’d like to work with Angel again and Mercedes is such a dedicated actress.”
Upcoming projects
Cesar is brimming with plans to finish a couple of big movies this year. One is about Dr. Jose Rizal’s story. Another centers on Alejandro Roces. The others, adds Cesar, are “Blood for Blood”, “Right to Kill” and Lim’s fourth biopic (the first three starred Rudy Fernandez, Ramon Revilla Sr. and Eddie Garcia).
All these leave Cesar hardly any time for politics.
“I’m not closing my doors,” he explains. “Pero hindi ngayon.”
His family, Cesar goes on, plays a big part on whether he will run for public office again or not.
“Kailangan sang-ayon ang pamilya ko. Kailangan sang-ayon si Sunshine (Cruz, his wife).”
But the final decision is his to make. And right now, Cesar seems to have made his choice.
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