Cesar Montano braves personal and on-screen challenges head on

Top caliber actor Cesar Montano makes a television comeback unlike any other as he breathes life into Conrad Alperos in GMA Telebabad series, Akin Pa Rin Ang Bukas. Amidst the personal issues he is going through, it is undeniable that the award-winning actor and director still has what it takes to deliver a powerful performance.

At the Akin Pa Rin Ang Bukas press conference last August 29, the esteemed actor answered questions from the press about his newest TV series and his personal life.

When asked what made him say “yes” to the project, Cesar answered, “‘Nung unang sit down pa lang namin, kinuwento ni Jun Lana sa akin [ang concept]. Si Jun Lana naman, we’ve worked together in several projects like Jose Rizal and Muro-ami. Maganda ‘yung story. Immediately, I liked the project, so I grabbed it.”

He added, “Mas magaan 'to, dahil nabasa ko na ‘yung script, ‘yung cast, at si Direk Laurice Guillen ‘yan. ‘Yung unang pelikula ko kung saan una akong nagwagi ng Best Supporting Actor is from the movie, Ang Bukas Ay Akin, [noong] 1989. Laurice Guillen [film] ‘yun, kaya excited ulit ako na makasama siya.”

In the series, Cesar Montano plays Conrad Alperos, the most trusted lawyer of the Roel Villacorta (Gary Estrada). He is in a relationship with Jade (Solenn Heussaff), but will later fall for Lovelia (Lovi Poe), Roel’s daughter who was born out of wedlock.

It is interesting to note that Cesar has worked with Lovi’s father, the late Fernando Poe, Jr. in a film called Ang Padrino. He is also good friends with Solenn’s father, Lois Paul Heussaff.

Cesar shared about his friendship with Solenn’s dad and said, “Ang father niya, kaibigan ko, na-meet ko during the time of Jose Rizal. Kaya ‘nung nag-meeting kami sa story con dito, may dala agad sa akin na libro from Paul (Solenn’s dad). Hindi ko ma-imagine na ito ‘yung bata na halos ihatid ko sa eskwela na elementary.”

The respected actor also addressed questions regarding his personal life. When asked if he is now ready to love again, he answered, “Wala pa sa isip ko ‘yan. Kahit sabihin nating walang imposible sa pagmamahal, I don’t think it’s proper to go into that situation.”

Is Cesar Montano already officially single?

“I do not know, kasi sa mata ng batas, I’m not. Sa mata ng Diyos, hindi pa rin. Well, if you’re going to read the Bible, anti-divorce ang Panginoon, eh,” he stated.

Cesar admitted that he is “throroughly devastated” with what he is going through, but is eager to conquer all challenges for the sake of his children.

“Ako, sino ako? Batang kalsada ako, Sta. Ana boy ako, eh. Ang tsinelas ko, iisa lang habang naglalakad ako at masaya ako. I’m not saying na hindi ako nasasaktan, tao rin ako. Nalulungkot rin ako, pero ako si Buboy, batang Sta. Ana. Ito, mga bata ito, walang kinalaman sa away that’s why I hate this because I know that the children do not deserve this.”

When asked whether there are any regrets on his part, Cesar replied, “Sa buhay naman ng tao, there are so many regrets. Kung talagang ibabalik mo lahat, marami kang ibabalik. I thank God for what I have right now, kahit problema man iyan o magandang blessing. Sa tingin ko, God is preparing me for a bigger task, a bigger issue in life, pero hindi naman porke’t may problema ka, you are not blessed but you are just being tested.”

At this point, can he already say “Akin pa rin ang bukas”? The action and dramatic star quipped, “Sa September 9 po, masasabi ko na “Akin Pa Rin Ang Bukas”.

For more updates about Cesar Montano and Akin Pa Rin Ang Bukas, just log on to www.gmanetwork.com.--Text by Samantha Portillo, Photo by Bochic Estrada, GMANetwork.com