'Muro-ami's' Rebecca Lusterio gives message of gratitude to Cesar Montano

Rebecca Lusterio, the actress who rose to fame for her performance as Kalbo in the classic film “Muro-ami,” gave a message of gratitude to Cesar Montano for discovering her.

In a video message on “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda" on Wednesday, the former actress shared her appreciation for her Kuya Buboy.

“Sobrang natuwa ako nung nalaman ko na ipapalabas ulit ang ‘Muro-ami’ sa mga sinehan,” she said.

Rebecca added that she did not expect to be in another movie after “Muro-ami,” but was given another chance in Cesar’s “Panaghoy sa Suba.”

After that film, she was given a scholarship by Colegio de San Juan de Letran.

“Kuya Buboy, maraming, maraming salamat sa opportunities at tiwala na binigay mo sa akin. Dahil sa tiwala na ‘yun, maraming magagandang bagay ang nagbukas para sa akin, and that’s something I will always be grateful for,” she said.

Cesar then thanked Rebecca for her talent.

“Magaling na artista ‘to. Para manalo ka ng best supporting actress award, nako, para kang dumaan sa butas ng karayom,” he said.

The remastered “Muro-ami” begins screening in select SM Cinemas today. It is directed by Marilou Diaz-Abaya and written by Ricky Lee and Jun Robles Lana.

Aside from Cesar and Rebecca, the film also starred Pen Medina, Jhong Hilario, and Amy Austria.

The movie tackled the controversial and dangerous practice of using child divers in destructive fishing methods.

"Muro-ami" showed the illegal fishing method historically practiced on coral reefs in the Philippines and other parts of Southeast Asia. —Nika Roque/CDC, GMA News