By LOY PALAPOS
"Bohol 's contribution to the movie world is limited by opportunity. The province is too distant from tinsel town, where the action is, and where celebrity status is attained. In the sixties the star of Rebecca del Rio shone brightest when she won in the Asian Film Festival in her heart-rending portrayal of a long-suffering mother in Malvarosa. The girl from Sierra Bullones named Nena Buslon was on top of the movie scene, when she decided to leave film-making and went to the USA.
There were a few with Boholano roots who ventured into the movie world after her; but none of them reached star status, even if they were star-materials. Until Cesar Montano came into the scene. He did not arrive at the movie portals as a big name, like the dime-a-dozen new faces today who are products of nationally telecast competitions and gimmicks, who sparkle brightly for a short span of time but only to fade away into oblivion.
As a student he already dreamed of acting in the movies, not because he loved the glitter, but because it was his calling. He loved to act, not because of the applause, but because of self-fulfillment in a field he has the potentials. Thus, after his studies at Lyceum of the Philippines , for a degree in Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering in 1983, he concentrated for the fulfillment of his dream. Earlier he enrolled in the Actor's Guild Workshop and the ECP Acting Workshop where his mentors noticed his capabilities. Even as a teen-ager he had already learned to play the piano, strum the guitar, and sing. Other seminar-workshops and exposures followed to hone his craft. In 1987 he was taken in as Facilitator of the Actors Workshop Foundation, a decision that was a step to his steady ascent to stardom.
His acting debut was on stage, which measures real thespic talents. He headed the cast of “Esteremenggoles,” a comedy staged at the Cultural Center of the Philippines in 1984. This was followed by “El Sentido del Indio,” “New Yorker in Tondo” and “Romeo and Juliet,” at the University of the Philippines . His performance drew raves, especially in the latter, where his handsome features and passionate acting were perfect for the role of the ill-fated lover.
After his first film, it was a steady climb to the top. There are several films to his credit, among the most memorable are “Warfreak” (1997), “Bullet” (1999), and “Mananabas” (2001) of Viva Films where he was the lead actor, line producer, and director. “Asero” (1997), “Hostage” (2001), “Bagong Buwan” (2001), “Alas Dose” (2000) and “Chavit Singson Story” (2003) further enhanced his image as a topnotch action and drama star. “Muro Ami” (1999) and “Panaghoy sa Suba” (2004) were shot in Bohol , and established his supremacy in films with local color. He even acted and directed, and produced “Panaghoy.” “The Great Raid” (2005), filmed by Miramax (USA), made him an international star.
He also invaded television, and starred in Agos, a serial drama (1985), To Sir With Love (1987), and Kaya ni Mister, Kaya ni Misis (1997-2005). In-between movie and TV assignments, he accepted print-ad and television commercials, making him one of the top product endorsers of the country. Aside from production outfits like Viva Films, he has worked with Star Cinema, GMA Films, Golden Lion Films, and CM Films. Much sought-after as an actor, all film-makers he has worked with salute his professionalism. In television he is a favorite of ABS-CBN and Channel 13.
The Boholano actor has won several awards, starting with Best Supporting Actor in the Manila Film Festival (1990) and Catholic Mass Media Awards (1999). Also in 1999 he won 3 Best Actor Awards: Metro Manila Film Festival, FAMAS, and Teachers Association Philippines. The following year, his film “Rizal,” which won critical acclaims, gave him global recognition. He duplicated his feat by winning two more Best Actor awards at the Metro Manila Film Festival in 2002 and 2004. At the same time, his film, which he acted in, produced, and directed was declared Best Picture in the same filmfest in 2004.
The pursuit for loftier goals is inherent in an artist. His muse must be venerated, his creativity afforded vent, his flight to Mt. Olympus unending. The actor in Cesar Montano sought perfection of his craft. And what better way than to go beyond national limits. Prodded by colleagues in the movie world, GMA Films, Inc. entered “Rizal” in the 2000 Benodet International Film Festival in France . With hopes high, but not expecting to win the nod of judges, Cesar and the Company's CEOs flew to France . And he won as Best Actor in a competition coveted by great talents all over the world.
After that, it was time to venture into directing. For the many years he was in front of the camera, he silently learned the director's skills. The opportunity came when he formed his own movie outfit, CM Films, Inc. Directing himself was the biggest challenge so far. Wanting to show to movie enthusiasts, the beauty of his home province, he filmed “Panaghoy sa Suba,” (The Call of the River).
He stunned the Philippine movie industry by making a grand-slam in the award-giving bodies. “Panaghoy” was also only the second movie of Rebecca Lusterio and, like “Muro Ami” where she played a shaven boy (and won Best Child Performer in almost all award-giving groups), she won as Best Supporting Actress in her second film. But the national focus was on Montano. He did not just prove again his acting prowess. He won as Best Director in Gawad Urian and Golden Screen Award which also handed him trophies for Best Actor.
Buboy, as he is fondly called by his friends, is a man of noble virtues. He sees to it that ecological, culturalmoral and spiritual values are always inculcated in his movie roles. He keeps in mind that an actor is a role model, especially among the young.
Proof to this is his consistently shunning from broadcast and print commercials on cigarette and liquor products. “Omnia mutantor et benefecia sint muta”… (All things change and may the changes be of help)…is his favorite dictum. He said, “In the little and simple things that I do, I hope that I will be remembered as a harbinger of humility, equality, justice and peace in my movies…Film making is not just a way of living, but in itself a way of living. Movie is the best medium I can evangelize these virtues.” He loves Bohol . In one poster advertising Bohol , he claimed… “Nothing beats Bohol …except my wife.” Buboy is a devoted husband to Sunshine Cruz, an actress in her own right.
Many actors have tried what Cesar Montano has done. A few succeeded in a film or two only to diminish their luster. The Boholano actor, in utmost humility, has gone further. He has proven that a good actor can also be an excellent director and astute producer.
Many see Cesar Montano as an accomplished thespian and director par excellence; but only a handful knows of his other talents, especially in sports. He boxes, and could have been another Pacquiao, except that his facial features are not for the ring. He is an expert in ikido, judo, and karate and taekwondo. Just recently, Buboy organized and spearheaded the first Bohol Summer Sports and Drama Fest. He invited taekwondo greats like fellow-actor Monsour del Rosario and Benjie Magsino for the hands-on training. Simultaneous with it was the Drama Clinic he himself handled, with brother Rommel Montano, Disi Alba, and Eric Cañete. Proceeds of the Fests went to his Panghoy Children Foundation (PCF) where he is the Founding President; an offshoot to the Mabini tragedy Buboy was deeply touched.
He plays Basketball, tennis, table tennis, golf, chess; relaxes by scuba diving, and loves motorcross.
Cesar Montano was born in Manila . His father, Genovevo Q. Manhilot is from San Roque, Baclayon, Bohol and his mother, Emma De Montano is from Carles, Iloilo . He has a big farm and house in Bulacan, but during his free time he would rather come to Bohol , where his heart is."