ooking beyond Cesar Montano as a charming ham may be an insurmountable task, especially if one revisits his early film credits: Machete, Ang Bukas Ay Akin, his action flicks and a couple of cheesy massacre movies. But do we know any better? I guess not, it seems, because there was an overt attempt for us to belittle the talent that lay sleeping in this crouching tiger, hidden dragon. It was during this period that Cesar was harnessing power, recharging, honing his craft, locating his place in the treacherous life of acting, filmmaking and celebrity-hood.

What he unleashed before us are true revelations. In the bog that the local film industry finds itself, Cesar comes out directing his Visayan-spoken Panaghoy sa Suba, a film that has been screened at various international film festivals. The film snagged the Grand Prix Special Du Jury at the recent Brussels Film Festival, an award that recognizes Montano's effort as producer, director and actor of the film. Panaghoy was an instant favorite among the jury, participants, organizers and the viewing public. In the press release of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Charge d' Affaires Anamarie Morales said, “Mr. Montano's outstanding performance in the festival, which included roundtable discussions among the participants, was laudable and brought honor to the Philippine film industry and the country as a whole.” Cesar received a warm reception among the Filipino community there and the turnout at the screening was indeed overwhelming.

International film festivals have been Montano's favorite bus stops. His movies with director Marilou Diaz-Abaya screened at Cannes , Berlin and other key cities. Jose Rizal, the movie in which he got his first raves, was a crowd-pleaser, artistically and nationally. From then on, fans and peers would give him the kudos he deserved. Both Muro Ami and Bagong Buwan made him richer, dark, sun-kissed and aglow with the fat moon's beam. He showed that he could not only play admirable heroes but protagonists journeying to the heart of darkness.

His part in The Great Raid, released earlier this year by Miramax, reached audiences around the world. His performance, which won favorable reviews amid a production that received mixed ones, put him on the competitive global map. Montano is hopeful that his Hollywood career will flourish. His manager, Norma Japitana, is currently on the lookout for an agent who will represent Montano in the States. Small steps for Cesar but a giant leap again for our race, which has struggled in the international scene.

Going global has been Montano's dream, not just for himself but for Philippine cinema as well. As he said in our previous interview, “We Filipinos have our own story. We have our own culture. It's just a matter of being positive about it. And being proud. That somehow those stories could get the attention of Hollywood producers and incorporate them in their own. The Great Raid is a very good example. There are Filipinos everywhere, and there's a market for these films.”

In reality Cesar loves to clown around. He knows the language of the street, for it has found its way into his bloodstream. The air that he breathes is infected with the dizzying spell of perpetual childhood. “I was born and raised in Sta. Ana,” he exclaims. “When I was young I really was maharot. I would smell like a dog and I would do a lot of naughty stuff.” Even at his age, and being married to Sunshine Cruz and with three children, Cesar continues to act childlike. Perhaps it is owning this devil-may-care attitude that puts him in trouble. Recently it was mistaken as boorishness, when Cesar in street regalia strutted around the concert stage with Rico Puno and shocked audiences by chewing gum prior to singing. But we understand what that is. The serious actor-director is having a break, recharging again for his next challenge, daring us to sneer at him so he can reveal more, transform further.

ver the years, Cesar has undergone so many changes. His hair, his acting, his fortune, his private life. But one thing is constant, and that is the will to be better with each step, finer with each attempt, grander with each gesture. We don't know exactly when he's going to stun us again, but I bet the next time it happens he'll be ready to release the dragon's breath to consume everyone with its fire.

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