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Tuesday, April 05, 2005
Conversations with Manoy
By Jojie Alcantara
Witerary
HERE's a tip. It's very hard to pull me out of the house unless it is about: a project I have to work on, an event to host or participate, a travel adventure, a friend in need, or an invitation to meet a person I idolize.
In this case, when Gerard Alan Co, branch manager of Tanduay Davao, invited me for an intimate gathering for a special guest, I did a speed trip to the shower and change, something I seldom do. Shower fast, I mean.
Ahfat was full as usual when we arrived outside. A vehicle parked in front of me. Gerard alighted, and on the other side, out came Eddie Garcia...tall...silently commanding, and handsome in maong jacket, cap and jeans. I nearly swooned.
I vaguely remembered Gerard doing the introductions. I just stared up at him with jaw dropped, something I never do with young celebrities. Luck was with me, though, because we went through the doors of Ahfat together, so it seemed like I personally escorted him straight from the airport. Cool.
Heads turned, whispers turned to excited blabbers. Someone shouted, "Manoy!" My idol turned and graciously wave at the dining crowd.
We were ushered into a separate room where most of the Tanduay employees were waiting excitedly to catch a glimpse of him. Photo sessions with the media took place before we could sit down.
He was here on an invitational Mayor's Cup shootfest, and as an endorser of Tanduay's Barcelona drink. I was once a shooter, so we talked about guns shortly, before he asked if tasted Barcelona. I don't drink brandy.
"It's good," he said, and ordered for glasses. A toast between us ensued, and embarrassingly, I had to finish the shot in one gulp as he jokingly said, "Bottoms up!" Cameras flashed.
The liquor slid down my throat smoothly but strongly, I shivered. The rest took their drinks too. Nice way to jumpstart an interview, huh.
Dinner at Ahfat is always delicious. Imagine a sumptuous meal while conversing with your favorite celebrity. He graciously answered questions swinging back and forth from me, GMA's Bam Salvani, Testigo's Madonna Timbal, and DOT's Roger Layson, while the rest of the media group listened.
Manoy, a Bicolano, just turned 76 last May 2, but he nowhere looked near his age.
In an interview I read, let me quote: "If there's one word to describe Eddie Garcia, it's simple. He doesn't flaunt himself, his talents, his box-office appeal. He is the quintessential Silent Superstar--self-effacing, un-showbizlike. In fact, one wonders how he has managed to stay more than 50 years in a business that thrives on flamboyance and ultra-high visibility."
His secret? "Do everything in moderation," he said.
He keeps a successful private persona. "That's because I have a boring, simple life," he said.
He has been widowed twice, had three children, one of whom had a vehicular accident at the age of 21 in the 70s. I have also read that with the numerous films he made, he charges a lower fee for Viva Films as payback for reviving his stint as film director for "P.S. I Love You' (1981) which starred Sharon Cuneta and Gabby Concepcion.
He admitted some films he took were for "bread trip"(for money), like small independent movie outfits with limited budget. Most of the non-"bread trip" movies he made are those he personally directed.
Currently, he has several films in tow, a few of them shot in digital film. He was so interesting to talk to, and dinner was over so fast. He sent us home with bags of goodies from Tanduay, and a small Barcelon brandy bottle in new 250ml size.
Celebrities rise, shine and sparkle, then fade away. Very few, like Eddie Garcia, shimmer and glow continuously like a star at night...a beacon for the new ones to emulate.
Our hats off to you, Manoy.
Writer's website is www.witerary.com, or email witty@info.com.ph
For Bisaya stories from Davao. Click here. (April 5, 2005 issue)
Write letter to the editor.Click here.
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