What Cesar Montano Can't Live Without

Screen idol Cesar Montano certainly seems to have it all - a stellar career and adulation from his many fans. Yet, more than his professional success, this accomplished actor treasures his ties with loved ones and friends.

This is why his day just wouldn't be complete if he's not in touch with them - and his handy TM (the new and improved Touch Mobile) cellphone ensures constant communication with the people who matter most to him.

Cesar has already established himself as a superb actor and director, with hit movies "Jose Rizal," "Muro Ami," and international recognition for acting and directing in "Panaghoy sa Suba." Most recently, he has focused on making a name for himself in the international scene, with his Hollywood debut in the critically-acclaimed film "The Great Raid" and his most recent award at the Grand Prix Special Du Jury in the 32nd Brussels International Independent Film Festival for "Panaghoy Sa Suba."

These achievements from a man who lived a fairly commonplace life before he shot to stardom, coupled with his down-to-earth charm and charisma, make him a worthy role model for the masses and a natural choice to become the endorser of TM, the prepaid cellphone brand for blue-collar workers.

With his very busy schedule, Cesar relies heavily on his cellphone. "My cellphone is a big part of my everyday life," he shares. "The first thing I do upon waking up is check my mobile phone for important calls or text messages," adds Cesar, who brings his cellphone everywhere he goes.

A typical day in Cesar's life is packed with film shootings, guestings on TV shows, or other showbiz projects. This hardworking guy usually wakes up between 8 to 9am and is busy with several appointments until late at night. Throughout the day, however, he finds time to call or text his wife and kids and ask how they're doing. "I call them as much as I can," he says. "I always check to see if they're doing fine, especially now that another child has been added to our family."

Cesar's cellphone also helps him manage his career and keep his schedule up-to-date. "Most of my family and staff are already on TM since TM-to-TM calls are much more affordable and convenient," he shares. When his schedule is not so busy, however, Cesar makes it a point to spend quality time with his family, going out to the movies, or simply staying at home with them. Sometimes, he also finds time to relax on his own by watching movies or working out at the gym. He usually takes this opportunity to get together with his friends.

Since he relies on his phone a lot, Cesar appreciates that TM has the lowest call rate among cellphone networks at just P1 per minute after the second minute (the first two minutes are charged at a flat rate of P5.50 per minute). With TM, Cesar only spends P1 per text even to other networks, and he can also make calls more frequently for only P15 for every 15 minutes with the Todo Tawag 15/15 promo.

These allow Cesar to get the most out of the TM service so that he can reach out to friends and family even when he's busy. And now that he's often out of the country, his friends and family can easily call him at TM's new budget IDD rate of only $0.20 per minute for calls to the USA, UK, Canada, China, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, Taiwan and Australia.

Cesar's devotion to his family and friends is reflected in his effort to stay in touch, and the simple words of encouragement that he receives from them serve as his source of inspiration. "The sweet text messages sent by my loved ones always brighten my day and inspire me to do my best," he says.

This, perhaps, is the real reason why so many Pinoys look up to Cesar Montano: he is truly an example of a self-made man who worked his way to success, and who remains humble and determined to reach for even greater dreams.

He says, "My formula for success is simple: love your work, be professional, and never forget to devote time to your family no matter how busy your schedule is. Above all, always thank the Lord for all the blessings He showers on you."

Cesar Montano: 'My formula for success is simple: love your work, be professional, and never forget to devote time to your family no matter how busy you are.'