Cesar & the common touch

Cesar Montano’s life is a classic story of your everyday Pinoy man who changed his fortune and decided to let nothing stand between him and his dream. The TM endorser, who recently starred in the Hollywood war epic The Great Raid, was once a regular, street-smart Sta. Ana resident, and later, an engineering graduate at the Lyceum.

With a strong possibility of having a career in Hollywood, Cesar is a symbol of how a typical Pinoy man can succeed with hard work and determination.

"I have always wanted to be an international actor I did not know exactly how to do it but I know that that’s what I wanted," said Cesar, "Cesar Manhilot" in real life. His simple hands-on approach, with his do-or-die determination, became his formula for success.

Starting by playing bit roles, the first turning point in Cesar’s career was the movie Kokak in 1989 where he played a major supporting role. His on-screen character immediately registered with the masa and movie producers noticed and signed him up for bigger roles.

He was then cast in lead roles for Machete, Waway and Markadong Hudas. But these were not enough for him. "I was happy of course, pero bitin. I knew I could do more," said Cesar.

From his humble beginnings, Cesar went on to do notable films like Jose Rizal, Muro-Ami and Panaghoy sa Suba. His personality and connection with the masa also made him celebrity endorser for brands like the new Touch Mobile also known as TM.

Nonie Busuego, head of TM, thinks Cesar’s image as a regular Pinoy working man who can relate very well with Pinoys.

"Cesar doesn’t even have to try to empathize with the masa," Nonie explains, "He connects with them in an effortless way and that’s very important for TM because we want people like Cesar to genuinely connect with and inspire our subscribers."

Whatever success he might achieve, Cesar continues to be a true icon and inspiration of the working man, whose achievements lie in facing life’s challenges upfront and living another day to fight the good fight.