Cesar Montano eyes musical film on Rizal
Cesar Montano is developing a musical film about Jose Rizal, this time focusing on the National Hero’s time in Japan and his connection to a Japanese woman.
“This is a film but musical... continuous (development) hanggang ngayon, maganda yung kwento,” said Cesar, who has already worked on two songs for the planned musical.
He clarified that he will not be playing Rizal again. He wants a younger actor to be cast in it.
He has no plans of directing it either with “Maria Clara at Ibarra” series director Zig Dulay as one of the names floated during the interview.
The project highlights Rizal’s relationship with the Japanese woman Seiko Usui, also known as O-Sei-San. Rizal met her in Tokyo in 1888. Historians said she was 23-year-old samurai’s daughter who introduced Rizal to the Japanese language, culture and the arts.
Cesar wants a Japanese actress to play the female lead character after someone pointed out that his daughter Angelina, who’s also an actress-singer, could be cast in the role. He appreciates the suggestion but for him, “she can play the friend, but O-Sei-San has to be… Japanese,” he noted.
While the project is still in early stages, Cesar also sees it as something that could work on streaming platforms.
He’s looking into tapping possible producers, including the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc.
The actor, who played Rizal said he continues to study Rizal’s life. He recalled a visit to Dapitan, where Rizal was exiled.
“Two years ago I went to Dapitan… I was invited as a guest by the LGU (local government unit) for a re-enactment, pati yung paglalakad hanggang doon sa kung saan siya dinala,” he recalled.
“Yung feeling na dumating ka doon sa tabing dagat… This was July, maulan pala ‘yon, malamig. Ganun pala siya dumating dun.
“Si Rizal, madali maging kaibigan. Marami kang matututunan… parang blessing in every place that he went to.”
Outside film, Cesar has been focused on writing and abstract painting. He has an ongoing exhibit at Westin.
He also read his original poem “Kalayaan” at the first “Pan de Panitikan” poetry and music night held at Kamuning Bakery Cafe. He said he has asked a musician to turn the poem into a song.
“So happy (to be invited), tuwang-tuwa ako dito sa ginawa,” he said, saying it’s one creative outlet that can inspire the young.
The event gathered esteemed writers and poets including Dr. Michael Coroza, Dr. Vim Nadera, Nestor Cuartero, Red Constantino, Ron Canimo, Freddie Lazaro and Regina Amit.
Meanwhile, the 63-year-old shared some of his secrets in staying in shape and “maintenance-free” at his age.
Cesar said he’s been active, doing pickleball nowadays. Enough sleep is also a must for him and he makes sure he’s in bed by 9 p.m. He practices OMAD or one meal a day and stays away from red meat. hindi ako… hindi ako nagmi-meat.”
“Umiiwas ako. Kung merong isda, may gulay, that’s what I eat. Minsan, napapakain lang ako ng pinakbet but no meat. I eat rice but black rice,” he said of his usual diet.
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