It was not surprising then that, when Cezar reaped the Best Actor, Best Director and Best Movie trophies in the recent Urian Awards for his trendsetting Cebuano epic, "Panaghoy sa Suba," it was another cause for celebration for the school, proud of having him in the roster of illustrious alumni it continues to produce through the years.
Lyceum of the Philippines President Robert P. Laurel wasted no time gathering some friends in the academe, in business and society, for a casual dinner at his charming and tastefully appointed Corinthian Gardens abode, to celebrate Cesar’s recent string of victories. The honoree came with a few colleagues from the movie industry, but without wife Sunshine who is happily infanticipating and who, that night, decided to just stay home and rest.
Feasting on fresh oysters, green salad, fish fillet, seafood pasta, rib eye roast and loads of dessert specially prepared for the occasion by kitchen wizard Glenda Barretto and her Via Mare staff, the 5 dozen or so guests were all ears as Cesar shared with them some behind-the-scene anecdotes in his movie career and the current state of affairs of the industry he belongs.
A welcome treat to the guests was when host Bobby Laurel prodded the celebrity-honoree to render a few of his favorite songs. Cesar readily obliged, accompanying himself on a guitar provided by another celebrity guest, Cocoy Laurel, who later joined him for a duet of selected acoustic hits.
That started the series of solo performances as the evening’s perfect hosts, amiable duo Jo and Bobby, asked more guests to "display their wares." Who could say no to them? So, heady with the overflowing vintage wine served from Bobby’s inhouse wine cellar, Chinggoy Alonso, Bob Zozobrado, Frederick Peralta, Patis Tesoro, Cory Quirino, et al, crooned to their hearts’ delight the rest of the evening! What a lovely way to celebrate life and its many successes…in the company of good friends.
So, to internationally acclaimed actor Cesar Montano, and to Bobby Laurel and his Lyceum of the Philippines which continues to produce men and women of distinction, we raise our glasses and wish them more laurels (pun intended)!
