Cesar Montano

Cesar Manhilot, known by his screen name Cesar Montano, is a multi-awarded Filipino actor and film director.

He started in show business as a stuntman. He played roles in numerous B movies. He then played major roles in several action movies and a brief television career playing the lead role in the television sitcom Kaya ni Mister, Kaya ni Misis.

His breakout role is his portrayal of José Rizal, the Philippine National Hero in the film José Rizal. The film is unprecedented as it portrays Philippine society during Spanish colonization of the Philippines and its relevance up to the present day.

He has won numerous acting awards Panaghoy sa Suba (The Call of the River), José Rizal, Muro Ami (Reef Hunters) and Bagong Buwan (New Moon).

Aside from acting, Montano also embarked on a singing career, with the release of his music album Subok lang or Just try in 2000. He has also ventured into film production as well as directing, with Panaghoy sa Suba as his directorial film debut.

After his first Hollywood movie The Great Raid with Benjamin Bratt, he was cast in another Hollywood movie Another Deep Breath' which was never actually shot.

In May 2007, he unsuccessfully ran for senate under the coalition Team Unity (TU). GMA news reported that he lost about P40 million worth of endorsement for running in public office.

On July 13, 2010 Montano officially became a contract artist of GMA Network after signing a two-year exclusive contract with the said network.

In 2012, he left GMA 7 to continue doing planned programs for Home Network ABS-CBN