After spending 11 months behind bars, actor Ricardo Cepeda is stepping back into the light, having recently secured his release on bail. When he met with members of the press last Monday, Cepeda appeared in good spirits, looking healthier than ever. He proudly shared that he lost 30 pounds during his incarceration, attributing his weight loss to a simple daily routine of 10-15 minutes of Pilates exercise.
“Ang naging desisyon ko, I said I’ve been trying to lose weight outside. I’d get healthier than when I got in. So dun I lost thirty pounds. Everyday workout ako with Pilates, walang equipment. Dati hindi ako naniniwala sa Pilates, kailangan gym, pero Pilates parang ten or fifteen minutes a day lang. Nawala back pain ko, ‘yung knee pain. For me, maraming positive nangyayari, let’s study nutrition better. Dapat hindi ka mukhang kawawa paglabas mo,” he explained, reflecting on how he transformed his challenges into opportunities for personal growth.
Cepeda credited his faith and the unwavering support of his family for his strength throughout his ordeal. His partner, actress-model Marina Benipayo, played a pivotal role in keeping their family united and strong during this difficult time. “Marina talked to them and told them, ‘If your dad knows you’re fine, he would be fine,’” he recalled, expressing gratitude for her encouragement.
A notable highlight during his time in custody was the series “Batang Quiapo,” where Cepeda portrayed a drug lord. He shared that both inmates at the Quezon City and Tuguegarao prison facilities eagerly tuned in to the show, creating a sense of connection and anticipation among the detainees. “Bago mag 8 o’clock, dapat tapos na ang headcount. Behave sila. Malaking bagay na may source of containment na ganon for focus. Lahat sila nag-aantay ng next episode. Tapos tinatanong nila ako, ‘Anong mangyayari?’ ‘Hindi ko alam. Andito ako. Pare-pareho tayo,’” he chuckled, recalling the camaraderie the show fostered.
Reflecting on his experiences, Cepeda revealed the stark differences between the detention centers. He spent two months in Quezon City and nine months in Tuguegarao, noting that the conditions in each facility varied greatly. “Sa CIDU [Quezon City], fifty lalaki sa isang kwarto. Maliit. Hindi pwedeng humiga sabay-sabay,” he described the cramped conditions. In contrast, he found himself in a much more comfortable environment in Tuguegarao, with only eight inmates sharing a room after a recent renovation.
His release was a mix of emotions; he felt a sense of disbelief as he approached the date. “Tulala when it was already coming close. Hindi ako makatulog so sleep deprived ako,” he shared, recounting his anxieties leading up to the moment he learned of his bail approval. The process was fraught with complications, but the determination of his legal team and a bit of luck ultimately led to his freedom.
“Grateful ako, tama yung rewarding of your faith. Kasi yan ang sinabi sa akin, paglabas mo, may reward naman yan si God sa’yo,” Cepeda expressed, emphasizing his belief that there is a greater purpose behind every trial.
“Sabi ng pastor, ‘You have to consider that God put you here for some other reason. So ‘yan ang i-hold-on mo. May reason. It’s not because you are a victim. There’s a reason that ikaw mismo was put in the situation.’ Sabi ko maybe, it’s to bear witness of the situation of others.”
Now, as he embraces a fresh start, Cepeda is motivated to return to work, eager to repay his debts and reestablish his career in the entertainment industry. He revealed that several filmmakers had already reached out to him, excited about potential collaborations now that he is out.
With optimism, vigor and a renewed sense of purpose, Ricardo is ready to turn the page on a challenging chapter of his life.
“Biktima [man] ako ng misunderstanding, but I do not victimize myself, kasi you can’t control what’s happening, but you can control what’s happening to you.”
