By Gay Ace Domingo
There’s inspiration to be derived from the amazing story of Cedrick Juan, an actor who began in show business more ten years ago.
Last December 27, 2023, lesser-known Cedrick bested household names to win the Best Actor award at the 49th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) for his role as Father Jose Burgos in the historical movie “GomBurZa.”
Cedrick was the choice of a jury composed of award-winning film director Chito Roño and Grand Slam Best Actress Lorna Tolentino as jury chairman and vice-chairman, respectively, with members award-winning writer-director Jose Javier Reyes, former president of the Directors Guild of the Philippines, Inc. (DGPI) Mike Sandejas, award-winning editor/writer/director Tara Illenberger, celebrated cinematographer Lee Briones Meily, award-winning actor and CEO Raymond Francisco, Department of Finance Undersecretary Atty. Maria Luwalhati Dorotan, Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Undersecretary Frisco San Juan, Manuel L. Quezon University (MLQU) School of Graduate Studies Dean Dr. Jaime Ang, and veteran entertainment editor Jerry Olea.
The native of San Juan, Bulacan is a theater-trained actor. He’s starred in stage plays mounted by the Far Eastern University (his alma mater where he finished a degree in Communication), Dulaang UP, Art Theater Manila and Barefoot Theatre Collective. A peek into his Internet Movie Data Base (IMDb) profile would reveal that he’s also appeared in TV shows such as GMA News and Current Affairs’ “Wagas,” “Karelasyon” and “Tadhana,” ABS-CBN’s “Ipaglaban Mo”; films such as “The Big Night,” “Kalel, 15,” “The Panti Sisters”, “Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral,” and MMFF movies “Oro” and “Big Night,” as well as the Prime Video series “Fit Check: Confessions of an Ukay Queen.”
His credits in film and TV are actually diverse and long. Yet for most of these projects, Cedrick had always been a support to the main star. Case in point is Cedrick’s screen debut, 2011 Cinemalaya film “Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa” where he played the friend of then budding matinee idol Paulo Avelino.
“Cedrick auditioned for the part,” says “Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa” producer Alemberg Ang. “We asked FEU students, especially those who were part of the film org, the Comm Department and the theater group to audition.”
Alemberg remembered Cedrick as a very quiet fellow on the set.
Since 2013, Cedrick has indeed transformed from an unassuming bit player to a mesmerizing performer.
At the two-day screening and deliberations of the MMFF jury, Cedrick’s characterization of Padre Burgos made the jurors sit up and take notice. Film editor Tara Illenberger reveals, “Kasi lahat kami (sa jury), ‘Who is this guy? He’s so good.’”
Tara also discloses, “The strongest contenders for Best Actor were Cedrick and Dingdong, followed by Piolo.” In the end they decided to give the award to Cedrick.
“Nakakapag-alab ng puso ang kanyang pagganap. Lalo na sa climatic garrote scene. Gut-wrenching,” veteran entertainment journalist Jerry Olea says of Cedrick.
Tara adds, “The character he played is more challenging and nuanced. I think malaking bagay din na fresh face siya.”
At the start of filming “GomBurZa,” Cedrick felt intimidated. He said in an interview with “GomBurZa” producer Jesuit Communications, “Imagine that role, filling in the shoes of Padre Burgos. Kailangan todohan ng time, effort and puso. It’s really overwhelming. Kailangan kong maniwala sa sarili ko. It’s a big challenge. Nakakakaba pero ayaw kong ipasok sa isip ko.”
Cedrick gives credit to writer Rody Vera, director Pepe Diokno, the production team of “GomBurZa” and his fellow cast members for helping him create a real and touching portrayal of Padre Burgos. He also relied on his instincts and his theater training to depict this role of a lifetime. “Ipinakita ko sa mga tao na human siya,” he says of Padre Burgos. “(Kasi) at the end of the day, we’re all humans.”
In the lengthy note he posted on his Facebook account right after the MMFF Gabi ng Parangal, Cedrick wrote that the Best Actor recognition is much more than a pleasant surprise and a boost to his 10-year career. “Ang parangal ay isa din sa mga simbolo ng pagpapahalaga at pagpapatunay na nagbubunga ang lahat ng pinaghihirapan. Masasabi kong bonus ito, dahil malaking bagay na makitang umiiyak, pumapalakpak at nakakaapekto sa mga Pilipino ang pelikulang ‘GomBurZa’.”
Good things come to those who wait. Great things come to those who work hard.