WHEN EDDIE GARCIA celebrated his nth birthday on the set of “Babaeng Hampaslupa” at a Chinese temple in University Hills, Malabon, he was so touched when his co-stars sang him the birthday song and co-star Susan Roces came up with a big cake saying “Happy Birthday to Edward Wong, From Helena Sy”. Edward and Helena are the names of the characters they play in the hit drama series.
“I really have a good time doing my scenes in the show with Susan,” says Eddie. “Maraming nagsasabi sa’kin na talagang inaabangan nila yung mga eksenang nag-aasaran at nagpapalitan ng patutsada sa show. But Edward is really one of the meanest assholes I’ve ever played on screen. Kahit sarili niyang kapatid, si Freddie Webb as George Wong, ipapapatay niya.”
As Edward, he puts on false teeth that make him look more menacing. “It’s my own idea. Ako mismo ang nagpagawa nito sa dentist ko ng dentures with a swastika in it, may hammer and sickle, and other symbols of evil. Okay namang lumabas on screen dahil mas naaasar sa’kin ang viewers.”
Is there a role he still dreams of doing? “None. I started acting in 1949 and ever since, ako, kung ano ang dumating, yun ang tinatanggap ko, even in indie films. I don’t intend to retire. Manghihina lang ako sa bahay. What I do miss is directing. The last film I directed was ‘Abakada Ina’ with Lorna Tolentino more than ten years ago pa.”
For someone in his mid-80s, he looks surprisingly hale and healthy. “I take 17 different kinds of vitamins and supplements. I’m careful with what I eat. I exercise. I’ve given up smoking in 1971.” Does he take Viagra? “I don’t want to. Basta si Manoy, hindi ko pinipilit. Kung ayaw niya magalit, di huwag.”