Cesar Montano and Sunshine Cruz (Facebook)

Seasoned actor Cesar Montano has openly acknowledged that he never anticipated becoming friends with his ex-wife, actress Sunshine Cruz.

At the sidelines of the median conference for the upcoming TV5 series "Minsan Pa Nating Hagkan Ang Nakaraan" at Gateway in Araneta City last Friday, July 21, Cesar said he is thrilled to have rekindled his friendship with his ex-wife.

"Only God can do that. Nothing is impossible with God," said Cesar.

"I'm happy where we are right now. I am focused and head-on dito sa relasyon naming dalawa as friends. I'm happy and nakita ko rin siya na maligaya. Yun naman ang importante roon na masaya kayo. Masaya ka, masaya ang people around you, hindi nag-sa-suffer," he also said.

On her three daughters Angelina Isabelle, Samantha Angeline, and Angel Franceska, Cesar simply advised them to get a good job.

"Hindi ko sila pipilitin kung ano ang gusto nila at kung ano ang kanilang passion. Ang Diyos nagbibigay yan ng purpose sa bawa't tao. Yung purpose na yan may kalakip na talent, and they have to find it. I think they have found it," he said.

Sunshine (2nd from right) and her daughters (Facebook)

(I will not force them to do what they want and what their passion is. God gives each person a purpose. That purpose has a talent attached to it, and they have to find it. I think they have found it.)

Cesar added: "They're too young, and they have to finish their school first. All of them are in college. Honor student sila and sabi ko huwag ninyong sayangin yan."

On his kids having a boyfriend, Cesar said: I don't know. Meron isa pero parang hindi pa umaamin si Angeline eh. Hindi pa talaga sila formally nagpe-present ng kanilang boyfriend. But I trust my daughters. They have the mind of their own. Noong pinalaki ko sila, yun ang aking trabaho. Palakihin sila ng tama - God-fearing and righteous persons. Ngayon tapos na ako doon at hindi ko na dapat isipin yun."

Cesar said that he still wants to get married despite his age. Prior, Cesar and Sunshine got married in 2000. Their marriage was annulled in 2013.

"Sana! I'm a very hopeful person. Masarap ang kinakasal. It's not a bad idea lalo na kung single ka at wala kang ibang commitment. But we have to pray for it," he also said.

Cesar returns to television as he joins the cast of the remake of the love triangle drama "Minsan Pa Nating Hagkan ang Nakaraan" which starred showbiz legends, Vilma Santos, Christopher de Leon, and Eddie Garcia.

This highly anticipated remake by TV5, produced by Sari Sari Network Inc. in partnership with VIVA Entertainment, is led by no less than this generation’s hottest stars and real-life couple, Cristine Reyes and Marco Gumabao who are no strangers to the Kapatid audience, having made their marks in previous TV5 productions ‘Encounter’ and ‘Di Na Muli’. Cesar adds depth and dimension to the story.

Kapatids will be hooked to the thrilling story of Helen, portrayed by Reyes, as she finds herself torn between two loves: Rod, her old flame (played by Gumabao), who mysteriously leaves her confused and heartbroken; and Cenon (portrayed by Montano), an older gentleman who will make her fall in love again. 

Plot twists of romance and redemption will leave viewers wondering and will root for their favorite characters. Ultimately, they will have to decide: whose love will triumph in the end?

TV5's revival of this classic drama is a testament to the network’s dedication to serving quality entertainment content, further strengthening its afternoon program lineup. 

"Minsan Pa Nating Hagkan ang Nakaraan" begins July 25, Monday to Friday, 4:40 PM on TV5, with encore telecasts every day at 8PM on SARI SARI Channel, available on Cignal TV, SatLite Ch. 3, and Cignal Play.