For decades, John Arcilla built a reputation as one of the Philippines' most formidable actors, moving effortlessly between theater, television and film with performances that earned the admiration of critics and peers alike. Yet it was only after portraying one of the country's most revered historical figures that acclaim finally translated into commercial success.

More than a decade after the release of "Heneral Luna," Arcilla says the film remains the single most transformative project of his career, changing not only how audiences recognized him but also how the industry valued his work.

Speaking during the Star Magic Spotlight press conference on Wednesday, the veteran actor revealed that portraying General Antonio Luna dramatically altered his earning power.

"The impact was major," Arcilla said. "After 'Heneral Luna,' my talent fee didn't triple. It became ten times higher. I never asked anyone to increase my rate. The producers themselves were the ones who offered it."

It was a remarkable shift for an actor who had long been regarded as one of Philippine cinema's finest craftsmen.

Just as significantly, it transformed his public identity.

Before "Heneral Luna," Arcilla said he was often addressed by the names of his previous characters, including one affectionately remembered as "Coffee na lang, dear." Today, however, there is only one title people use.

"Until now, everyone calls me 'Heneral,'" he said.

For many performers, becoming synonymous with a single role can be creatively limiting. For Arcilla, it became a term of affection and respect, a testament to how deeply his portrayal resonated with audiences across generations.

"The best part is that after the film, my audience became everyone, from children to adults," he said.

The role has also produced some amusing encounters.

Arcilla recalled being approached by high school and college students who would ask him to recreate one of the character's most unforgettable traits.

"They would say, 'Sir John, can you curse at me?'"

The requests, of course, refer to General Luna's fiery temperament and explosive use of profanity, immortalized in one of the film's most quoted performances. While Arcilla admitted he remains somewhat conservative about the public's fascination with the character's colorful language, he believes many viewers ultimately looked beyond the expletives and understood the film's larger message about patriotism, leadership and national identity.

Directed by Jerrold Tarog, "Heneral Luna" premiered in 2015 and went on to become one of the most influential Filipino films of the past decade. Initially facing an uncertain theatrical run, the film gathered momentum through word of mouth before evolving into a cultural phenomenon that introduced a new generation to one of the country's most uncompromising revolutionary figures. It later became the first installment of Tarog's "Bayaniverse" trilogy, followed by Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral and the forthcoming "Quezon."

Away from acting, Arcilla is revisiting another lifelong passion: music.

He admitted that singing once intimidated him far more than acting, despite having musical roots early in his career. It was his role in the stage production "Walang Sugat" that helped him overcome that fear.

"I used to get nervous whenever I sang," he said. "That was the time I began conquering that fear through singing."

Now recording under Star Music, Arcilla is preparing an album featuring songs he wrote himself. He said contemporary Filipino music encouraged him to embrace a more uninhibited style of songwriting, citing Juan Karlos and his hit "Ere" as proof that lyrics once considered too raw could resonate with mainstream audiences.

That inspiration even circled back to the role that changed his life.