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Who is Cedrick Juan, the best actor in MMFF 2023?
Cedrick Juan is undeniably the breakout star of the recently concluded Metro Manila Film Festival 2023.
After winning the Best Actor trophy for his portrayal of José Burgos in the historical film "GomBurZa," Cedrick is the name to remember and the artist to watch out for.
For those curious about the 33-year-old actor, here are five interesting facts about him.
1. In "GomBurZa," he initially auditioned for Fernando La Madrid
When Cedrick heard about the historical film coming together about the three martyr priests, he initially didn't audition for the lead role right away.
In 2022, he was invited to audition for the Cavite Mutiny leader Fernando La Madrid role.
"Una ay si La Madrid pa ang role, pero nabasa ko ang buong script at gustong-gusto ko subukan si Burgos, baka naman kasi makapasok at makaya ko," he said on Instagram.
Call it fate or whatever you want, but the stars aligned for Cedrick to eventually land the leading role of José Burgos, a character that would grant him the recognition for "Best Actor" in MMFF.
"Totoo nga talaga na kapag pinagtrabahuhan, in-attract at manifest mo ang gusto at pangarap mo, walang imposible!" he said.
2. He portrayed Maximo in the musical "Mula Sa Buwan"
Cedrick took a five-year break from theater acting after he pursued several projects in films, series, and commercials. When he finally decided to return to his first love, theater, he was well-received as Maximo in the Filipino hit musical "Mula Sa Buwan."
"Hindi madali sa una dahil limang taon din akong napahinga sa entablado," he said. "Pero dahil sa busilak na pagmamahal sa dulang ito ay hinayaan ko na ang sarili ko na magpatangay kasama kayo."
3. He was a Mass Communication graduate from Far Eastern University
In a vlog with journalist Bernadette Sembrano, the "GomBurZa" star revealed he was a Mass Communication degree holder from Far Eastern University.
He also said that it was his father's dream for him to become a news anchor, but he followed his heart and pursued the arts of acting.
Cedrick also joined Dulaang UP's summer workshop at UP Diliman in 2013, where he did four major plays in its regular season: Adarna as Don Diego, Bilanggo ng Pagibig as Jacky Magila, Teatro Porvenir as Emilio Jacinto/Emilio Aguinaldo, and Hakbang sa Hakbang as Claudio.
4. He is a pet lover and does volunteer work for stray dogs
Just one of the many green flags of Cedrick: he loves fur babies!
In the same vlog with Bernadette, Cedrick shared details of how the system works for PAWSsion Project, an animal welfare organization that rescues, rehabilitates, and finds homes for the rescued dogs.
Here, the actor usually does volunteer work for projects close to him, like "Adopt Don't Shop" and free services relating to dogs and cats, like neutering and spaying.
5. He is in a long-term relationship with a fellow theater actress
For all the single ladies curious about Cedrick's relationship status, sorry folks, he is happily in a long-term relationship with Karen Toyoshima, also a theater actress.
Aside from Cedrick's Best Actor win, "GomBurZa" also took home 2nd Best Picture, Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Production Design, Best Sound Design, and the Gatpuno Antonio J. Villegas Cultural Award.
—MGP, GMA Integrated News
