After spending almost three years in jail because of drug charges, award-winning actor Julio Diaz has found his freedom.
Friends and colleagues who had hoped and prayed for Julio’s turning over a new leaf stayed optimistic until the day he was released from incarceration.
One of them was internationally acclaimed director Brillante Ma. Mendoza who was an ardent believer the actor would still change his ways after being heavily hooked on drugs.
Brillante and Julio were symbiotic of trust especially on their respective artistry.
“Bilib ako kay Julio kahit noong hindi pa ako direktor. Production Designer pa lang ako no’n pero artista na namin siya. Magaling siya kaya hindi siya puwedeng pabayaan (I believe in Julio even when I was still a PD when he was one of our actors. He’s good and his talent shouldn’t go to waste),” beamed Mendoza who readily gave the actor an important role in his latest foray into Kapampangan cultural heritage, “Apag,” a film which tackles food culture of Pampanga Province and its social menu.
Many of Brillante’s prize winning films had the actor played pivotal roles.
Diaz was excited, according to Dante (Brillante’s pet name), when the offer reached him. “No’ng hindi pa nakukulong si July—a common name the actor is known for)—lagi ‘yan sa bahay (When he wasn’t nabbed yet, he was always at my house),” informed Brillante but he clarified he wouldn’t allow the actor to wallow in his vice.
Julio was on the dot when he reported to the set and everyone (just as many of the cast were his friends and fellow workers) was happy for his return to the fold.
Diaz is also reunited in the film with Jaclyn Jose (“Serbis,” “Ma’Rosa” etc.) who’s a contemporary in the biz, Gina Pareño who he worked with “Serbis,” Coco Martin (“Kinatay,” “Ang Probinsiyano” etc.).