So what keeps Eddie Garcia up and about, as sexy and as healthy and as robust as he was when he was recruited for showbiz by director Eddie Romero in l949 from the Philippine Scouts?
Ive written about it several times and Im writing it again for the benefit of Funfare readers who must have missed that feature (first published in the Philippine Daily Express Sunday magazine Weekend on Sept. 16, 1984 and included in my book Star Studded).
"Moderation," said Eddie, "moderation in everything. I dont abuse myself."
He avoids fatty foods, rarely eats eggs but lots of veggies, fruits and fish (and lean meat every once in a while), and takes no less than 19 kinds of vitamins and minerals every day, to wit:
Tocopherol (to improve circulation and counteract the aging process), Vitron-E with Lecithin (to keep blood pressure down), Yeast/Natural B-Complex and RNA, Vitamin C (to prevent certain types of viral and bacterial infections), B-Pollen with Royal Jelly (for that "rebirth" feeling), Seavit (for relief of some ailments), Kelp/Lecithin B-6 (for reducing weight), Pantothenic Acid (against stress and to prevent graying of hair), Pharmaton Capsules (to restore physical and mental powers), Ginseng (to heighten sexual appetite), Magnesium Phostate (to prevent muscle cramps), Garlic Oil (also to keep blood pressure down), Raw Gland Concentrate (to help the pancreas function better), Zinc (to eliminate carbon dioxide), a certain Chinese medicine (for recovery of youth), a certain hair-booster, Iron, Paba Amino-Benzoic Acid (also to prevent graying of hair) and Vitamin B-Complex (to control stress).
That "roll call" of vitamins was first revealed by Eddie 20 or so years ago and he claimed that hes still taking the same, most of them anyway, and has added two or three more along the way. "But not Viagra," Eddie said in jest. "I dont need it."
He also exercises a lot and gets at least six hours of sleep every nightand no nightlife, please, if he can help it. And no hard drinks, either. (He said he stopped smoking in 1971, after chain-smoking for 21 years!)
Not the kiss-and-tell type, Eddie said that what he finds sexy in a woman is her totality.
"The way she carries her dress is very important. Later on, once you get over her physical assets, you delve deeper. She becomes sexier and more attractive when you find out that she has a good heart, too. Kapag maganda ang ugali ng isang babae, even if shes not that stunning, she can be beautiful."
Televiewers get to see up close how youthful-looking and sexy Eddie is in the GMA soap Narito ang Puso Ko which he recently joined (fresh from the recently-concluded Kung Mawawala Ka), playing Felipe San Victores, the brother of the late Don Antonio San Victores (late husband of Dolores, played by Rosa Rosal). The younger cast of Narito includes Jolina Magdangal, James Blanco and Raymart Santiago.
Also something to look forward to is Eddies film The Debut, done in America by US-based director Gene Cajayon and selected Best Picture in both the Hawaii International Film Festival and the San Diego Asian Film Festival. The Debut, also starring Tirso Cruz III and Gina Alajar, tackles a theme similar to that of Mano Po; its the story of a Filipino family trying to make it in the Land of Milk and Honey with Eddie as the patriarch (same role he played in Mano Po).
Released by Columbia Pictures internationally, The Debut is the opening film of the 2003 Makati CineManila International Film Festival which starts on Aug. 7. Regular run in Metro Manila theaters starts on Aug. 13.
For a change, instead of asking Eddie more about his "longevity" and "staying power," Funfare decided to let Eddie "play favorites," the same one played by other stars.
Heres the list:
Actor Max von Sydow (Virgin Spring, The Exorcist, The Greatest Story Ever Told as Jesus Christ, etc.)
Actress Julietta Massina (La Strada, etc.)
Singer Julie London
Song Cry Me a River
Film (of Another Star) Sundays & Cybele
Film (His Own) Tubog sa Ginto (directed by Lino Brocka where Eddie played the closet-queen husband of Lolita Rodriguez)
Film (Which He Directed) Atsay (starring Nora Aunor)
Foreign Director(s) Ingmar Bergman and David Lean ("His visuals are stunning!")
Saint San Antonio de Padua
Perfume Armani
Time of Day Sunset ("Very romantic!")
Day of the Week Sunday
Sleepwear Loose T-shirt and shorts
Sleeping Position On his right side, with two pillows
Food Laing
Restaurant Any Italian restaurant
Part of His Body None
Part of a Womans Body The boobs
Author Robert Ludlum
Book The Spy Who Came in From the Cold (by Len Dieghton)
Car Hammer (the one hes driving; not fond of sports cars)
City Goldcoast, Australian ("Its a fun place!")
Pastime Target-shooting
Drink Whatever his buddies are drinking
Possession Old rosaries he keeps in his wallet along with two little images of the Sto. Nino
Expression Oragon! (Bicol word meaning magaling)
(Email reactions at rickylo@philstar.net.ph)