Cesar Montano
- Known For
- Acting
- Born
- August 1, 1962 in Santa Ana, Manila, Philippines
- Active Years
- 1983–2026 (44 Years)
- Total Credits
- 93 credits in database
Biography
Cesar Manhilot, professionally known as Cesar Montano, is a Filipino actor, film producer, and film director. Born on August 1, 1962, in Santa Ana, Manila, Philippines, he began his career in show business as a commercial model. He subsequently appeared in numerous B movies before taking on major roles in several action films. His television career included a brief run playing the lead role in the sitcom Kaya ni Mister, Kaya ni Misis. Among his most recognized performances is his portrayal of the titular patriot José Rizal in the 1998 film José Rizal. He later starred in the 2005 war film The Great Raid, which marked his first Hollywood film appearance. He has also won numerous acting awards for his work in films including Panaghoy sa Suba, José Rizal, and Muro Ami.
Career overview
Cesar Manhilot, professionally known as Cesar Montano, is a Filipino actor, film producer, and film director. Born on August 1, 1962, in Santa Ana, Manila, Philippines, he began his career in the entertainment industry as a commercial model. Early in his film career, he appeared in numerous B movies before transitioning to major roles in several action films. He also pursued a brief television career, playing the lead role in the television sitcom Kaya ni Mister, Kaya ni Misis.
Montano has earned recognition for portraying notable historical and dramatic figures on screen. One of his best-known roles is his portrayal of the titular patriot José Rizal in the 1998 film José Rizal. Expanding his career internationally, he starred in the 2005 war film The Great Raid, which marked his first Hollywood film appearance.
Throughout his career, Montano has received numerous acting awards. His acclaimed performances span several notable films, including José Rizal, Muro Ami, also known as Reef Hunters, and Panaghoy sa Suba, also known as The Call of the River.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
93 titles- A Far Away Life (2026) as The Doctor
- Selda Tres (2025)
- Motherland (2024)
- The Blood Brothers (2024)
- The Blood Brothers (2024) Director
- Minsan Pa Nating Hagkan Ang Nakaraan (2023) as Cenon Aurelio
- Martyr or Murderer (2023) as Ferdinand Marcos
- Maid in Malacañang (2022) as President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr.
- Kaibigan (2019) as Victor Soriano
- Kaibigan (2019) Director
- Kid Kulafu (2015) as Sardo
- Entity (2015) as Tony
- Violator (2014)
- Ronda (2014)
- Akin Pa Rin ang Bukas (2013) as Conrad Alperos
- Never Say Goodbye (2013) as Javier Montecastro
- Alamat ni China Doll (2013)
- Alfredo S. Lim: The Untold Story (2013) as Alfredo S. Lim
- Alfredo S. Lim: The Untold Story (2013) Director
- Alfredo S. Lim: The Untold Story (2013) Screenplay
- Biktima (2012) as Mark De La Cruz
- El Presidente (2012) as Andres Bonifacio
- Hitman (2012)
- Hitman (2012) Director
- Ilumina (2010) as Romano Sebastian
- Palos (2008) as Fabio Cassimir / Palos / Eel
- Urduja (2008) as Limhang (voice)
- Half Blood Samurai (2008) as Self
- Asian Treasures (2007) as Pancho Pistolero
- Paraiso: Three Stories of Hope (2007) as Rudy Abad
- Ligalig (2006) as Junior
- Ligalig (2006) Director
- Ligalig (2006) Story
- Ligalig (2006) Screenplay
- The Great Raid (2005) as Guerilla Leader Juan Pajota
- The Call of the River (2004) as Duroy
- The Call of the River (2004) Director
- The Call of the River (2004) Writer
- Utang ng Ama (2003) as Self
- Chavit (2003) as Chavit
- People Power (2002) as Himself
- Baliktaran: Si Ace at si Daisy (2001)
- The Reaper (2001) as Miguel Marasigan
- The Reaper (2001) Director
- Alas Dose (2001) as Titus Varona
- Alas Dose (2001) Story
- New Moon (2001) as Ahmad
- Hostage (2001) as Jimmy Pizaro
- Hostage (2001) Story
- Pedro Penduko, Episode II: The Return Of The Comeback (2000)
- Reef Hunters (1999) as Fredo
- Bullet (1999)
- Bullet (1999) Writer
- Bullet (1999) Director
- Type Kita… Walang Kokontra! (1999) as Victor Madrid
- José Rizal (1998) as José Rizal
- Kasangga... Kahit Kailan (1998) as Bardo / Benjie
- Wala Nang Iibigin Pang Iba (1997) as Daniel
- Pusakal (1997)
- Sanggano (1997) as Diego
- Do Re Mi (1996) as Himself
- Kung Kaya Mo, Kaya Ko Rin! (1996) as Mac
- Utol (1996) as Jaime
- Bilang Na ang Araw Mo (1996) as Rafael
- Manalo, Matalo, Mahal Kita (1995)
- Silakbo (1995)
- Asero (1995) as Victor Asero
- Anabelle Huggins Story: Ruben Ablaza Tragedy - Mea Culpa (1995)
- The Lilian Velez Story: Till Death Do Us Part (1995)
- Markadong Hudas (1994) as Daniel Braganza
- Talahib at Rosas (1994)
- The Cecilia Masagca Story: Antipolo Massacre (Jesus Save Us!) (1994)
- Leonardo Delos Reyes: Alyas Waway (1993) as Nards
- Only You (1993) as Alfred
- Hanggang Saan Hanggang Kailan (1993) as Anselmo
- Eh Kasi Bata (1992) as Glen
- Borrowed Face (1992) as Mendez
- Ganito Ba Ang Umibig? (1991)
- Kapag Nag-abot ang Langit at Lupa (1991) as Hamil
- Mainit... Masarap... parang Kaning Isusubo (1991)
- Machete: Istatwang Buhay (1990) as Machete
- Hindi Laruan Ang Puso (1990)
- Sagot ng Puso (1990)
- Kokak (1989)
- Ang Bukas ay Akin! (Langit ang Uusig) (1989) as Prego
- Bihagin Ang Dalagang Ito (1989)
- Puso sa Puso (1988)
- The Graduates (1986)
- Wrenched From Heaven (1985)
- Working Girls (1984) as Officemate
- Broken Marriage (1983)
- To Mama with Love (1983) as Rainier's friend
- Mabuhay Aloha Mabuhay as Ferdinand Marcos
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Cesar Montano best known for?
Cesar Montano is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including MeganPlays: Play It Peachy (2025), The Great Raid (2005), Reef Hunters (1999), 90 Day: Hunt for Love (2025).
When and where was Cesar Montano born?
Cesar Montano was born on August 1, 1962 in Santa Ana, Manila, Philippines.
How many credits does Cesar Montano have?
Cesar Montano has accumulated over 93 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1983 to 2026.
What is Cesar Montano's background in cinema and television?
Cesar Manhilot, professionally known as Cesar Montano, is a Filipino actor, film producer, and film director. Born on August 1, 1962, in Santa Ana, Manila, Philippines, he began his career in show business as a commercial model. He subsequently appeared in numerous B movies before taking on major roles in several actio...
Cesar Montano by the numbers
Age in their best-rated roles
- Reef Hunters (1999) as Fredo — aged about 36
- The Great Raid (2005) as Guerilla Leader Juan Pajota — aged about 42
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