LOOK: John Lloyd Revisits Famous One More Chance Set to Celebrate an Old Friend and Cubao Icon

(SPOT.ph) For a majority of Filipinos whose lives were forever changed by One More Chance, Popoy and Basha have continued to live on as a married couple somewhere in the back of our minds—over in real life, it looks like John Lloyd Cruz too has never really left the world of the movie. The actor recently posted a heartfelt birthday greeting to the man behind Bellini's, the Cubao Expo restaurant made famous by that scene. Say it with us now, "Hindi mo ba alam 'yung three-month rule?!"

Also read: 10 Most Remarkable John Lloyd Cruz Characters

John Lloyd credits Bellini's owner for pushing him to continue working

On Instagram, the actor posted on January 3 a quick clip to his verified account showing Roberto Bellini and what looks to be his family in the midst of taking pictures. Cruz simply captioned it "Happy Birthday Roberto!". You can spot the same painted walls pretty much as it was in the 2007 film.

In his more unfiltered account, literally called dumpsite gallery, Cruz sent a more personal message. He credits Roberto Bellini for having been his motivation to continue working. Even through a language barrier, "siya lang marahil ang napili kong pakinggan at tunay na nagpaunawa ng halaga ng mayroon kang ginagawa." He quoted Roberto as telling him "You have to work John Lloyd." Cruz added a "Salamat kaibigan. Salamat Roberto. Maligayang kaarawan sa'yo. Nasa puso kita at isipan."

Attached to the message was a carousel of sweet pictures from what looks like an intimate celebration, including smiling photos of Cruz and Bellini.

Cruz begins his caption with "Di ako huminto sa pagdalaw sa lugar kung saan pinanganak si Popoy." A lot has changed for the actor, who famously went on a break from showbiz, only to come back to play roles that were a far cry from his days as the Philippine hearthrob. From working with auteur Lav Diaz—even claiming a best actor award at a Swiss film festival for Essential Truths of the Lake—to thrillers like Honor Thy Father and more out-of-the-box picks like Ang Fraile, the actor has effectively shed of his old image, and it looks like we have Roberto to thank for this new JLC. 

Who is Roberto Bellini, owner of the famous Cubao Expo restaurant?

If you've ever eaten at Cubao Expo staple Bellini's, then you've likely crossed paths with Roberto Bellini. The Italian owner is a constant at his restaurant, keeping watch over all the pastas and pizzas being brought out of his kitchen since 1999. The former photographer came on assignment to the Philippines in 1986 to cover the government upheaval. Here, he met his wife Maria Luisa, and the rest as they say, is history. 

Roberto Bellini was 81 years old in 2021 when SPOT.ph checked up on Cubao Expo during the lockdowns. That would mean that he is about 83 now. Amid the ever-changing scene of Cubao Expo, his restaurant has stood more or less the same. And it's not just Bellini's that has remained faithful. As two years ago when we got to chat with him, Bellini happily shared all the friends he's made thanks to his work, showing us his contacts list on an old keypad phone. And yes, one name stood out from the rest: John Lloyd Cruz.