As the last month of the year comes to an end, Tirso Cruz III admitted 2016 was a bit of a hiatus for him. The veteran actor who overcame a lung cancer scare two years ago said he feels lucky to be totally healthy this year. 'I’m really good. We Christians love to say it, I am cancer-free. The Lord has really created a miracle in my life and he spared me from that disease. And now I live by faith and believe in the promises of the Lord. The last time I had my scan, there were no recurrences. The doctor said I’m fine and a 100% clear. Most of the time I play a lot of tennis. That’s my passion. It’s a game that I love playing so when I’m not doing anything and I don’t have work, you will always find me in the tennis court,” he shared during the Filinvest City Christmas Lights Symphony event held last December 8 in Festival Mall, Alabang.

The 65-year-old actor is gearing up for two new teleseryes as well a an upcoming movie starring Piolo Pascual. 'Right now we’re basically starting already yung new soap with Ian Veneracion, Bea Alonzo, and Iza Calzado na A Love to Last and then I’m going to be part of the new soap to be headed by Maja Salvador called Wildflower. And of course I still have a couple of shooting days with the movie of Piolo Pascual na yung title hindi pa kami sigurado but it’s a combination between Star Cinema and Regal Films,” he shared.

In his soap with Maja, Tirso admitted he will be making life very hard for the Kapamilya actress. 'Mag-aaway kami. Magkakasalubong at magkakasagupa kami. Nag-shu-shoot na sila pero this week ang first shooting ko. I’ll be playing the patriarch of the family that rules over the town where she was born and where her parents live. I’m kind of gray in this show, medyo masama ako rito. I don’t mind playing the kontrabida. Actually it’s been a while since I’ve played that role again. From many years ago I used to play a lot of that and then I then they gave me roles wherein I played a good father and then now they’re giving me a chance to do it again. They’re giving me the chance to present a different kind of evil character. It’s interesting and the story is very story, it’s powerful. It’s a very good vehicle for Maja,” he explained.

With the inclusion of his former love team partner Nora Aunor’s film Kabisera in the MMFF, Tirso reacted to a possibility of reuniting their “Guy and Pip” tandem that made them one of the most popular Pinoy couples in showbiz history for over two decades. 'Basically, everybody is in this business to work and it would depend on the project if it’s beautiful enough, if it’s well written. If the demands of the movie and the demands of the stars were followed, then okay lang. Why not? It will still depend on I guess the whole package when it’s presented to me and if it’s inviting enough,” he admitted.

During the Filinvest city event, Tirso brought along his wife Lynn and their children to witness the yearly Christmas light show. But he admitted their family enjoys simple celebrations during the holiday season. 'Kami naman there’s nothing really big or special. We just make it a point that the family is always together. Early in the day we usually see friends pero pagka medyo mag-i-evening na lahat yan uwian na yan at nasa bahay na lahat,” he said.

Main photo credits to: tirsocruziii IG