IS HERBERT Bautista finally hanging his political gloves after a debacle in a national election some years back?
What is the actor up to in his respite from politics?
After his three-term expired as Mayor of Quezon City which eventually relinquished his post to Joy Belmonte in 2019, Herbert took a breathing space from public service and devoted his time to domestic affairs.
In 2022, though, Bautista ran for the Senate but was unsuccessful so he focused again on family matters and socio-civic activities unmindful of another attempt at the midterm elections last year.
Losing political battles, indeed, doesn’t dampen Herbert’s spirit to serve the people.
After an acquittal by the Third Division of Sandiganbayan from graft charges in connection with a solar project in 2019, Bistek is facing another challenge, this time from the rigors of filmmaking.
“Wala munang pulitika lalo na ngayon ang gulu-gulo (No politics for the moment especially now which is very messy),” the comedian replied when asked of his possible political comeback during breaktime Thursday afternoon from the Movie Workers Welfare Foundation (Mowelfund) Cinematography-Directing Workshop with Raymond Red at the Conrado “Dencar” Baltazar Theater of Mowelfund in Rosario Drive in Quezon City.
Yes, Bistek is one of the students in the Cinematography and Directing class of Raymond which started June 4 and will end on Saturday, June 6, 2026.
What made him enroll in the course, however crash?
“Wala akong magawa (I have nothing to do),” he quipped chuckling.
“But no, makakatulong ito sa akin (this will help me). I can help in the film production of my sister,” he added, making his point seriously.
Herbert’s youngest and only sister Harlene Bautista is the founder and executive producer of Heaven’s Best Entertainment, a film production and equipment company.
The outfit has made films such as “Raketeros” (2013), “Burgos” (2013), “Rainbow’s Sunset” (2018), “Blue Room” (2022), among other notable productions.
Will he be the next actor-director in town?
“No. Gusto ko (I want), cinematography,” he emphasized.
The three-day workshop will equip Bautista with the applied skills in the technical aspects of filmmaking apart from his being an armchair participant in the creative process of the craft, primarily as an actor.
Going back to politics, if he was elected in the higher post four years ago, what would be his stand in the hullabaloo in the Senate?
“Kung noong 2022, syempre, sa administration ako (If I was given the chance in 2022, of course, I would be with the administration party),” he said.
“Kay BBM (For President Ferdinand R. ‘Bongbong’ Marcos, Jr.)?” queried this writer
“Oo naman. Do’n naman talaga ako noon pa (Of course, I have been identified with him ever since),” Herbert beamed with pride.