Ricardo Cepeda (left) and Marina Benipayo —ALLAN POLICARPIO
They are saying that onerous occasions reveal true associates.
These phrases by no means rung more true for Ricardo Cepeda, who spent the final 11 months in jail for alleged syndicated estafa. The actor was lately launched after posting bail.
“It’s true. You’ll discover out who your actual associates are and those that simply say they’re your folks … those that simply declare to know you. To be sincere, there have been folks I used to be anticipating to step ahead, discuss on my behalf or arise for me. However no—not a phrase,” he informed Inquirer Leisure in an interview.
The actor was arrested final October 2023, after being implicated in an alleged funding scheme carried out by a gross sales firm. He was first detained at Camp Karingal, Quezon Metropolis. After two months, he was transferred to Cagayan Provincial Jail in Tuguegarao, as a result of the case was filed at courts in Aparri and Sanchez Mira.
Ricardo maintained his innocence, insisting that he was solely a “model ambassador” for the corporate and had no involvement within the subject. He identified that his title doesn’t seem on the corporate’s basic data sheet filed on the Securities and Change Fee.
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“I assumed, ‘They clearly don’t know me that effectively as a result of they performed secure and assumed I used to be responsible … maybe they have been petrified of being related [with me],” Ricardo stated. “However surprisingly, there have been folks I didn’t count on to be there for me.”
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Performing comeback
Was he apprehensive about his imprisonment harming his repute in present biz?
“Not likely, as a result of I play villains anyway,” he quipped. However turning severe, Ricardo stated he believes that the relationships he constructed within the business maintain extra weight. “What’s extra essential is that I do know I’ve been good to everybody … nothing adverse.”
In truth, Coco Martin has already reached out to Ricardo in regards to the potential return of the latter’s character within the primetime motion sequence “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo.” He’s additionally contemplating film gives.
Ricardo couldn’t be extra pushed for an performing comeback.
“I really feel very motivated. I’m in debt. I’ve to get again within the black,” he stated laughing. “I do know that the reality will come out, however what I used to be pissed off about was that I used to be losing time, incurring bills. I wouldn’t have minded going to court docket if I may not less than earn a dwelling.”
The most important factor the 59-year-old actor apprehensive about throughout his imprisonment was his household. He knew he may take care of it. However he couldn’t bear the considered his kids being subjected to vitriol, on-line or in actual life.
“My children are grown, however we nonetheless assist them every so often. There have been quite a lot of adverse feedback. I didn’t need them to fall into despair,” stated Ricardo, who has two daughters, Samantha and Sachi, with ex-wife Snooky Serna; and two stepsons, Mark and Joshua, with present accomplice, Marina Benipayo.
Fortuitously, Marina held the household collectively whereas he was away. “She’s my hero,” Ricardo stated. “She informed the youngsters to not despair or give in to disappointment. She would reassure them: ‘We all know that your father didn’t commit any wrongdoing. He’ll come out, however it’s simply going to take a while.’”
Inmates are allowed to make scheduled video calls, so Ricardo made certain to make use of them to remain in contact along with his family members. “I drew energy from them. It was exhausting. However seeing them taking issues in stride and realizing that they weren’t struggling made me really feel quite a bit higher,” he stated.
He initially discouraged Marina from visiting him in Cagayan frequently due to the associated fee and bodily toll of lengthy travels. However trying again, he’s glad she did. “She would say, ‘No, I’ll go there.’ Each time she was there, I used to be grateful. I didn’t understand how a lot I used to be lacking her,” he stated.
To assist go time and hold his nervousness at bay, he busied himself by understanding and studying books on legislation. “I couldn’t simply keep mad and hold questioning issues each day. The one factor I may management was my well being and my angle,” he stated.
“My health degree dropped and I gained weight. I used to be recognized with hypertension. So I centered on understanding, doing pilates. Quickly, I noticed good outcomes,” he stated. “I additionally examine court docket procedures to assist educate myself … It made me really feel much less apprehensive as a result of I knew what was occurring.”
‘Watch out’
Requested what recommendation he may give to his fellow celebrities, Ricardo stated to at all times hold their ears open. “Apart out of your talks with the corporate, hearken to what different folks round you’re saying.”
“In fact, speaking to the corporate, you’ll hear solely about good issues,” he added. “I solely realized in regards to the particulars [of the issue] whereas listening to the complainants.”
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One can by no means be too cautious. Ricardo did his personal analysis, he stated, and by all appearances, the corporate in query was secure, its house owners reliable. “Watch out,” he stated. “As a result of I assumed I used to be.”
