Epy Quizon's name will always be in the forefront of discussions about the Philippines' most talented actors. Some claim it's in his genes, while others believe he's actually extraordinary.

And every time Quizon says something, he means it, a real reflection of his life philosophy, "be brutally honest," which also serves as his advice to budding actors.

Epy Quizon recalls quitting showbiz at 19 over director's 'brutally honest' remark. Photo by Josh Mercado

In an interview with ABS-CBN News to promote his short film "As the Moth Flies," which is an official entry to the 1st Famas Short Film Festival, Quizon fondly remembered the day when the late seasoned director, Peque Gallaga, told him to find another job.

When the comment was made, he interpreted it as meaning he wasn't good enough or didn't belong on set as an artist.

“Nung bago pa lang ako, 19 years old ako, sabi sa akin ni direk Peque Gallaga, ‘Hindi ba kapatid ka ni Eric at anak ni Dolphy? Alam mo, why don’t you find another job?’ ‘Yun ang sabi niya sa 'kin pero I love Peque Gallaga. Kaya ako tumigil dahil kay Peque Gallaga,” he told ABS-CBN News.

He continued, “I was 19 years old. He pulled me aside and sabi niya, ‘Why don’t you choose another job?’ Ang gagaling ng mga kapatid mo.’ Ginanun niya ako. That’s how I learned what brutally honest means.”

Quizon, who was beaming as he told the story and expressed his admiration for the late filmmaker, said the comment inspired him to learn more about the craft, and he is now one of the stars that new actors look up to.

“Pag-uwi ko talaga, ayaw ko na. Sabi ko, mag-aaral na lang muna ako. Then, I learned the craft. Nung nagkita ulit kami (Gallaga), bumawi ‘yun sa akin. Sabi niya, ‘I have a film at walang ibang artista [na puwedeng gumanap] kundi ikaw ilang.’ I love him,” he shared with ABS-CBN News. 

Quizon has appeared in numerous films and television series, and whenever he meets new artists, they always compliment him.

“It’s overwhelming. I always get overwhelmed kapag napapansin o pinupuri. Of course, nakakataba ng puso, pero hindi ako magsisinungaling na gasolina naming mga artista kapag napapansin ‘yung aming craft,” he told ABS-CBN News. 

He added, “Halimbawa, may isang artista na sinabing natuto sila sa craft ko, it makes you love your work. Hindi naman ako magsisinungaling na hindi nakakataba ng puso ‘yun.”

Quizon is also pleased to be a part of the short film "As the Moth Flies," directed by up-and-coming director Gayle Oblea, to whom Quizon extended his hands.

When asked why he is so supportive of budding filmmakers, Quizon replied, “Dahil I was once a filmmaker na katulad ni Joel Torre na sinuportahan niya ako. Passing on the baton lang ‘yun. Gumawa rin ako ng pelikula before na hindi naipalabas pero sumama sina Joel Torre, Ronnie Lazaro, Rez Cortez. Marami ring mga artista na nagbigay ng suporta sa akin as a young filmmaker. Handing baton down lang naman ‘yan.”

Meanwhile, Oblea, the short film's director, expressed gratitude for being chosen as one of the finalists for the inaugural Famas short film festival, which will have a one-time private screening on May 3 at the Victoria Sports Cinema in Quezon City.

Boo Gabunada, Mina Cruz, Epy Quizon, Gayle Oblea, Happy Manila, and Rav Singh invite viewers to watch ‘As the Moth Flies’ at 1st FAMAS Short Film Festival. Photo by Josh Mercado

Oblea further stated that the short film intends to make audiences feel less alone in situations where most people feel helpless.

“'As The Moth Flies' is not meant to provide comfort. It is meant to sit with the discomfort, to recognize the humanity inside the chaos. It is a call for compassion — not only for those we don’t understand, but for the parts of ourselves that we fear might be unlovable,” she said.

She added, “This is my attempt to use cinema as empathy, to bridge the gap between the seen and the unseen, the sane and the suffering, the light and the dark. I hope it makes you feel less alone.”

Produced by Happy Manila, Desi Matters, and Rav Singh, “As the Moth Flies” also stars Mina Cruz and Boo Gabunada. 

It also took part in the Brussels Short Film Festival (Belgium), Little Venice Film Festival (Italy), Greenwich Film Festival (London), and Urban Dreams Festival (New York, USA).