Al Tantay was born in 1956 and is a veteran Filipino actor, director, writer and the ex-husband of then actress Rio Locsin. His movies included “Rizza Jones,” “Showgirl,” “Love Affair,” “Wild Animals,” and “Bilibid Boys,” of which he gained his popularity. It was Joey Gosengfiao who discovered and launched him via the movie ‘Iskandalo,” which starred Lorna Tolentino and shown in 1979. He also portrayed a villain role in the action movie ‘Humanda Ka, Ikaw Ang Susunod,” with the former action hero Rudy Fernandez. He used to direct movies especially in Viva Films productions like “Mana-Mana, Tiba-tiba,” “Stupid Love,” “A.B. Normal College,” to name a few.
Al Tantay talked about is real feelings and relationship with ex-wife and former screen partner Rio Locsin. They are both active in their acting career right now especially in TV dramas and programs. Al appeared in “Only You,” together with Angel Locsin, Diether Ocampo and Sam Milby. Al has two daughters with Rio Locsin. Al was happy to share that his daughters had already graduated from school and he jokingly adds that he already wants to see his grandchildren. Rio disagrees with this comment and stated that the kids are not ready yet for this kind of responsibility. They are already 28 and 26 respectively and eventually Al says, they will be having their own family.
His children grew up with their mother, but Al accepts the fact that he can’t do anything about it and he only gets to see the children once in a while. He is amenable to how Rio raised their children, but says that Rio should not forget that their children are already of age and should also be given some time to decide for their self. He also confirms that Rio maybe a disciplinarian and a strict Mom yet, he understands that she is doing this with good intentions. Al is thankful Rio had brought them up properly and they grew up to be responsible children, but he also believes that they are already of age to explore and discover new challenges in their lives.
Al recalls that he married Rio when she was only 18 years old in Hawaii. After Rio gave birth to their two daughters, they separated and eventually the marriage was annulled. After their annulment, he had a relationship with another sexy star named Stella Suarez Jr., of whom she had a son with. Stella was a cousin of dramatic actor Richard Gomez, and she married a doctor. Al said his son is already working at a particular call center. He quit schooling for a while.
Al has another daughter by his current wife who is studying at the University of the Philippines taking up Industrial Engineering. He hopes to see all his children finish school, the one thing that he never got to do because he needs to work at an early age.
Currently he is busy doing tapings on various TV programs in ABS-CBN. He is happy he had given a chance to work once again because he misses his acting career. He hopes to have more directing and acting jobs in the future.
