MANILA – Julio Diaz made his first public appearance on Tuesday, several weeks after he underwent a brain operation.

Diaz, who is one of the stars of “Ma’ Rosa,” attended a screening of the Brillante Mendoza film at SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City.

In an interview with ABS-CBN News’ MJ Felipe, the veteran actor said he couldn’t miss the screening because “Ma’ Rosa” is one of the best movies he has ever done.

He also gave an update on his health.

“Sabi nga nila, one in a million 'yung aking case na biglang naputukan ka ng ugat sa loob ng bungo mo and there you go, after only two weeks, balik sa normal na kalagayan ko. 'Yun nga lang, kailangan ng kaunting rehab of this aneurism case ko,” he said.

Although he has yet to fully recover, Diaz remains optimistic. “I think 99% pa lang. I need one more percent para makumpleto [na ang recovery],” he said.

Does this mean he will start doing movies again?

“Tuluy-tuloy na muna ang [pagtutok sa] health ko. Ang pelikula naman, nandiyan iyan. Nasa dugo ko na ang trabahong ito,” he said.

Diaz is best known for the 1993 award-winning epic "Sakay."

Before his surgery, he was able to finish "Ma' Rosa," which competed for the Palme d'Or at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival. Its lead star, Jaclyn Jose, was named best actress in the prestigious film fest.