LOOK: Soldiers continuously guard the urn containing the ashes of actor Eddie Garcia during its public viewing at the Heritage Park. pic.twitter.com/i6wwTul09l

— Anjo Bagaoisan (@anjo_bagaoisan) June 21, 2019

MANILA -- When asked how they would describe veteran actor Eddie Garcia, the common response of many in the entertainment industry is one word: professional.

Stories about this and other experiences with Garcia played centerstage as co-workers came together on the last night his urn was open to public viewing at the Heritage Park in Taguig on Saturday.

For some of them, his professionalism and credentials qualified him to be recognized as a National Artist. But it is an award that some lamented was already too late.

Garcia's family members such as his long-time partner Lilibeth Romero, stepson Rep. Mikee Romero, son Erwin Garcia and brother Santiago Garcia each welcomed the visitors.

Among those at the wake: Arnell Ignacio, Al Tantay, Bibeth Orteza, Bobot Mortiz pic.twitter.com/pVnh5zSGuq

— Anjo Bagaoisan (@anjo_bagaoisan) June 22, 2019

Among those who arrived after the tribute program presented by ABS-CBN were fellow actors and directors like Edgar Mortiz, Cesar Montano, Al Tantay, Dennis Padilla, and Ricardo Cepeda. Host Arnell Ignacio and recording artists Andrew E and Janno Gibbs came too.

Also seen at the final night were Christopher De Leon and his wife Sandy Andolong, Amy Austria, Gina Alajar, and family friend Bibeth Orteza.

Actor Niño Muhlach came later in the morning to pay his respects to Garcia as well.

LOOK: Members of the local entertainment industry come together to talk, reminisce at the last night of Eddie Garcia's wake pic.twitter.com/IvIf2LfrGY

— Anjo Bagaoisan (@anjo_bagaoisan) June 22, 2019

Muhlach, a former child actor, said he began working with Eddie Garcia at a movie when he was 5 years old. pic.twitter.com/icK83R1Mdb

— Anjo Bagaoisan (@anjo_bagaoisan) June 22, 2019

De Leon recalled Garcia playing his father in the 1974 Lino Brocka movie "Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang," which was also De Leon's debut film. His real-life mother Lilia Dizon played wife to Garcia's character.

Having also been directed by Garcia in some movies, De Leon admired his dedication to the craft.

"The guy is such a professional. He is very passionate with his work, he is suave, he is cool about everything. He is the ultimate actor that I ever worked with. Marami na 'kong nakasama sa pelikula but he’s just always ready for anything. We look up to him and ah... hats off kami sa kanya."

Despite that, De Leon said Garcia never forgot to unwind after the set is packed up -- at times stopping him from leaving just to have a few cold beers.

"He’s such a good friend and I really look up to him. He’s such a loss."

For De Leon, the National Artist honor being pushed for Garcia now should have been accorded him earlier.

"Ba't di niyo binigay nung buhay pa siya? 'Di ba? He could have appreciated that when he was still alive, and now he’s up there... beyond," he said.

"All the credentials are here."

De Leon on moves to give Garcia a posthumous National Artist award:

"Ba't di nyo binigay noong buhay pa siya? He could have appreciated that when he was still alive, and now he’s up there...beyond. Yeah, why not, sure. But it could have been better when he was still alive." pic.twitter.com/1WSrHvf4lX

— Anjo Bagaoisan (@anjo_bagaoisan) June 22, 2019

Actor and Ormoc City Mayor Richard Gomez said on Friday the National Artist was an honor fit for a "legend" in the business like Garcia, but would still come too late.

LOOK: Cesar Montano leads a groufie with fellow actors and directors at Eddie Garcia's wake pic.twitter.com/dBiTSXPUmD

— Anjo Bagaoisan (@anjo_bagaoisan) June 22, 2019

Cesar Montano also praised Garcia's professionalism, saying he was fun and easy to get along with.

"Siya lang ang nakita kong direktor, aktor na walang nakaaway, na napakasarap kasama, masaya sa set. Wala kang alalahanin, wala kang stress, at marami kang matutuhan sa kanya. Kaya mahal na mahal namin siya."

One unforgettable movie Montano worked with Garcia was the 2003 biopic based on the life of Ilocos Sur politician Luis "Chavit" Singson.

"Siya talaga, tatapusin niya. 'Yong pagka-professional niya, mahirap pantayan talaga."

Cesar Montano recalls how then co-star Eddie Garcia motivated him to take on an extra scene after an extended shoot with director Carlo J. Caparas for their 2003 movie "Chavit". pic.twitter.com/o47joOb9Mv

— Anjo Bagaoisan (@anjo_bagaoisan) June 22, 2019

"Ako ay wala nang pag-aalinlangan diyan, dapat maibigay sa kanya 'yan. Siya lang yata 'yan. Well deserved to be our National Artist," Montano said.

But when Garcia himself was asked about a possible National Artist nod in 2018, he said awards including that were only bonuses to his work.

"Well, it's up to them. Para sa akin kung ano ang dumating na grasya, tatanggapin ko," said Garcia.