MANILA – John Lloyd Cruz is going to be part of the jury for this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).

He made the announcement during an interview at the sidelines of the ABS-CBN Christmas special on Tuesday night when he was asked about how he plans to spend the holidays.

“I am very excited to be part of the MMFF jury this year. It’s very exciting kaya dito lang ako. I’m going to be here. Gusto ko maranasan 'yung Pasko na kasama 'yung Philippine cinema,” he said.

Cruz said he will see all the eight movies but he is excited to watch “Vince & Kath & James,” which is Star Cinema’s entry to the MMFF.

“I can’t wait to see 'yung entry mula sa Star Cinema. I heard it is very popular sa selection committee pa lang. Ako hindi ko pa napapanood so I can’t really say but I am excited to see every film. Bukod sa I am duty-bound, I am excited to see everything,” he said.

Joshua as next John Lloyd

Cruz also reacted to comments touting “Vince & Kath & James” actor Joshua Garcia as his successor.

“Joshua is his own person, his own artist, his own talent. Walang makakapagpabago noon. Joshua will become his own name and Joshua will make a mark in this industry sa sarili niyang effort, sa sarili niyang paghihirap, sa sarili niyang pagmamahal sa ginagawa niya,” he said.

Cruz believes that his only role as Garcia’s showbiz colleague is to encourage him to strive to be the best actor he can be.

“We have to give it to the guy. Labas po tayo diyan. Definitely labas ako. Maybe I serve some kind of inspiration and I appreciate that. Sometimes it flatters me but tingin ko, ang papel ko is to encourage Joshua to become his own,” he said.