During the 1970s to the early 1980s, Garcia was an integral part of the film movement from the period of what is commonly called the "Second Golden Age of Philippine Cinema". He was in National Artist & director Lino Brocka's "Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang" (1974), "Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon" (1976) and "Miguelito: Ang Batang Rebelde" (1985), among other films. He went back to directing and produced "Atsay" in 1978 which won Best Picture at the Metro Manila Film Festival, starring Nora Aunor.