0 Makisig Morales portrays Filipino saint Pedro Calungsod on stage

During its first run at the Meralco Theater, the play about the life of the second Filipino saint Pedro Calungsod gave Makisig Morales his first taste of musical theater. It was also Mak’s first time to play a lead role on stage. “Ako yung gaganap ng role na teen Pedro. Sobrang inspiring nitong story na ito kasi makikita niyo yung buhay ni Pedro Calungsod. Makikita niyo kung gaano siya ka-loyal at kung gaano siya ka sobrang bait sa lahat ng taong makakahalubilo niya. Sobrang nakaka-inspire ito. Para ito sa buong family,” he told Push. The musical will have a second run at the Meralco Theater from January 8 to 9.

The talented young actor first entered showbiz when he was eight years old via the singing talent show Little Big Star. After that, he won the lead role in Super Inggo which made him a household name.

Mak admitted he was very flattered to be offered the role in the play last year without having to go through any auditions. “Kasi kasama family ko sa community ng Couples for Christ. Simula bata pa ako Kids For Christ na ako hanggang ngayon na Youth For Christ na ako. Tinawagan ng CFC si Daddy tapos siyempre nung tinanong kung okay lang ba na ako ang mag-portray ng role ni Pedro, hindi na kami nag-dalawang isip. Siyempre si Pedro Calungsod yan. Kaya tinanggap ko kaagad,” he revealed.

The 16-year-old actor said he enjoyed rehearsals for the show. “Usually kasi ang mga play pina-practice yan ng kalahating taon pero ito ginawa namin in three months lang. Kasi ginawa namin yun ng wala pa yung mga kanta kasi ina-arrange pa. Musical kasi ito, puro halos kanta wala masyadong dialogue, konti lang. Mga English songs,” he said.

Mak said he was not nervous about going onstage even though it is different form his experience acting in front of the camera. “Parehas lang din naman yung pag-arte kasi umaarte ka pa rin pero sa stage kasi walang mga take two take two. Kung ano yung ginawa niyo diyan, yun na yung makikita kaagad ng tao. So kunwari medyo magkamali man, hindi naman alam ng mga tao yun eh so go lang. First time ko ito mag-lead sa isang musical play pero yung mga ibang member ng cast namin mga college students at mga nagtratrabaho na rin,” he said.

Aside from the Meralco theater, Mak has also performed the musical at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila and in Cebu (where saint Pedro Calungsod is said to be from).

All set to graduate from high school this March from the St. Augustine International School, Mak has already received offers for scholarships from some of the country’s top universities. He said he has a very simple wish for 2013. “Yung maging masaya lang na makasama yung buong family ko. Nagaaral naman ako ng mabuti pero siyempre mas puspusan pa sana and mas maging focused pa ako sa lahat ng ginagawa ko lalo na sa career ko,” he shared.

Catch Makisig Morales in Teen Saint Pedro: An Original Musical at the Meralco Theater on January 8 and 9, 2013. Tickets are available at SM Ticketnet outlets.

by: Rhea Manila Santos

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