Christian envies Rachelle Ann
Christian Bautista couldn’t be any prouder of his ex-girlfriend and fellow singer Rachelle Ann Go, who recently landed the role of Fantine in the West End production of “Les Misérables,” soon after ending her stint as Gigi in the revival of “Miss Saigon,” also in the famed theater district of London.
“As I’ve always said, I think she’s going down the path of Lea Salonga and I’m so proud of her. She’s giving so much of herself,” he told a group of reporters at a recent press conference for his afternoon TV series on GMA 7, “My Mother’s Secret.” “She’s sacrificing her time with her family and friends for a dream and she’s living it.”
A theater actor himself, Christian wasn’t shy to admit that he does feel a tinge of envy about his contemporaries getting big breaks in the international theater scene. Aside from Rachelle Ann, Mark Bautista—also a singing contest alum—made it in the West End, too, playing the late President Ferdinand Marcos in “Here Lies Love.” “But I try to dismiss [that feeling]… We all play different roles in life and follow different paths,” said Christian, who’s not exactly foreign to overseas success.
Christian previously starred in the Singaporean TV series “The Kitchen Musical,” and has likewise built a solid following in Southeast Asia—Indonesia, in particular—with his 2004 hit song, “The Way You Look at Me.” “I cherish those things,” he said.
What makes Filipinos exceptional artists? Christian surmised that it’s all about natural talent and a strong work ethic.
“Filipinos have an innate gift for singing; we don’t need to be taught much,” he pointed out. “We also work hard, don’t complain and go the extra mile.”
Of course, he would love to try out for international musicals someday, but first, Christian jested, he would need to learn how to dance. “I may be doing theater again next year, but everything is still under wraps,” said the 33-year-old recording artist, who previously starred in such local theater productions as “Cinderella,” “Rama Hari,” “West Side Story” and “Ghost.”
Like a zombie
Christian intends to focus on his TV work, adding that doing the morning soap opera “With a Smile” and the play “Cinderella” two years ago was an unwise decision. “One day I’m taping for the show; the next day, I’m doing theater. I was practically a zombie,” he said. “Now I’m taking things one at time.”
Directed by Neal del Rosario, “My Mother’s Secret” is Christian’s third TV series with the Kapuso station, and his first heavy drama. “It’s my most challenging yet. I’m scared, excited and nervous because the role is no joke,” he related.
He plays Anton, a man left behind by his childhood sweetheart
Vivian (Gwen Zamora) to pursue a career in show business. “We did a lot of workshop sessions before this,” he said. “I’m trying my best not to act. I want my character to seem real,” Christian said.
“My Mother’s Secret” airs weekdays, before “24 Oras.”
