PH pride in Disney’s pride of lions: Joaquin Pedro Valdes debuts as Simba in Dublin

Valdes as Simba

Pinoy pride. That’s what Filipino actor Joaquin Pedro Valdes carries with him like a badge of honor and pride wherever he performs — whether it’s for “Miss Saigon,” “The King and I,” “Fanny and Stella,” “Heathers: The Musical” or “Vanara.”

By the time you read this, Joaquin will have added another feather in his thespic cap: He will be the very first homegrown Filipino actor to play Simba in a production of Disney’s “The Lion King” in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Joaqs, as we fondly call him, is currently in “The Lion King’s” ensemble and covering Simba in the well-loved musical’s “Rhino UK/Ireland Tour.”

Inquirer Entertainment has always had ringside seats in the actor’s journey since he decided to pursue a performing career in Europe’s premier theater hub. Last Thursday, we spoke to Joaquin about his latest casting feat soon after he finished a run.

The following day, Joaquin debuted as Simba to a full house at the Bordgais Energy Theatre in Dublin — the first Filipino Simba to roar in that part of the world.

Memories

The actor’s exciting new experience with Disney’s new theatrical Pride brings back a lot of memories to us. We recall meeting lovely Gia Macuja via Monique Wilson in the 2000s when the former was in the cast of “The Lion King” in London — and, if memory serves, she got us a seat in the production’s sound booth so that we could see the gorgeous show for free!

Joaquin Pedro Valdes

Joaqs couldn’t hide his excitement when we spoke to him. “I’ve had my share of coveted roles since I began as a child actor in the Philippines,” he mused. “But I’ve never been able to relate to any character more than Simba. I have loved ‘The Lion King’ since I saw the film, and I remember singing ‘I Can’t Wait To Be King’ on repeat because I was that young.”

It’s like life imitating art. Finally, Joaquin’s long wait is over — like waiting for Simba, the cub, to finally come of age.

“On this tour, I cover Stephenson Ardern-Sodje, who’s an excellent Simba,” said Joaquin when we asked him who else was in the cast. “With him alongside Anthony Lyn and Clem Ishmael, as well as all the creatives, I’m learning from the best. I’m in really good hands.

As with Simba’s story, this tour had to hurdle production woes, mostly because of the never-ending pandemic. But as with most challenges, nothing is ever insurmountable.

Finally open

“This tour was canceled in 2020 due to COVID, and as it was about to roar back to life late in 2021, it once again got a little delayed because of the Omicron outbreak. But finally, we’re now open to full houses here in Dublin, Ireland, which is the first leg of yearlong touring in gorgeous theaters and venues.

“After Ireland, this tour is scheduled to go around the UK, bringing this awesome show to different parts of the country.”

Indeed, like the circle of life, the passion for art continues to move Joaquin “through despair and hope, faith and love, till he finds his place on the path unwinding.” And like young Simba finally finding his voice, we can hear the actor’s roar getting louder and louder.