The Philippines’ theatre scene continues to flourish, fuelled by young and talented performers who are bringing fresh energy, versatility and imagination to the stage. With powerful musical theatre performances and emotionally charged dramatic productions, these talents are captivating audiences with their commanding stage presence and impressive range. Many are taking on increasingly challenging roles, showcasing the depth of Filipino performing talent. In this issue, Top 10 of Asia shares its list of the Philippines’ rising young and talented theatre stars, presented in random order, including performers who have captivated audiences at home and made their mark on international stages abroad, each showcasing the exciting future of Philippine theatre.
Mico Hendrix Chua
Mico Hendrix Chua is a Filipino performer and actor whose passion for the stage has shaped more than a decade of his artistic journey. He has performed in numerous productions and made multiple appearances at the CCP Pasinaya Arts Festival, continuing to develop his craft across acting, singing and dance. In 2016, Mico represented the Philippines at the World Championships of Performing Arts in Long Beach, California, where he earned seven medals and was recognised for his abilities in singing, dancing and acting. Most recently, Mico took on the role of Adie, originally played by Aga Muhlach in the 1984 film Bagets, in Bagets: The Musical. The production premiered at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, where Mico starred as Adie and alternated in the role with Andres Muhlach. His performance brings a new interpretation to a character remembered by generations of Filipino audiences while introducing the beloved story to a new generation through musical theatre. Through his work onstage and his continuing education, Mico remains committed to growing as both an artist and an individual, embracing every opportunity to learn, create and perform.
Benedix Ramos
Benedix Ramos is an actor, singer-songwriter, host and content creator who gained nationwide recognition during his stint as a celebrity housemate on Pinoy Big Brother Kumunity Season 10: Celebrity Edition. His theatre works include Ang Huling El Bimbo The Musical as Young Anthony, Tabing Ilog The Musical as Rovic/Andoy, Dagitab as Angelo (received the Best Featured Performance by MSTR Awards 2026), Yemaya as Jesus/Mulo, Next To Normal as Gabe Goodman and Bar Boys The Musical as Erik Vicencio (both received the Gawad Buhay nomination). He was also recognised with the Emerging Talent Award by the Manila Society of Theater Reviewers. He was recently cast as younger Noah in the international premiere of The Notebook The Musical. Some of his TV credits include ABS-CBN’s Love in 40 Days, GTV’s My Fantastic Pag-ibig: Ghosted (nominated for Best New TV Personality by PMPC Star Awards), multiple MMK episodes, What Lies Beneath, ASAP (New Gen Sessionistas), Bida Star: Versus and Diamond Hunt as a host. Some of his film credentials include April (Taiwanese Film), Bar Boys: After School (MMFF 2025), All The Things I Leave You and Kaka Sa Yawan (Cinemalaya 2026 entry).
Kokoy de Santos
Kokoy de Santos is emerging as a captivating talent in Philippine theatre, bringing an electrifying blend of acting, singing and dance to the stage. Born Ronald Marquez de Santos Jr., the Filipino talent has built an impressive career as an actor, singer, dancer, commercial model and comedian, but it is his theatrical versatility and magnetic stage presence that continue to set him apart. He took centre stage in Mapanakit! Mga Dulang Bittersweet, presented in Manila by Biñan Youth Performance Council Inc. (YPC), starring in the production’s Mapanakit. His performance highlights his ability to embody complex emotions, command attention and connect with audiences through powerful storytelling, movement and dramatic expression. With his dynamic performance style and ability to seamlessly blend multiple disciplines, Kokoy is showcasing the depth and versatility of Filipino performing talent while establishing himself as an exciting theatre star to watch.
Felicity Kyle Napuli
Felicity Kyle Napuli is an actress working across theatre, television and film. She is a two-time Gawad Buhay nominee for Best Actress in a Musical. Her notable stage credits include Becky in A Little Princess (Repertory Philippines), Matilda in Matilda the Musical (Atlantis Theatrical), Young Nala in Disney’s The Lion King International Tour, Danica Lyons in Dani Girl, Thea in Spring Awakening (The Sandbox Collective), Susie in Sandosenang Sapatos (Tanghalang Pilipino), Aiza in Buruguduystunstugudunstuy (Newport World Resorts), Patient 414 in Ang Halimaw sa Compound Z, Gabriela in Kislap at Fuego (PETA), Tomtom in Takbo Batang Tondo (VLF20) and Young Anita in Muli. Most recently, she played Sarah in The Notebook (Theater Group Asia). On screen, Kyle has appeared in Maria Clara at Ibarra (GMA), 18th Rose (Netflix) and In My Mother’s Skin, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and is available on Prime Video. She has also lent her voice to the Tagalog dub of KPop Demon Hunters as Rumi.
Omar Uddin
Omar Uddin engages audiences with his expressive performances, versatility and magnetic stage presence. His journey has seen him take on increasingly prominent roles, beginning with his casting in Bata sa Bus Stop before landing his first musical, PETA’s Tagu-taguan, Nasaan ang Buwan? These early opportunities paved the way for a major breakthrough in 2024 with Bar Boys: The Musical, which became a defining turning point in his theatrical career and showcased his ability to command the stage with confidence and emotional depth. Since then, Omar has continued to build momentum, appearing as a featured performer in Delia D at Newport World Resorts, a vibrant musical inspired by the songs of prolific Filipino songwriter Jonathan Manalo. With every performance, Omar demonstrates an exciting combination of talent, charisma and theatrical instinct, establishing himself as an outstanding acting talent to watch in Philippine musical theatre.
Jam Binay
Jam Binay is a Filipino theatre actress. Her professional career in theatre began post-pandemic as a cover for Young Joy in Full House Theater’s Ang Huling El Bimbo (2023). Some of her recent acting credits include playing Nia in Mad Child Productions’ Mga Binago ng Araw (2026), Ilse in Sandbox Collective’s Spring Awakening (2026), Katte in CAST PH’s Staged Reading of Corridors (2026), and Natalie Goodman in Sandbox Collective’s Next to Normal (2025). She recently landed her feature film debut in Edjop, a biopic of the Filipino activist Edgar Jopson during Martial Law in the 1970s. Jam was also cited as one of the Best Featured Actresses in the Gawad Buhay quarterly round-up of 2025 for her performance in Next to Normal earlier that same year. Aside from acting, Jam is an all-around artist in the theatre involved in assistant direction, acting coaching, production management, stage management, technical teams and PR and marketing. She is also a partner and co-producer of a young theatre group in the Philippines, Mad Child Productions.
Joaquin Pedro Valdes
Joaquin Pedro Valdes is a Filipino actor working across London’s theatre scene, currently preparing to take on the role of Benny in a new star-studded version of RENT this Autumn. With Filipino heritage at the heart of his identity, Joaquin is part of a growing generation of Asian performers making their mark across the UK stage. His career spans the West End, leading London theatres and concert stages, with credits including Herakles in Stephen Sondheim’s The Frogs at Southwark Playhouse, Prince Chadley in Cinderella at the Rose Theatre and Michael/Officer Dietz in the world premiere of Alfred Hitchcock Presents: The Musical at Theatre Royal Bath. He has previously originated Light Yagami in Death Note: The Musical in Concert at the London Palladium and Lyric Theatre, alongside roles in Heathers the Musical, The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical, The Baker’s Wife and Sondheim’s Pacific Overtures. He also appears on several original London cast recordings.
Noel Comia Jr.
Noel Comia Jr. is a remarkable Filipino performer whose remarkable journey across musical theatre, film and commercial modelling has established him as a versatile talent to watch. He began his career at a young age, first appearing as the lead in a television commercial before stepping onto the stage as part of the ensemble in KAPI’s production of the beloved fairy tale Hansel and Gretel. His natural talent soon opened doors to major productions, including the Manila staging of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, where he played Jeremy Potts. Noel has since continued to impress audiences through a diverse portfolio of performances, starring in the barkada film Fruitcake and appearing in acclaimed stage productions such as Buruguduystunstugudunstuy: Ang Parokya ni Edgar Musical, Pinocchio, The Secret Garden with Repertory Philippines and Fun Home alongside Lea Salonga. In 2026, he added another exciting milestone with the musical Bagets, further showcasing his evolving artistry and undeniable stage presence.
Sheena Belarmino
Sheena Belarmino is making her mark as one of the Philippines’ most promising theatre stars, enthralling audiences with her impressive combination of acting, singing and dancing. A versatile performer unafraid of challenging roles, she has showcased her growing theatrical range in productions including PETA’s One More Chance: The Musical, where she played Tricia and Bar Boys: The Musical. She further expanded her repertoire as Natalie in the Philippine adaptation of the acclaimed musical Next to Normal, delivering a performance that highlighted her emotional depth and dramatic versatility. In Spring Awakening, Sheena took on the daring and demanding role of Wendla, pushing her artistry into more complex territory. In 2026, she continued her upward trajectory with her role as Maya in Yemaya, adding another exciting chapter to her burgeoning theatre career. With her powerful stage presence, dynamic performance skills and fearless approach to diverse characters, Sheena is quickly establishing herself as a performer to watch in Philippine musical theatre.
KD Estrada
KD Estrada is proving that his talents extend far beyond the small screen, emerging as one of the Philippines’ talented actors in musical theatre. After capturing audiences’ attention as a housemate on Pinoy Big Brother: Kumunity Season 10 in 2021, KD has continued to expand his artistic repertoire, bringing his natural charisma, musicality and youthful energy to the stage. He impressed audiences with his performance as Arnel in Bagets The Musical, breathing fresh energy into the beloved coming-of-age story and demonstrating his growing confidence as a theatre performer. He further showcased his versatility as Burn in Bongga Ka, ’Day! The Annie Batungbakal Musical, taking on another memorable role that allowed him to explore his range as an actor and singer. With every production, KD is steadily transforming from a reality television personality into a formidable stage performer, combining his vocal ability, expressive acting and magnetic presence. His growing theatre journey signals the arrival of a promising young talent with plenty more to offer the Philippine performing arts scene.