Bituin Escalante during an interview with reporters. Image: Hannah Mallorca/INQUIRER.net
Touching on her purpose as a theater actress, Bituin Escalante wants to tell stories that are uniquely Filipino, noting there is a lot of “rich storytelling” in the Philippines that the public deserves to see onstage.
Last year witnessed a renaissance in the local theater scene. Some of its milestones include the reruns of the hit musicals “Mula Sa Buwan” and “Bar Boys” being sold out to audiences. On the other hand, the staging of “One More Chance” musical brought a fresh retelling of the hit 2007 film that originally starred John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo.
Another milestone was the musical film “Isang Himala” which was an entry at the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF). The film, which also starred Escalante, was based on the 1982 film and “Himala: Isang Musikal.”
“There’s so much rich storytelling [here in the Philippines],” Escalante said during an intimate interview with select reporters in Quezon City. “I want to tell our stories. Fan ako ng Pinoy artists. Uhaw ang Pilipino sa kwento natin (I’m a fan of Pinoy artists. Filipinos thirst for our stories).”
Escalante admitted she doesn’t see herself taking on international musicals for now. She clarified, however, that she’s the type of person who would consider the “work involved” before deciding to audition for a theater production.
“That’s how I look at local projects as well. I want to work on an Ejay Yatco musical, I wanna sing his songs… those things. I want to go home to Tanghalang Pilipino again, it’s been decades. Taking on a call for a foreign musical? The challenge. Right now, there’s nothing that calls to me that [makes me feel] that I’m needed for that role,” she said.
“Pero kung may butas ang cast ng ‘Sweeney Todd,’ Diyos ko (But if ‘Sweeney Todd’ is in need of a cast member. Ohmigosh). Go!” she added immediately.
On her work ethic, emerging theater actors
Whenever Escalante takes on a theater role, she views herself as the “dumbest person in the room.” This allows her to be more creative with her portrayal and more open to feedback.
“You’re open to any suggestions from your director. There’s room for creativity. There’s no attempt to admit that you can improve yourself. You can only make the work in front of you the best you have ever been,” she said. “I don’t have an attempt toward greatness. [For me] if I do something well, it’s growth. I take it one step at a time.”
Escalante also expressed her admiration for younger theater actors such as Reb Atadero and Kiara Diaro who are making waves in the local scene. This in itself, according to the singer-actress, is another reason to celebrate the industry.
“I’m such a fan of Reb Atadero and the Vic Robinsons of this world who can carry an entire show on their backs. They truly are triple threats: they dance, they sing, they act, they have gravitas. They wouldn’t have invested in their craft if we didn’t think theater was worth it. Kiara [Dario] is staking her claim beyond the Philippines, ang tapang (It’s brave of her),” she said.