Currently one of the lead stars of the much awaited original Pinoy musical Liwanag Sa Dilim, former Goin’ Bulilit alumni CJ Navato realized that he really has come a long, unexpected way since auditioning for the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) political musical production Charot! seven years ago.
“My very first production was PETA’s Charot in 2018. First time kong mag-theater nun eh. And then I think, before mag-pandemic, na-cast ako sa Bongga Ka ‘Day! Nag-trade launch na sila pero nag-pandemic, so lockdown na kaagad and hindi na natuloy ‘yun. Tapos ‘yung mga nakasabay ko dun na cast, nagkasama-sama kami ulit pare-pareho sa One More Chance, The Musical last year. Pero ‘yung Charot! talaga yung nag-open up sa akin sa theater,” he told PUSH ABS-CBN.
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It was only in his role as the iconic male lead Popoy in One More Chance that really solidified CJ’s love for the stage last year. It can be recalled that the same role was immortalized by John Lloyd Cruz in Star Cinema’s 2007 blockbuster film of the same title.
“When things normalized last year and na-cast ako sa One More Chance in 2023, grabe ‘yun. I fell in love with theater in eight months of life,” he stated. “Ang saya kasi mag-kuwento at mag-perform. ‘Yun ‘yung pinakanatuwa ako eh — ‘yung dancing, singing, acting, and affecting people.”
“Iba kasi ‘yung feeling while you’re doing it. ‘Yung pinatawa mo sila or kinikilig sila, pinapaiyak mo sila. Ang sarap sa feeling eh. Sobrang nakakapuno ng puso,” he explained.
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In a previous interview with ABS-CBN, CJ recalled what he learned from his experience doing his first stage production Charot!, which he did while juggling his studies as a junior in the College of St. Benilde.
“Nakita ko kaagad na mapapagod ako sa ginagawa nila. I needed a change of lifestyle. Nagbago ako, starting with having a healthy lifestyle. As preparation, nag-gy-gym din ako. Naisipan ko mag work-out. Mag-iba ang physique ko. Kailangan lakasan ang boses. (What I was doing on TV), hindi sya papasa sa theater. (I was told) ‘i-project mo boses mo. Kahit katabi mo ka-eksena mo, lakasan mo ang boses mo’. So sila tumulong sa akin. Sila nagre-remind sa akin," CJ shared.
READ: How PETA's 'Charot' changed 'Goin' Bulilit' alumnus CJ Navato
Although his name still has its strongest recall in television as one of the talented alumni of ABS-CBN’s iconic kiddie gag show Goin’ Bulilit, CJ explained why he appreciates acting in both platforms even if they have different processes.
“Nung pandemic nag-TV TV ako. It brought me so much joy,” he said, honoring his roots in television. “But I think acting there is different eh. Sa TV… hindi ko na maalala ‘yung last audition ko sa TV. I think matagal na ‘yun. I don’t want to say I don’t miss it, but I guess iba rin eh kasi may camera talaga siya.”
He did admit to falling in love with performing on the theatre stage.
“Dito kasi sa theater they present you with something and you do this, you perform, you sing. Iba ‘yung audition na kakanta kasi that’s my first talent talaga. I just really love singing and performing,” he explained. “I don’t want to say I don’t miss TV, but I love being here and I’m grateful na nabigyan ako ng chance to do play after play. I just feel so blessed and I get to do more.”
Even though he’s been busy with back to back productions on stage, CJ says he was not lonely. Despite working all throughout Valentine’s day weekend last month, he has found fulfillment in his chosen path and also has a special person he holds close to his heart.
“I’m happy. I was working at PETA theater (during Valentine’s Day). My heart is happy. Wala na akong kailangan i-disclose, but my heart is happy,” he shared with PUSH ABS-CBN. “I have a special someone but I’d like to keep her a secret. I’m okay. My heart is happy.”
Watch CJ Navato in the newest original Filipino musical featuring the songs of Rico Blanco Liwanag Sa Dilim at the RCBC Plaza, Makati City. The cast also includes Alexa Ilacad, Nicole Omillo, Khalil Ramos, Vien King, Anthony Rosaldo, and Rita Daniela. Directed by Robbie Guevarra and produced by 9 Works Theatrical. Tickets are available via ticket2me.net/LiwanagSaDilimMusical.