From ‘kontesero’ to lead theater actor
Last year, Anthony Rosaldo flew to New York City with one thing in mind: to watch as many musicals as he possibly could on Broadway. As he hopped from one show to another—“The Great Gatsby,” “Wicked,” “Hadestown,” “Chicago,” “The Notebook”—the singer-actor couldn’t help but picture himself performing on those very stages.
“I imagined myself being there—parang ang sarap!” he told Lifestyle.
Should the stars align for his budding theater career, Rosaldo would love to have a shot at “Hadestown” and play Orpheus, just like one of his idols, American theater star Jordan Fisher. Working with Rachelle Ann Go in any kind of production, he added, would also be a dream come true.
“It was an amazing experience. Seeing my favorite artists in New York, visiting all the theaters are things I would never forget,” said Rosaldo, who also made sure to connect with new people, expand his network, and learn more about what the audition process is like in the famed theater district.
“I would love to try out,” he said. “Maybe one day!” But for now, Rosaldo’s world revolves around “Liwanag sa Dilim”—9 Works Theatrical’s ongoing musical featuring the music of Filipino rock icon Rico Blanco. In the show, which runs until March 30 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium in the RCBC Plaza, he plays the lead character, Elesi, an orphan who sets out to uncover his past and find his identity. And in that journey, he will meet people fighting for the same virtues in life.
Theater debut
Rosaldo, who used to front Fahrenheit—a pop-rock band whose bread and butter were hotel and bar gigs in Singapore, Malaysia, and Japan—made his theater debut in 2023 via the Eraserheads-inspired jukebox production “Ang Huling El Bimbo.”
Perhaps he was always meant to rock the stage, whether in a concert or a musical. “The funny thing was I was also supposed to try out for the Parokya ni Edgar musical, “Buruguduystunstugudunstuy,” last year. But yes, it’s a coincidence that I ended up doing these rock musicals, after working as a vocalist for a rock band,” he said.
That said, singing demanding pieces day in and day out wasn’t so much a challenge for him. While he had to make a few adjustments to his technique, the power, and stamina were already there—“batak na,” so to speak. It was the acting part he was insecure about.
“I have been singing all my life, but acting isn’t my core. I really have to work hard to make my scenes colorful and make sure that I’m staying true to my character. Iiyak ka, mapapagalitan ka, mapapahiya ka. But I have to tough it out and make things work. Ginusto ko ‘to, eh!” he said, laughing.
Worth it
But the tears, the hard work—they’re all worth it, he said, the moment he steps into his character and under the lights. “Not that I’m seeking validation, but I can’t deny that it feels good to hear the audience cheering and clapping during curtain call. That’s how I realized that I love being a theater actor,” he said.
Still, self-doubt creeps in every so often. “Liwanag,” after all, is just Rosaldo’s third musical after “El Bimbo” and “Rent” (2024)—still very much a newbie, at least in his mind. And as he would find out later on, it’s not enough to have the singing and acting down pat—being in the right mental space is just as important.
“Sometimes, I still find myself wondering, ‘Kaya ko ba ‘to? Kaya ko ba mag-deliver?’ The voices in my head tell me that the people in front of me don’t think I’m good. But now I’m better at managing those. Of course, you have to memorize your lines, and your singing should be on point. But you also have to make sure that you’re emotionally stable, that your mental health is okay,” he pointed out.
Besides, in the three shows he has done so far, he was either lead or part of the main cast. That should count for something. “I just take it that people see something in me. That I was given those roles because people trust in me; people think I can deliver and that I can take on the responsibility,” he said.
One musical a year
Rosaldo’s goal is to do at least one musical a year. But in between theater stints, the singer plans to continue releasing new material, like this latest single, “Batubalani” (GMA Playlist). As the title suggests, the song is about magnetism and the power of attraction. Fun and upbeat, its vibe is quite the departure from the ballads he had previously put out.
“In between shows and rehearsals, I’m also trying to promote my songs, because being a successful recording artist is still a dream of mine,” he said. “I’m still hoping to score a hit that people can associate with me.”
Rosaldo used to be a kontesero, competing at various television tilts like “Spogify Singing Bae” in “Eat Bulaga!” in 2016, and “The Clash” in 2018. He didn’t end up becoming a winner in either, but he sure does feel like one now.
“I believe in manifesting your dreams. I didn’t win the contests I joined but I’m happy and thankful with what I have achieved so far,” said Rosaldo, who likened his current career trajectory to that of a roller coaster steadily approaching the tracks’ steepest, highest point.
“I feel like the roller coaster is just starting up. The rise was unexpected, but I’m still far from the peak. And I hope things stay that way for a while because I’m still enjoying the ride,” he said.
