It never occurred to boy band singer Joshua Bulot, who’s best known as a member of vocal trio JBK, that he would one day perform on a theater stage, much less in the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA)’s hit comedy musical Rak of Aegis.
On its fifth comeback, the highly acclaimed production is poised to introduce fresh new talents, which include JBK’s Joshua who snagged the role of Venizia’s lover boy, ‘Tolits’.
“I still can’t believe that I am playing ‘Tolits’ in the wildly popular musical because this is going to be vastly different from my performances as a member of a boy band,” the 23-year-old vocalist says. “I’m taking this as a huge opportunity to show that I can be a versatile artist. I’m ready to prove that I can do it.”
While Joshua notes that it is a big leap from singing before hordes of screaming fan girls to performing before the theatre crowd, he admits that the bigger challenge is being on the same stage as the original ‘Rak’ cast members—like the golden couple Robert and Isay Seña.
“This should push me to really show my vocal power,” Joshua says.
While the show didn’t go through a major story overhaul, fans of ‘Rak of Aegis’ can look forward to a fun and unique show because of the new actors’ fresh take on the well-loved characters of the musical.
Both veterans of, and up-and-coming actors in, the theatre scene will complete the cast. These include comedian Jon Santos, GMA 7’s Aicelle Santos, Kim Molina, Benj Manalo, Pepe Herrera, OJ Mariano, Jerald Napoles, Renz Verano, Loy Martinez, Jimi Marquez, Phi Palmos, Ron Alfonso, Carlon Matobato, Gio Gahol, John Moran, Paeng Sudayan, Roi Calilong, Gimbey Dela Cruz, Abi Sulit, Via Antonio, Gold Villar, Teetin Villanueva, Raflesia Bravo, Jet Barrun, and Gab Pangilinan.
As for the new direction in Joshua’s career, it couldn’t happen to a nicer—and better qualified—young artist. Together with his JBK brothers Bryan del Rosario and Kim Lawrenz Ordonio, Joshua, after all, has recorded hit singles like “Anong Meron Ka,” “Damang-Dama,” and “Letting You Go.”
On social media, JBK’s cover videos of OPM, Indonesian, and Malaysian songs went viral and earned the moniker #FireExitBoys because most of their videos were shot in the fire exit of a condominium, where they sometimes got into trouble with the building’s security.
“I am so thankful to my JBK brothers for supporting me and pushing me to do better,” Joshua enthuses. “For people who’d like to see our shows or watch our covers, just ‘like’ our Facebook page.”
The fifth run of ‘Rak of Aegis’ is slated from June 17 to Aug. 28, Tuesday to Friday at 8 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. at the PETA Theater Center.
Meanwhile, you can catch Joshua’s performances on the following initial play dates: July 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, and 27 all at 8 p.m.
For tickets, log on to ticketworld.com.ph or contact 891-9999 (Ticket World) or 725-6244 (PETA). You may also send inquiries to [email protected].
