Jake Macapagal
Romano "Jake" Macapagal[1] (born 1965/1966)[2] is a Filipino actor known for his roles in the films Aswang (2011),[3] Metro Manila (2013),[4][5] Kid Kulafu (2015),[3] Watch List (2019),[4] and The Monsters Without (2021),[6] as well as the HBO Asia television series Halfworlds (2015–)[3][7] and the Paramount+ television series No Escape.[6]
Jake Macapagal | |
|---|---|
Publicity image. Credit: Pia Puno. | |
| Born | Romano Macapagal 1965 or 1966 (age 57–58) |
| Nationality | Filipino |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1993–present |
| Known for | No Escape (TV_series) |
Early Life edit
Macapagal was born in Manila, Philippines.
First Professional Acting Performances edit
At age 16, he booked his first professional acting credit in a live stage production of the classic musical Cats at the Metropolitan Theater of Manila, becoming the cast’s youngest member. Following his experience working on Cats, he learned the importance of creative training as an actor and continued to absorb his craft by working with more Manila theater groups.
Theater edit
Macapagal credits the 1989 documentary The Heat is On: The Making of ‘Miss Saigon’ as a major career inspiration. The film focused on the making of Miss Saigon, which premiered at Theatre Royal Drury Lane in the West End. In 1994, he auditioned for the musical himself and was cast in the ensemble. [8]
Throughout the 1990s, Macapagal would continue to undergo theater-based acting training.
First Film Roles edit
Macapagal's first credited film role was as a “Party Guest” in the 1993 Filipino film Sakay. In the 2000s, he continued his film acting performances in a string of independent Filipino films.
Metro Manila edit
In 2013, Macapagal landed his breakthrough film role as the desperate family man “Oscar” in the British-Filipino co-production Metro Manila, directed by Sean Ellis. Metro Manila was screened at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival, receiving critical acclaim worldwide. [9] The film won several major international awards, including the Audience Award: World Dramatic at the Sundance Film Festival, the Hamburg Film Critic Award at Filmfest Hamburg, and Best British Independent Film and Best Director for Sean Ellis at the British Independent Film Awards. Macapagal was nominated as Most Promising Newcomer at the British Independent Awards.
Other Notable Film and TV Appearances edit
Since appearing in Metro Manila, Macapagal found more acting opportunities. He guest-appeared in the 2015 HBO series Halfworlds, the 2019 Filipino crime drama Watch List, and the 2021 horror anthology film Rabid.[10]
No Escape to Present edit
In 2023, Macapagal began work for a new upcoming Paramount+ thriller streaming series, No Escape. [11] The show’s premise is: “Two best friends, Lana and Kitty, flee their lives in the UK and head to South East Asia on a yacht called ‘The Blue.’ Soon, the yacht is found drifting in Queensland waters with no one on board.” Jake will portray Colonel Justin Reyes, a local police investigator involved in the case. No Escape will make its North American debut on Paramount+ in 2023.
Other Works edit
Macapagal was also responsible for the casting of his friend, Filipina actress Dolly De Leon, in the 2022 satirical black comedy film Triangle of Sadness. [12] De Leon, who portrays the character of resourceful overseas worker Abigail, credits Macapagal for helping to arrange her audition by introducing her to the film’s producers. He is listed in the film’s credits as “Additional Casting Director: Philippines”.
Film edit
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1993 | Sakay | Party Guest |
| 2005 | Chateau De Roses | Monroe |
| 2006 | Compound | Actor |
| 2006 | Pandanggo | Healer (segment: “Agogo”) |
| 2007 | Foster Child | Actor |
| 2007 | Doble Vista (short) | Javier |
| 2007 | Sinungaling Na Buwan | Actor |
| 2007 | Pi7ong Tagpo | Benjo (segment: “Wedding Ring”) |
| 2007 | Mona: Singapore Escort | Singapore Escort |
| 2007 | Orange and Lemons: Ang Katulad Mong Walang Katulad (video) | Papa |
| 2007 | Sa Pagdapo Ng Mariposa | Javier Vergeire |
| 2008 | Frou Frou Ssh, Wag Mong Sabihin Kay Itay (short) | Bhrando |
| 2011 | Aswang | Manuel |
| 2012 | Shackled | PO2 Santiago |
| 2012 | The Caregiver | Javier Vergeire |
| 2013 | Metro Manila | Oscar Ramirez |
| 2015 | Kid Kulafu | Dizon |
| 2016 | Showdown in Manila | Kalalo |
| 2016 | Buhay Habangbuhay | Joel |
| 2016 | Ave Maria (short) | Emilio |
| 2016 | Biyahe | Joel |
| 2017 | Sa gabing nanahimik ang mga kuliglig | Actor |
| 2019 | Watch List | Lt. Ventura |
| 2021 | The Monsters Without | Rommel Romeo |
| 2021 | Rabid | Carlo |
Television edit
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Halfworlds (TV, 8 episodes) | Kaprey |
| 2023 | No Escape (TV, 6 episodes) | Colonel Justin Reyes |
Theatre edit
| Year | Title | Role | Production Company |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | Peter Pan | Captain Hook | Ateneo Children’s Theater |
| 1982 | CATS | Rum Tum Tugger U.S. | Metropolitan Theater |
| 1988 | Once On This Island | Daniel | Chase International |
| 1989 | Joseph The Dreamer | Judah | Trumpets |
| 1992 | Nagraland | Ken | Mitsubishi Music Production Asian Tour |
| 1993 | Les Miserables | Feuilly | Repertory Philippines |
| 1993 | My Fair Lady | Ensemble | Repertory Philippines |
| 1994 | Miss Saigon Germany | Original Cast/ American GI | Stella Musical GmbH |
| 2001 | RENT | Angel | Singapore Repertory Theatre, Atlantis Productions |
| 2001 | Hedwig and the Angry Itch | Hedwig | Atlantis Productions |
| 2002 | Falsettos | Marvin | New Voice Company |
| 2002 | Miss Saigon UK National Tour | Viet Cong / US Bar-Owner | Cameron Mackintosh Ltd. |
| 2004 | Cabaret | U.S. Emcee | New Voice Company |
| 2005 | Aspects of Love | Alex Dillingham | New Voice Company |
| 2007 | West Side Story | Bernardo | Stages |
| 2009 | Victor/Victoria | King Marchan | Zebra Crossing |
| 2010 | A Little Night Music | Count Carl-Magnus | Atlantis Productions |
| 2011 | Next to Normal | Dr. Fine/Madden | Atlantis Productions |
Awards and Nominations edit
Jake Macapagal has been recognized in various award ceremonies for his performances in film. Below is a summary of his awards and nominations.
Watch List edit
- 2021 FAMAS Award – Nominee, Best Supporting Actor
- 2021 Gawad Urian Awards – Nominee, Best Supporting Actor
- 2021 Pinoy Rebyu Award – Nominee, Best Ensemble Performance
Metro Manila edit
- 2014 Star Award – Nominee, Movie Actor of the Year
- 2013 British Independent Film Award – Nominee, Most Promising Newcomer
Compound edit
- 2007 Golden Screen Award – Nominee, Breakthrough Performance by an Actor
Personal life edit
Macapagal is openly LGBTQ.[1] He spoke about his lifestyle and preferred decision to reside in Manila in a recent interview with digital LGBTQ magazine OutThere.[1]
References edit
- ^ a b c Lorenzana, Paolo. "Jake Macapagal". OutThere. Retrieved June 11, 2023.
- ^ "Jake Macapagal to join HBO Asia series". The Filipino Times. June 22, 2016. Retrieved June 11, 2023.
- ^ a b c Garceau, Scott R. (January 22, 2017). "The demonic side of Jake Macapagal". The Philippine Star. Retrieved June 11, 2023.
- ^ a b Hamlin, Andrew (May 31, 2019). "Filipino star Jake Macapagal pirouettes into our fair city". Northwest Asian Weekly. Retrieved June 11, 2023.
- ^ "Dolly De Leon gets BAFTA nomination for 'Triangle of Sadness'". ABS-CBN News. January 19, 2023. Retrieved June 11, 2023.
- ^ a b Asilo, Rito P. (May 19, 2023). "Living the dream: Jake Macapagal on role in Paramount+ series". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved June 11, 2023.
- ^ "Half the world away". Drama Quarterly. January 25, 2017. Retrieved June 11, 2023.
- ^ "The Heat is On: The Making of 'Miss Saigon'". IMDb. Retrieved April 6, 2024.
- ^ "Metro Manila Sundance Review". The Hollywood Reporter. January 20, 2013. Retrieved April 6, 2024.
- ^ "Rabid". IMDb. Retrieved April 7, 2024.
- ^ "Metro Manila Sundance Review". The Hollywood Reporter. January 20, 2013. Retrieved April 6, 2024.
- ^ "Dolly De Leon Breaks Out in 'Triangle of Sadness'". Eclipse Magazine. Retrieved April 6, 2024.
External links edit
- Official website
- Jake Macapagal at IMDb