The lights were firmly on theater this year as Star Magic opened its first Spotlight press conference with a clear message: the stage is not a sideline—it is a proving ground. And at the forefront of this movement are three artists whose craft continues to shape, challenge, and elevate Philippine theater: Jordan Andrews, Omar Uddin, and Lance Reblando.

Jordan Andrews: Finding a Home on the Stage

After first gaining public attention on Pinoy Big Brother Kumunity Season 10 Celebrity Edition, Jordan Andrews quietly but steadily carved out a formidable theater résumé. From crowd favorites like Ang Huling El Bimbo, Tabing Ilog: The Musical, Joseph the Dreamer, and Shrek The Musical, he has proven that longevity is built in rehearsal rooms, not reality shows.

This year, Jordan continues to stretch his range with Re-Orient: Narratives From Asian Voices and an upcoming run in A Chorus Line. For him, the rise of local theater signals something bigger than individual success.

“Papunta na yung Manila to being the Broadway of Asia. I love that kasi ang daming performers na Pinoy all around the world that are trying to find saan sila pwede mag-fit in with their talent. Here in Manila, you can stay here because the theater industry is growing and booming talaga,” he shared.

Omar Uddin: Grounded by Empathy

Known for his versatility, Omar Uddin has become one of theater’s most reliable performers, moving seamlessly between emotionally demanding works like Bar Boys, Next to Normal, Tabing Ilog: The Musical, and Delia D. In 2025, he returned to the stage in Quomodo Desolata Es? Isang Dalamhati, with another major production, Spring Awakening, on the horizon.

For Omar, theater is not just technique—it is an exercise in self-awareness.

“Pag-empathize sa ibang tao, lalong-lalo na sa sarili mo kasi, personally ako, minsan kakalimutan ko na kung sino ako sa dami ng roles na ginagawa ko. I would try my best to ground myself and remember who I am, how I really am, and learn from it,” he reflected.

Lance Reblando: Lived Truth as Art

Few performers embody courage onstage quite like Lance Reblando. Her theater credits include Rent, Mula sa Buwan, Tabing Ilog: The Musical, and Walang Aray: The Musical, where she made history as the first transwoman to portray the leading lady role of Julia. Beyond theater, she continues to expand her reach through film and television projects, including Warla and Love at First Spike.

For Lance, every performance carries the weight—and power—of lived experience.

“Sa bawat role na ginagampanan ko, hindi mo matatanggal yung lived experience ko as a trans woman. Kasi sobrang daming kinakaharap ng trans folks, lalo ng queer community, on a daily basis. So you get to see someone—me—play a role na off a trans experience,” she said.

A Generation Built for the Stage

Anchored by artists like Andrews, Uddin, and Reblando, Star Magic’s theater roster reflects a generation of performers driven not by spectacle, but by discipline, depth, and purpose. Their journeys affirm one thing: Philippine theater is not merely thriving—it is evolving, powered by voices that refuse to be boxed in and stories that demand to be seen, heard, and felt.