Bituin Escalante, a name in entertainment that spells vocal prowess and theatrical brilliance, has blessed the industry with her talent for 25 years.  Her star  shines not only in her own performances, radiating a strong energy that draws audiences in, but also in her dedication to nurturing and supporting fellow artists.  Sometimes, she’s the star illuminating the stage, and other times, she’s the guiding light helping others find their own brilliance. 

Now, as she celebrates this milestone , Bituin is set to charm audiences once again with a concert set to showcase her passion for original Filipino music.

Successful Participation in Isang Himala

Bituin is part of the successful Metro Manila Film Festival entry, “Isang Himala,” a film remake that explores faith and doubt in the face of tragedy. Reflecting on the experience, she shared, “It’s a difficult subject to tackle for musicals. Pero naging matapang ‘yung mga producer namin and  people have responded well.” This highlights her admiration for the producers who took a chance on a complex and challenging story, and the positive reception it received from the moviegoers.

Escalante’s powerful portrayal in “Isang Himala” solidifies her reputation as a versatile actress who can seamlessly transition between stage and screen.  “It may not always be a hit,” she mused, “but it’s there. It’s out there.” This statement reflects her understanding of the inherent risks involved in creative endeavors, but also emphasizes the importance of putting work out into the world regardless of potential outcomes.

Her commitment to showcasing local talent and stories is evident in her choice of projects, consistently championing the richness and diversity of Filipino culture. This dedication stems from a deep-seated love for her craft, a love that extends beyond accolades and recognition. “You make the work because you love the work,” she emphasizes, “And you love everyone involved in the work. You love your director, your choreographer, your co-actor, your stage manager.” This respect for the collaborative nature of theater and film highlights her belief in the power of community and shared passion.

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A Legacy of Inspiration and Originality

Bituin’s commitment to Filipino artistry is impressive. She believes in drawing inspiration from the past while forging a new path for the future. “Years ago, Celeste Legaspi did a series of shows celebrating kundiman, celebrating art, high art. Ganyan si Celeste eh. She doesn’t compromise.” She admires artists like Celeste who stay true to their vision and contribute to the richness of Filipino artistic expression.

This vision, however, is not without its challenges. Bituin acknowledges the difficulty of getting original Filipino musicals recognized on a larger scale.  “I want to think it would be mainstream. Kasi mainstream naman siya dahil Filipino musicals, is it really not that mainstream? DoReMi. ‘Di ba? We already had it.” 

She reflects on past successes and questions why Filipino musicals haven’t achieved mainstream recognition despite their potential.  She stresses the need for producers to be bold and take risks in bringing new and diverse Filipino stories to the stage. “It’s worth taking risks,” she says boldly.

Nurturing the Next Generation of Artists

Bituin is not only a performer but also a mentor, recognizing the wealth of talent that exists within the younger generation of Filipino artists. “Imagine Martin and Jed… his voice is built for [theater]!,” Bituin enthuses. She expresses her admiration for established artists and their potential impact on theater. The versatile actress believes that by nurturing these budding talents and providing them with opportunities, the future of Philippine theater will be secured.

Lessons from the Stage, Applied to Life

Escalante’s years in theater have instilled in her valuable life lessons. “Pinakanatutunan ko sa is respect the work. Because that’s the bottom line. It’s this and not the rewards that come after you,” she explains. This dedication to the craft, she believes, is fundamental to any successful production.  Moreover, she emphasizes the importance of community and collaboration, “It’s respecting and loving the work.” This sense of community has been her anchor, especially during challenging times, such as coping with the loss of loved ones in the industry. “It takes a village to replace a Floy [Quintos].” Early last year, playwright and director Floy Quintos died due to a heart attack.

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Celebrating 25 Years of Musical Excellence

To commemorate her 25th anniversary in the industry, Bituin is staging a grand concert on May 10 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Makati City.  The concert will be a tribute to Original Pilipino Music (OPM) in theater and film, Bituin as the storyteller.  “It’s really a celebration of theater and film. There’s young blood joining because my musical director is Krina Cayabyab,” she shares. Bituin emphasizes the collaborative and intergenerational nature of the concert, showcasing her commitment to mentoring and supporting young artists.

The concert promises a dynamic showcase of Bituin’s vocal range and theatrical talent, featuring a blend of classic and contemporary OPM pieces. “It’s a concert that features original Filipino music used in film and in theater,” she happily reports. This reinforces her dedication to promoting and celebrating OPM in all its forms.

Finding Balance and Recharging by the Sea

Even with her busy schedule, Bituin understands the importance of self-care and finding moments to recharge.  “Always by the ocean. Pasaway ako,” she says, explaining how she finds solace and rejuvenation in the tranquility of the sea. This connection to nature allows her to return to her work with renewed energy and focus.

A Call for Unity and Recognition in the Industry

Bituin believes in the importance of recognizing the contributions of all artists, regardless of their genre or platform.  She acknowledges the crucial role of commercial films in supporting art films, advocating for a balance between the two to sustain the industry. “There’s room for both.  It’s the nature of things,” she highlights the interdependence of commercial success and artistic expression. “There’s room for both. In any situation. Even in the U.S., it’s the Marvels making money. Diba? They have their [commercial films], right? They have a commercial that will feed the art film.”

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An Invitation to Witness Brilliance

Bituin’s journey shows the power of passion, perseverance, and dedication to one’s craft.  Her upcoming concert is both a celebration and also a tribute to Filipino music and theater.  Join her on this unforgettable musical journey as she shares her love for OPM and her commitment to keeping the Filipino artistic spirit alive.

Don’t miss Bituin Escalante’s 25th anniversary concert on May 10 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater.

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