RS Francisco celebrates birthday by returning to his theater roots

MANILA, Philippines — Actor-turned-entrepreneur RS Francisco choose to spend his birthday this year at the theater instead of holding his usual lavish celebration.

RS celebrated his birthday on August 8 by attending the opening night of “Tulog Na: The Musical,” starring Pokwang. He also supported the production as co-producer.

For RS, the occasion brought him back to his roots in theater.

“People know me today as a businessman, but before all of that, I was part of the theater,” told members of the media including Philstar.com. “The theater was one of the first places where I learned to dream, to work hard and to believe that I could create something meaningful. So spending my birthday there felt right.”

Before becoming one of the co-founders of Frontrow International, RS was active in theater. As a young actor with Dulaang UP, he was mentored by late National Artist for Theater Tony Mabesa, who cast him as Song Liling in David Henry Hwang’s “M. Butterfly.”

He later worked with Repertory Philippines, Atlantis Productions and New Voice Company while also pursuing projects in television and film.

His credits include “Magkaribal,” “Princess and I,” “Dolce Amore,” “She’s The One,” “Bwaya” and the title role in “Bhoy Intsik.”

Still a theater fan

Although Francisco eventually found success in business, he said theater remained an important part of his life.

His involvement in “Tulog Na: The Musical” is also his way of supporting independent theater and honoring the lessons he learned from Mabesa.

“Sir Tony saw something in me when I was still young and trying to figure out who I was,” RS said. “He gave me a stage, trusted me and made me understand the value of being an artist. I don’t think you ever forget someone who does that for you.”

“So if I can now help give artists and independent productions a stage, even in my own small way, then I feel like I’m continuing something he started in me,” he added.

“Tulog Na: The Musical,” produced by Studio A Productions, is directed by Jef Albea, written by Danna Bernardino and arranged by Jem Florendo.

The musical, which features the Sugarfree song “Tulog Na,” composed by Ebe Dancel and performed by Erik Santos, explores themes of life, death and the question of whether people are truly living while they still have time.

RS celebrated the occasion with friends including Zsa Zsa Padilla, BILIB, 6ENSE, Chicser, RR Herrera and wife Carelle Herrera, Cecille Bravo and Ann Murphy. K Brosas, Jake Cuenca and Rabiya Mateo were also spotted in the audience.

Despite the presence of his celebrity friends, RS said the celebration was ultimately about reconnecting with the part of himself that began in theater.

“I’ve been blessed to experience so many things in my life — in business, entertainment and beyond,” he said. “But theater keeps me connected to the young RS who simply loved performing and creating. I never want to lose him.”

“Success means more when you can use it to support something you love. For me, theater will always be home,” he added.

RELATED: RS Francisco highlights link between music, lifestyle