The 'first' that Josh always wanted

Josh Santana, who played opposite Carol Banawa in the teleserye Bituin some years back, is cast as Mereb in the Tony Award winning musical Aida. 

Aida, a story about forbidden love that blossoms in dangerous times, features the exciting pop-rock score by Elton John and Tim Rice.

Josh was the voice behind the theme songs of popular TV shows like Meteor Garden, Basta’t Kasama Kita and Cupids. He has also released two albums — the first was in 2005, which earned him a Gold Record award and the latest one is a Fil-Hispano album, which features the songs Hate That I Love You and Dreaming of You. Josh makes his professional musical theater debut and takes on the challenge of playing Mereb in Aida. Mereb is a Nubian servant to Radames, who is the first to recognize Aida, his true Princess when she is taken captive. He witnesses the growing bond between Radames and Aida while he holds on to the hope that she can help set their people free.  

“This is my first time to join a musical. And it’s a ‘first’ that I have always wanted.  I am very excited to be part of Aida,” says Josh.  

Aida is directed by Chari Arespacochaga and runs from June 24 to July 10 at the Carlos Romulo Theater, RCBC Plaza, Makati City. For tickets, call Atlantis Productions at 892-7078. Heading the star-studded cast of Aida are Miss Saigon’s Ima Castro who plays the title role, Myke Salomon as Radames, Rachel Alejandro as Amneris and Hajji Alejandro as Zoser. Read on.

What other talent would you like to have aside from music and acting and why?

Perhaps, a talent in business. I look up to actors and singers who are able to put up their own business.

In your opinion, what is the worst thing about being an actor? The best?

For me the more difficult thing about being an actor is losing my privacy and yet the irony is that my greatest joy is getting close to people and sharing my talent with them. You see, the answer is one and the same.

What is the question you have been asked most often? And the question you hate most?

Where did the name Josh Santana come from? I tell them that Kris Aquino suggested it to the director of Bituin. The question I hate most is, ‘What would you do if you had just one more day to live?’ Hahaha! But seriously, the questions I hate and try to avoid are those that lead me to putting down other people. I’d rather stay positive.

How do you pray?

I go to church, but it’s not limited to that. I have this belief that God, too, has a sense of humor. So, I can laugh with him after experiencing funny or embarrassing things and tell him, ‘You got me there.’ I would talk to him or even complain about little things, as if I’m talking to a friend. I have a personal relationship with him.

What color describes your life? Why?

Blue. I like staring at the ocean or the sky. I like the inner peace I get from it. I see my life that way, too. Calm.

If you are Superman, who is your Superwoman?

My mom is the superwoman of the whole family. There are many things only she can do for us.

Who are your top and best film actors of all time?

Christopher de Leon. Meryl Streep.

What is the most romantic place on earth for you and why?

Paris. I grew up seeing movies about people falling in love under the Eiffel Tower.

The best gift you have ever received from a loved one?

A Mickey Mouse stuffed toy. Since my real name is Michael, I could sometimes be called Mickey.

Who is you favorite singer? Why? Your least favorite?

Peabo Bryson, because I am really into ballads and he’s a great balladeer. I also like Bruno Mars because he has a very unique voice and he’s a good composer. I can’t think of anyone in the music industry I particularly dislike.

If you were a tree, what would you be? Why?

Mango tree. I simply like mangoes.

The most photogenic face in the world?

Brook Shields. Catherine Zeta-Jones.

If you were a fictional character, who would you be? Why?

I’d love to be Harry Potter. I am a kid at heart and who wouldn’t want to be in so many great adventures?

Where do you think you would go? Heaven or hell? Why?

Heaven. Because I could confidently say that though I’ve made some mistakes in my life, I also learned from them and tried to apply those experiences so that I could avoid hurting other people.

Who is the most beautiful person in the world and why?

Angelina Jolie. She has almost everything. She has talent, money, power, and a good heart to help other people especially poor children. How much more beautiful can a person be?

Thirty years from now, where are you and what are you doing?

I want to see myself producing music for the younger generation of singers. I could continue using my talent and sharing what I’ve learned to others who may be wishing to become successful in the field of music.