The award-winning Kakki Teodoro shares her excitement for her upcoming roles and future prospects.
Winning the Best Supporting Actress Award at the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival is opening new doors for great thespian Kakki Teodoro, bringing her new shows, exciting roles, and amazing opportunities. She meets new people every day who have seen her work and appreciated “Isang Himala,” and she also gets to connect more with the theater community and the audience. She feels so loved by this community.
“First, when my work is rewarded with more work, that is always a blessing. As a freelance actor in this industry, I’m always grateful when this happens and that I can also choose the work that resonates the most with me. This year I have two musicals coming up, another film, 2 TV series, etc,” Kakki exclaims.
“Second, when I meet people, especially in theater and arts related events, when I go to art fairs, movie premieres or watch a theater show, and I get approached by people who just want to tell me how much they enjoyed my work as Nimia, or how they’ve seen me in other shows like ‘Pingkian,’ ‘Bar Boys,’ ‘Senior High,’ ‘Every Brilliant Thing’ or even my cameo in ‘A Very Good Girl,’ I really appreciate that.”
At an NCCA event which she hosted to celebrate Arts Month, she received an overwhelming applause after she introduced herself as “Kakki Teodoro mula sa mundo ng teatro.”
“Grabe ‘yung pasalubong ng mga tao sa MET theater, especially when I said ‘lahat ng mga taga mundo ng teatro, mag-ingay!’ After the event, I met many young theater artists who shared their message of joy, inspired because they saw my speech. I love those moments where I get to connect and make people feel seen,” Kakki revealed.
Kakki has just been announced as part of the cast of “Into the Woods.” How excited is she with this project?
“I’m so excited! I was invited by the producers and the director Chari Arespacochaga and it was an immediate yes! And I cleared my schedule! I didn’t even know about the cast– i just know ‘Into the Woods’ is one of my favorite musicals ever and I need to do this. Also Chari is truly one of my favorite directors, and my first mentor when I was still a teenager in college. I learned so much from her, took theater seriously because of her. What a blessing to work with her again. As in when she emailed me, I cried — as in! Sobbed tears of joy!” Kakki shared.
“I am also thrilled to finally be doing a show with Lea Salonga. As a kid, it was her voice that I listened to constantly. I used to play the ‘Miss Saigon’ tapes over and over, learning [the role of] Kim. My inner child is so proud and happy.”
“Then doing Sondheim? With this powerhouse cast? Can we start rehearsals na po ASAP?” she said with a laugh, “It’s going to be so much fun.”
Along with “Into the Woods,” Kakki is also set to star in two more musicals plus a new teleserye with GMA7 and Viu.
“My first GMA7 teleserye! Second with VIU! So far, everyone has been very chill and supportive, especially Director Rod Marmol. Excited to play qnd slay and see how my character evolves with the story of the four women leads. First time to act with an eyepatch! Bakit may eyepatch? Abangan!”
On top of all these, Kakki is taking on a Cinemalaya film opposite the great John Arcilla.
“Oh, sure ba ba talaga? Nakakakaba pero ang saya! I remember ang saya nung audition process nito kasi may improv element and the script and treatment is very interesting. I thought the concept is something brave and refreshing. John Arcilla is always such a lodi. I need to be in my A-game because he truly is the best of the best. I already know every work day with him will make me a better actor.”
Although her plate is already full, what other project/s would Kakki want to be a part of and why?
“I think more original work by local playwrights pa like Guelan Luarca. Galing niya kasi! I also have new goals now – to write my own material and to produce a musical again – something that is empowering for Filipinas,” she started.
“Always a dream to perform in shows abroad, whether it’s an opportunity to be part of a play or musical — Singapore, touring production, the UK/West End.
“I wish to share the same expectations that I have for myself,” she continued. “As an actor, I want to continue doing meaningful work onstage or onscreen, empower young theater artists with the roles and shows that I do, and learn from new people. As an artist, I aim for more visibility in hosting, singing, and online content. I want to share more of what I do and who I am with more people. As a human being, I wish to continue working in safe, enriching environments and take even better care of my physical and mental health throughout the rest of the year. And honestly, I also expect to pleasantly surprise myself! Ganun! Less pressure, more joy. Surprise!”
