Camille Naredo

Pepe Herrera on "Oh My Gan!" Jacky Cerdon, ABS-CBN News Digital Intern

Article (news)

SHOWBIZ

Ganiel Krishnan

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1782921525318IMG_3742.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960" alt="Pepe Herrera on &quot;Oh My Gan!&quot; Jacky Cerdon, ABS-CBN News Digital Intern"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Pepe Herrera on &quot;Oh My Gan!&quot; <em>Jacky Cerdon, ABS-CBN News Digital Intern</em></span></span></span></div><p>MANILA -- Before becoming one of the most recognizable performers in theater, television, and film, Pepe Herrera once worked as a waiter on a cruise ship.</p><p>In his guesting on Oh My Gan!, Herrera recalled that his time at sea became one of the turning points of his life, as it helped him discover his love for performing.</p><p>“Doon ko na-discover na gusto ko maging performer, gusto ko kumanta, magpatawa on stage,” he shared.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/movies-series/2026/5/27/pepe-herrera-joins-cast-of-home-along-da-riles-reunion-film-1117"><strong>Pepe Herrera joins cast of &#x27;Home Along Da Riles&#x27; reunion film</strong></a> </div><p>Herrera said he joined the cruise ship out of curiosity after graduating from the UST Conservatory of Music. At the time, he was still figuring out his path.</p><p>While he was hired as a waiter, Herrera eventually got the chance to perform during cruise shows. He said the first time he made the audience laugh, something clicked. </p><p>“The stage felt like my home,” he said.</p><p>Herrera later returned to the Philippines and pursued theater auditions, eventually landing roles that led him to Rock of Aegis, which he described as his biggest break in theater. </p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/movies-series/2026/5/19/pepe-herrera-preps-for-upcoming-film-little-hope-1211"><strong>Pepe Herrera preps for upcoming film &#x27;Little Hope&#x27;</strong></a></div><p>From there, his career opened up to more opportunities, including television projects such as Forevermore, Your Face Sounds Familiar, and FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano.</p><p>Looking back, Herrera said his journey from cruise ship worker to performer taught him to trust his instincts and embrace who he truly is. </p><p>“Just be yourself, because yourself is your greatest gift,” he said.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>WATCH:</strong></div><div><strong><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="960" height="540" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3ngOlGUvM7s?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span></strong></div>

<p>Before becoming one of the most recognizable performers in theater, television, and film, Pepe Herrera once worked as a waiter on a cruise ship.</p>

Before becoming one of the most recognizable performers in theater, television, and film, Pepe Herrera once worked as a waiter on a cruise ship.

Pepe Herrera looks back on cruise ship days before showbiz: ‘The stage felt like home’

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Pepe Herrera looks back on cruise ship days before showbiz: ‘The stage felt like home’

Ganiel Krishnan,

ABS-CBN News

Published July 02, 2026 01:15 PM PHT

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Oh My Gan

Pepe Herrera

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