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Matt Blaker. Handout

Jude Cartalaba

<p>Who could forget Kevin Costner’s stoic turn as Frank Farmer in the 1992 classic &quot;The Bodyguard&quot;? </p><p>More than three decades later, the role has found new life on stage. On September 26, Rockwell and 9 Works Theatrical bring the hit West End musical to the Philippines, with British actor Matt Blaker taking on the iconic role opposite Christine Allado’s Rachel Marron.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:689px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1756871900003f223dfb1-d9fb-4e36-b19f-84e6fd957bbe.jpeg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">Matt Blaker. <em>Handout</em></span></span></span>As soon as he arrived in Manila on August 20, he plunged himself into rehearsals. Since then, Blaker — on his first visit to the Philippines — has been discovering the warmth and quirks of the country firsthand.</div><p>“I’m having a blast,” he said. &quot;I think the Filipino people are the most welcoming, most gracious, and humble. They&#x27;ve welcomed me with open arms. And I couldn&#x27;t ask for more, really.”</p><p>But due to his hectic schedule, he hasn’t found the time to explore the metro. “I’m mostly here in Rockwell. It’s amazing and beautiful,” he said.</p><p>The farthest he went was in SM Molino in Cavite. But he promised himself to go on road trips and travel in the countryside after the show opens on September 26, sayin he wants to visit Siargao and Cebu, especially in Moalboal. “I desperately want to do canyoneering,” he said.</p><p>Canyoneering is available in Moalboal, Cebu, primarily at Kawasan Falls in Badian. It offers other thrills like cliff jumping, sliding, and exploring natural rock formations as one descends the river.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:689px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17568616004431864b9fe-8a9f-49ab-a3cb-5d0832308de1.jpeg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:958px"/><span class="fr-inner">Matt Blaker. <em>Handout</em></span></span></span></div><p>Apart from that, he’s also pushing his boundaries by trying local delicacies. “Every day, the cast would let me try something new. Today, we had fish crackers,” he said.</p><p>He also tasted local fruits, and the one that appealed to him so far is rambutan. But he hasn’t gone far in eating the popular and exotic street food like balut.</p><p>Another Filipino food he tried is pancit -- and he loved it, too.</p><div><strong></strong></div><p>Blaker, who’s towering at 6-foot-3, believes that Frank Farmer is someone who would appeal to Filipino audiences.</p><p>“It is a great character to portray and would definitely appeal to all audiences. Farmer has a strong sense of family and family commitment. That trait is evident in the Filipinos,&quot; he said.</p><p>“He&#x27;s so conflicted by his sense of duty. When Frank met the wonderful family of Rachel and Fletcher. He fell in love with the family environment, the kind that he didn’t have.”</p><p>As an actor, he always believes that he brings something of himself into each role he portrays -- and Frank Farmer is no exception. </p><p>Filipino theatergoers can expect Blaker to deliver a Frank Farmer who is emotionally connected and fully present — whether in moments of simmering tension, romantic chemistry with Rachel, or the fraught dynamics with Nicki, Rachel’s sister, as the family faces the threat of a dangerous stalker</p><p>He believes that his version of Farmer reflects his unique qualities and life experiences.</p><p>“I can never do what Costner did, and he&#x27;s his own artist,” he said.</p><p>Catch Blake in Rockwell and 9 Works Theatrical’s &quot;The Bodyguard The Musical,&quot; opening on September 26 at the brand new Proscenium Theater of Rockwell.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/2025/8/23/west-end-s-matt-blaker-is-frank-farmer-in-ph-staging-of-the-bodyguard-musical-2254" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">West End&#x27;s Matt Blaker is Frank Farmer in PH staging of ‘The Bodyguard&#x27; musical</a></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/2025/8/24/filipino-stage-veterans-and-rising-stars-join-forces-for-the-bodyguard-1207" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Filipino stage veterans and rising stars join forces for ‘The Bodyguard’</a></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/2025/7/18/west-end-star-christine-allado-to-star-in-ph-production-of-the-bodyguard-1024" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">West End star Christine Allado to star in PH production of &#x27;The Bodyguard&#x27;</a></div>

<p>Who could forget Kevin Costner’s stoic turn as Frank Farmer in the 1992 classic "The Bodyguard"? More than three decades later, the role has found new life on stage. </p>

Who could forget Kevin Costner’s stoic turn as Frank Farmer in the 1992 classic "The Bodyguard"? More than three decades later, the role has found new life on stage.

Meet Matt Blaker, who's stepping into Kevin Costner’s role in 'The Bodyguard' musical

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Meet Matt Blaker, who's stepping into Kevin Costner’s role in 'The Bodyguard' musical

Jude Cartalaba

Published Sep 03, 2025 12:34 PM PHT

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Matt Blaker

musical

The Bodyguard

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