Vlad Bunoan

Article (news)

'A Christmas Carol

Jude Cartalaba

<p>Even after his international theater stints, John-Joven Uy remains a testament to Konstantin Stanislavski’s famous words: ‘There are no small parts, only small actors.</p><p>Last September, he essayed the role of Bill Devaney in &quot;The Bodyguard: The Musical,&quot; the father-figure and manager who shapes and safeguards superstar Rachel Marron’s (played by Christine Allado) world.  “I discovered that fatherhood can also mean protection and loyalty beyond blood,” Uy said.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/2025/9/9/john-joven-uy-brings-heart-and-depth-to-the-bodyguard-the-musical-0900">John-Joven Uy brings heart and depth to ‘The Bodyguard: The Musical’</a></div><p>Two months later, he is back onstage as Ebenezer Scrooge&#x27;s long-suffering employee Bob Cratchit, the father of Tiny Tim in 9 Works Theatrical&#x27;s production of the holiday classic &quot;A Christmas Carol,&quot; currently running at Rockwell, Makati&#x27;s Proscenium Theater.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>No stranger to father roles</strong></div><p>Aside from Cratchit, Uy has had the privilege of taking on numerous father roles in various productions.</p><p>In &quot;The Song of Joseph,&quot; an original Filipino musical on the life of Saint Joseph, he portrayed Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus, where the weight of spiritual responsibility shaped his performance.</p><p>He likewise played Captain Georg von Trapp in “The Sound of Music,” portraying a man whose strictness slowly gives way to affection as he relearns how to reach his children through music.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:633px;display:block" width="633"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1765154172358Screenshot_20251207_205916.jpg" style="width:633px;display:block;height:auto" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="633"/><span class="fr-inner"><em>Photo by Raul Montesa</em> </span></span></span></div><p>In &quot;Sandosenang Sapatos,&quot; he was Tatay, who embodied the quiet strength and sacrifice of a Filipino father.</p><p>On television, his most recent role in ABS-CBN’s &quot;Pamilya Sagrado&quot; — which stars Piolo Pascual — was as a teacher who became a father figure to Kyle Echarri’s character, reminding him that mentorship is another powerful expression of fatherhood.</p><p>“Each role carries a different shade of fatherhood: protective, nurturing, flawed, resilient, guiding, and I resonate with them because they remind me that fatherhood is never one-dimensional,&quot; he said. “It’s a spectrum of love, humor, and responsibility that I’m honored to bring to life on stage and screen.”</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Not bothered by playing father roles</strong></div><p>Is he not worried about getting typecast in father roles? He responded quickly with a ‘no.’</p><p>“Fatherhood is one of the richest archetypes in storytelling. It’s layered with humor, sacrifice, flaws, and redemption. If directors see me as someone who can bring truth to those roles, that’s a compliment,&quot; Uy said. “And besides, I’ve played lovers, leaders, and comic foils. My artistry is about emotional resonance, not labels. If anything, being trusted with father roles means I’ve earned a place in the audience’s heart.”</p><p>Whenever he takes on a fatherly role, Uy said he draws from “the most immediate well of truth” — his own family.</p><p>“My wife, Meliza Reyes (who plays Mrs. Fezziwig), and our three boys are my anchor, and the emotions I bring to the stage are often reflections of the love, humor, and even the struggles we share at home.</p><p>“I also expand that lens: I study the cultural and biblical context of fatherhood, and I look at the overlooked dynamics of working-class men, like Bob Cratchit, who carry dignity despite hardship. My preparation is both practical and emotional. I memorize the rhythms of the character, refine the tone of his voice, and curate wardrobe and set pieces that support the role visually.</p><p>“It’s about making the audience feel seen, not just entertained.”</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Lessons he got from Bob Cratchit</strong></div><p>No matter how seasoned Uy has become, he said each role continues to teach him something.</p><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/1765184239614Tiny Tim’s bond with Mr. Cratchit glows onstage, their scenes filled with love, resilience, and the heart of A Christmas Carol.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">Tiny Tim’s bond with Mr. Cratchit glows onstage, their scenes filled with love form the heart of &#x27;A Christmas Carol.&#x27; <em>Handout</em></span></span></span></div><p>“Bob Cratchit taught me humility,” he said. “He reminded me that joy doesn’t come from wealth, but from gratitude and family.</p><p>“What I had to unlearn was the tendency to overplay suffering. Bob isn’t a victim; he’s a survivor. He laughs, he sings, he finds light even amid scarcity.</p><p>“That balance of pain and humor was a revelation for me as a performer. It’s not about dramatizing poverty; it’s about embodying resilience.”</p><p>He even kidded during the interview, “Maliit ang kita kasi kaya need rumaket. Otherwise, I&#x27;ll be home with my family. Homebody ako.”</p><p>At 55, he hardly looks his age and finds deep fulfillment in being a father to his three sons — Aris, 28; Anton, 21; and Aaron, 17. His eldest has already played The Engineer in &quot;Miss Saigon&quot; in Guam, Anton is carving his own path in theater, and the youngest is beginning to explore the stage as well.</p><p>“Fatherhood taught me that it’s not just about providing, it’s about showing my children how God moves in our lives,&quot; he said.</p><p>“It’s teaching them to notice the small blessings, to find joy in being together, and to choose goodness even when the world pulls the other way. I’ve learned to be more forgiving, more patient, to speak with care because their hearts are still forming. I’ve learned to be quiet sometimes, to observe, to be present, not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually. Fatherhood reminds me daily that my children are not just my responsibility; they’re my compass, my inspiration, and one of the greatest gifts God has entrusted to me.”</p><p>When he’s not doing theater, he works as entertainment director for Balesin Alphaland. Apart from that, he continues to sing, takes on hosting and acting stints on TV, and offers vocal coaching on the side.</p><p>For him, the deepest affirmation comes from those who know his heart.</p><p>“When my family honors not just the outcome, but the discipline, the sacrifice, and the quiet obedience behind each success, I feel God’s presence in their praise,” he said.</p>

<p>A seasoned performer, John-Joven Uy reflects on the fatherly roles that shaped him — and the real family that grounds his craft.</p>

A seasoned performer, John-Joven Uy reflects on the fatherly roles that shaped him — and the real family that grounds his craft.

John-Joven Uy embraces fatherhood onstage and off

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

Traffic

Manila

Horoscope

People, Culture, and Events

John-Joven Uy embraces fatherhood onstage and off

Jude Cartalaba

Published Dec 08, 2025 05:04 PM PHT

Read More:

John-Joven Uy

A Christmas Carol

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2025 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2025 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2025 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.