Vlad Bunoan

Article (news)

RS Francisco

Josh Mercado

RS Francisco may be well-known as a successful celebrity entrepreneur, but before the boardrooms, business deals, and glamorous events, he called the theater home.And on his birthday, August 8, Francisco decided to return to where it all started.Instead of throwing the posh and lavish birthday party that his friends have come to expect, Francisco chose a surprisingly low-key celebration: an evening at the theater to see &quot;Tulog Na: The Musical,&quot; starring Pokwang.Francisco was involved in the production as a co-producer, which he described as another way for him to stay connected to the performing arts that helped shape who he is today.“People see the businessman now, but deep inside, I will always be a theater actor,” he said. “Theater taught me discipline, courage, hard work and respect for the craft. Ang dami kong natutunan doon that I still carry with me today.”<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1787268523235image0.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>Producer RS Francisco backs Pokwang’s stage debut ‘Tulog Na.’ Josh Mercado </div>Long before becoming a co-founder of Frontrow International, he was a successful stage actor who studied under the late National Artist for Theater Tony Mabesa at Dulaang UP.Mabesa gave the young Francisco one of his most significant career breaks: the challenging role of Song Liling in David Henry Hwang&#x27;s &quot;M. Butterfly,&quot; a character who would become closely associated with him.He eventually transitioned to television and film, appearing in ABS-CBN shows such as &quot;Magkaribal,&quot; &quot;Princess and I,&quot; and &quot;Dolce Amore,&quot; as well as earning critical acclaim for films like &quot;Bhoy Intsik.&quot;Even as business became more important in his life, Francisco never completely abandoned the performing arts. In fact, he admitted that his passion for theater is still very much alive.“I owe so much of who I am to Sir Tony Mabesa and to the theater,” he said. “He believed in me when I was still starting. So now that I am in a position to help other artists and productions, I feel that I should also give something back.”That opportunity came with “Tulog Na: The Musical.”The musical took an unconventional approach to life and death, employing humor, music, and drama to pose a seemingly simple question: are we truly living our lives while we still have the opportunity?<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1787268546855image1.jpeg" style="width:960px;height:auto" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>Zsa Zsa Padilla joins RS Francisco and Pokwang. Josh Mercado </div>For the celebrity entrepreneur, supporting a production like &quot;Tulog Na&quot; meant more than just another project bearing his name. It was his way of helping keep independent theater alive.“I know how difficult theater is. I know the rehearsals, the sacrifices, the uncertainty — but I also know the magic that happens when the lights come on,” Francisco said. “If I can help artists experience that same magic that changed my life, then I’m happy.”And, while the actor-producer preferred a quiet birthday, his friends were not about to let the occasion go unnoticed. He was joined at the theater by Zsa Zsa Padilla, BILIB, 6ENSE, Chicser, RR Herrera and wife Carelle Herrera, Cecille Bravo, and Ann Murphy.Also spotted in the audience were K Brosas, Jake Cuenca and Rabiya Mateo, who came to catch Pokwang’s much-talked-about venture into musical theater.There was no huge birthday production for him this year.“Birthdays make you think about where you came from and what really matters,” he reflected. “I’ve been very blessed in business, but theater will always have a special place in my heart.”“And maybe this is my way of saying thank you — by making sure that the love for theater that Sir Tony planted in me continues to grow and hopefully reaches other artists,” he added.For someone who is used to celebrating life in grand style, Francisco discovered that the most meaningful celebrations don&#x27;t always have to be grand — rather, they can be a return to a first love and dream.

Instead of throwing the posh and lavish birthday party that his friends have come to expect, RS Francisco chose a surprisingly low-key celebration: an evening at the theater.

Instead of throwing the posh and lavish birthday party that his friends have come to expect, RS Francisco chose a surprisingly low-key celebration: an evening at the theater.

Why RS Francisco continues to support theater despite success as entrepreneur

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Why RS Francisco continues to support theater despite success as entrepreneur

Josh Mercado

Published August 21, 2026 11:53 AM PHT

Read More:

RS Francisco

theater

Pokwang

Zsa Zsa Padilla

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