Cedrick Juan, the name that became synonymous with rising stardom in the Philippine entertainment scene, is more than just a captivating actor. He’s a man whose life is deeply intertwined with the music that plays a central role in shaping his world.
Juan burst onto the scene in late 2023, capturing hearts with his portrayal of Padre Jose Burgos in the historical film ‘GomBurZa’. He cemented his place in the industry by winning the coveted Best Actor award at the Metro Manila Film Festival. But his talent extends beyond the silver screen. A true advocate for his heritage, Juan’s upbringing in Bulacan instilled in him the importance of staying grounded, while his love for theatre cultivated discipline. His deep-rooted passion for animals has further molded him into a compassionate soul.
To understand Cedrick Juan is to delve into the musical tapestry that weaves through his life. His childhood in Santa Maria, Bulacan was a symphony of folk dances, chess competitions, and naming stray cats after anime characters. “During my elementary days, I remember every foundation day we all learned how to folk dance,” he shares. This early exposure to the rhythm of Filipino culture, he believes, paved the way for his later foray into dance crews during high school.
The musical ‘Mula sa Buwan’, a Filipino adaptation of Cyrano de Bergerac, holds a special place in Juan’s heart. It served as his saving grace during the peak of the pandemic, rekindling his passion for theatre after a five-year hiatus. “The first show, when they opened the house lights, I started crying,” he recalls. “I didn’t expect that I would be able to act on stage again.” This experience ignited a renewed sense of purpose and inspiration, reminding him of the creative spark that he had been missing.
For his breakout role in ‘GomBurZa’, Juan found solace in the revolutionary anthem ‘Do You Hear the People Sing?’ from the musical ‘Les Misérables’. The song resonated with the spirit of his character and the Filipino people’s struggle for independence, providing him with a powerful connection to the film’s themes. “It was close to the situation, and it gave me a similar feeling even if it was out of context,” he explains.
While basking in the success of ‘GomBurZa’, Juan reflects on the universe’s rewarding nature, saying, “If we do something greater than ourselves, the universe gives back to us, especially if what we do is for nation building, like what happened with GomBurZa.”
Today, the soundtrack of Juan’s life is intricately woven with the music from ‘The Greatest Showman’. This choice is no coincidence. He feels that the film’s music mirrors his own journey, capturing the struggles, triumphs, and the unwavering dedication to his craft.
Beyond his acting career, Juan is a passionate advocate for animal rights. Alongside his partner, Karen Toyoshima, they are actively involved in Pawssion Project, a non-profit organization that provides free spay and neuter services for stray animals. The passing of his beloved dog, Loki, in 2021 left a lasting impact on him. “It accidentally played on the radio and he was with me in the car,” Juan says, recalling how the song ‘Daughters’ by John Mayer triggered an outpouring of emotion in Loki. The experience solidified his commitment to animal welfare, leading him to adopt a rescued dog named Burgos.
Cedrick Juan’s story is a testament to the power of passion, resilience, and the unwavering support of music. As he embarks on the next chapter of his career, we can expect to see him grace the stage and screen with the same authenticity, dedication, and unwavering spirit that has defined his journey thus far.
