IN PHOTOS: Pinoy celebrities who succeeded in showbiz-theater crossovers

John Arcilla started his acting career by joining the Tanghalang Pilipino, the resident theater company of the Cultural Center of the Philippines. He gained undeniable fame via the biopic 'Heneral Luna.'

Before capturing our hearts as the Traffic Diva in 'Eat Bulaga,' Aicelle Santos has appeared in several theatrical works which include 'Katy! the Musical,' 'Rak of Aegis,' 'Sabel: Love and Passion,' and 'Himala: Isang Musikal.' Aicelle also went to United Kingdom to star as Gigi Van Tranh in the musical 'Miss Saigon.'

Ken Chan learned the ropes of acting as a stage actor. He claimed that his participation in the play ‘Rose for Emily’ has helped him develop and prepare for the world of showbiz. Ken is highly commended for his portrayal of 'Destiny Rose' in the controversial Kapuso drama series.

Sumikat man bilang isang kontrabida, umangat din ang pangalan ni Eula Valdes dahil sa pagganap niya sa mabubuting katauhan. Sampung taon ang nakalipas, ang kinikilala nating President Leona Jacinto ng 'Princess in the Palace' ngayon ay minsang nagbigay-buhay sa di pangkaraniwang super hero na si Zsazsa Zaturnnah.

LJ Reyes who hails from ‘StarStruck’ Season 2 had her stage debut in 2015 when she performed as Teresa in ‘Juego de Peligro.’

Ang 'The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe' ang unang sabak ni Christian Bautista sa mundo ng teatro. Hanggang ngayon, aktibo pa rin dito si Christian bilang miyembro ng The Stages Group.

Unknown to many, Nar Cabico had his first taste of theater as an assistant stage manager tasked to sweep confetti off the floor and take care of props in ‘Zsazsa Zaturnnah.’ He had his break in the fifth staging of the musical to replace a member of the chorus who got injured. He then starred in films like ‘Patayin sa shokot si Remington, ‘Rekrut,’and in GMA’s romantic melodrama ‘Beautiful Strangers.’

Rachelle Ann Go began pursuing her singing career as a contestant in the Birit Baby segment on ‘Eat Bulaga.’ She emerged champion in GMA’s ‘Search for A Star’ in 2003 and received her break into the world of showbiz since. Today, she has gone as far as performing in the West End musicals ‘Miss Saigon,’ ‘Les Miserables,’ and a couple of Disney involvement.

Comedienne and ‘Dear Uge’ host Eugene Domingo spent more than half of her life in the world of showbiz. A good part of that was spent on stage, initially as a member of Dulaang UP.

Unang naging isang theater actor si Joey Paras bago makamit ang kasikatan sa pelikula at TV. Kasama sa mga kinabilangan niyang plays ay ‘Bawal Tumawid, Nakakamatay’ na bahagi ng Virgin Lab Fest, ‘Zsazsa Zaturnnah,’ ‘Noli Me Tangere, at ‘El Filibusterismo.’ Ngayon ay lumalabas siya sa mga programang ‘Sunday PinaSaya,’ ‘Princess in the Palace’ at ‘Vampire Ang Daddy Ko.’

Lotlot de Leon also ventured into threater when she joined the cast of 'Run Marga Run' in 2016.

Comedian and actor Pepe Herera isn't only making a buzz in show business for his funny antics but also in theater as he portrayed the role of “Tolits” in the original Pinoy musical 'Rak of Aegis.'

Making his theater debut is Kapuso actor Derrick Monasterio as he gears up for his role in the musical 'Rak of Aegis.'

Kapuso actress and singer Rita Daniela proved she can bring her talent in the theater when she bagged the role of Anna in the musical 'Eto na! Musikal nAPO' back in 2018 where she got to sing APO classics like “Tuyo ng Damdamin” and “Nakapagtataka” opposite fellow Kapuso talent Mark Bautista.

'My Guitar Princess' actress and Kapuso talent Marika Sasaki performed live on stage in the theater musical 'Eto na! Musikal nAPO! together with fellow singers Rita Daniela and Mark Bautista.

Before making his TV debut, Myke Salomon began his theater career in his high school drama club performing classics like 'Jack and the Beanstalk' and 'Cinderella.' Now in his thriving career as a performer, he has not only played parts but also served as a musical director in some popular theater plays such as 'Rak of Aegis,' '3 Stars and a Sun,' Ako si Josephine,' and 'Ang Huling El Bimbo.'

'My Love from the Star' actor and OPM Star Renz Verano is known for hits like “Remember Me” and “Lorena.” In 2015, he's been cast as Kiel in the PETA production 'Rak of Aegis' who he alternated with Lorenz Martinez.

Actress Kim Molina started singing at the ripe age of 2. As a stage actress, her theater debut was when she got a role in 'Disney's Tarzan the Musical.' She was then included in the original Asian cast of 'Carrie The Musical' as Freida, and played the role of Louise in the stage adaptation of the movie 'Ghost.' Her big break started when she got the first lead role as Aileen, alternating with Aicelle Santos, in the Pinoy Musical 'Rak of Aegis.'

Actor Rafael Siguion-Reyna made sure he stepped outside his elders' giant shadow by making notable achievements for himself starring in hits like 'Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral' and the Kapuso serye 'Kambal, Karibal.' Aside from that, he also made his mark in theater by starring in 'Maynila: Sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag' and 'Ang Huling El Bimbo.'

The son of dabarkad Jose Manalo, Benj made a name for himself in show business by auditioning in the third batch of the Kapuso artista search 'StarStruck.' Afterwards, he appeared in soaps like 'Agawin Mo Man ang Lahat' and 'Daisy Siete.' If he's not in the small screen, Benj can be found taking center stage at 'Rak of Aegis' as Tolits (third alternative) and dancing with hip-hop dance crew Philippine All-Stars.

Theater actor Topper Fabreras became a well-known figure when he played Young Anthony in 'Ang Huling El Bimbo.' Currently, he stars in GTV's primetime show 'The Lost Recipe,' where he sang one of the show's soundtrack, No Matter What It Takes, with Kapuso OST Princess Hannah Precillas.

Before becoming a content creator and an actress, Nikki Gil became part of 'Seussical the Musical,' 'Legally Blonde, The Musical,' and 'The Last 5 Years.'

The Dawn frontman Jett Pangan usually juggles his time as a band vocalist, stage actor, and television star. Jett had a stint in 'Jesus Christ Superstar,' 'Jekyll and Hyde and Nine,' and 'Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.' Currently, Jett is part of GMA Afternoon Prime drama 'Babawiin Ko Ang Lahat.'

After a wonderful career on television, child wonder Ice Seguerra shocked everyone when he wore a bikini in 'Rock of Ages' in 2013.

Gian Magdangal took a break from his television career when he started to be more active in theater. Aside from 'The Wedding Singer' with Iya Villania-Arellano, Gian also starred in 'West Side Story,' and 'Ang Huling El Bimbo.'

From modelling to acting, Guji Lorenza seemed to have done it all. In fact, he starred in numerous theatrical productions such as 'West Side Story,' and 'Grease.'

LOOK: Meet the talented son of Jose Manalo, Nicco Manalo

IN PHOTOS: Pictorial of 'Superstar Duets'