Around GMA

Balitanghali Livestream: February 9, 2026
Gov't work, classes in Northern Samar cancelled due to the shear line
Farm to Table: (February 8, 2026) LIVESTREAM

Article Inside Page

Showbiz News

To prepare for his character, Mark met with former First Lady Imelda Marcos. What was the best advice he received?
By CHERRY SUN



It was never in his wildest imagination but Sunday All Stars mainstay and balladeer Mark Bautista is set to realize his dream of performing at the West End in the London musical Here Lies Love in the character of late former President Ferdinand Marcos.

He shared his humble beginnings on Unang Hirit, “Nagsta-start ako mag-teatro sa Cagayan de Oro, parang community theatre. Sabi ko hindi ko nga inexpect na mag-Manila teatro ako eh. Tapos ngayon nag-West End. So wow, sabi ko, grabe si Lord!”

Mark auditioned and immediately received approval from the musical director.

“Nag-audition ako pero parang sabi nila, ‘Okay, siya ‘yung Marcos’. Parang ganun,” he said.

“Madami nag-audition eh, sobrang fortunate lang talaga ako na, alam mo ‘yun, na sakto siguro ‘yung hinahanap nila. Perfect timing siguro lahat talaga,” he continued.

To prepare for the character, he met with former First Lady Imelda Marcos. What was the best advice he received?

He said, “Dapat in love ka lang kay Imelda. ‘Yun lang talaga kasi sobrang in love daw talaga si Marcos sa kanya. Like super in love, pa-cheesy in love.”