Tim Yap returns to theater roots in 'The Bodyguard: The Musical' Manila staging

Known to many as a host, events curator, and cultural tastemaker, Tim Yap is stepping back into the theater and returning to his first love as he takes on the role of Sy Spector in "The Bodyguard: The Musical." 

Marking the debut of Rockwell's brand new performance venue, Proscenium Theater, the show opens on September 26, with Whitney Houston’s timeless hits anchoring the story of superstar Rachel Marron and her stoic protector, Frank Farmer.

A theater kid at heart

For Yap, saying yes to the project was an easy decision.

“When they called me, the character I was gonna play was very close to me. But what really made me say yes is my love for theater. Even way back when I was a kid, my roots are from the theater,” said Yap, who is a Sparkle talent.

“I’ve always been a theater kid. Finally having this opportunity to go back to something that I love doing is something I super treasure. So I immediately said yes, and then bahala na sa schedules.”

Yap admitted he had to pass on other projects, including a teleserye, to commit fully to "The Bodyguard." 

“When you rehearse for the theater, you need to give so much time, so much of yourself. You keep on doing the scenes again and again. It’s exciting for me, it’s like being back in school, learning the ropes again. It’s like a workshop,” he said.

Sacrifices and discipline

Stepping back into theater demanded lifestyle adjustments, Yap said.

“I had to fix my schedule a lot. There are a lot of things I couldn’t do. I have to take care of my voice, sleep early, things I don’t normally do. For me, it feels like I’m back in training. I’m training myself to be a better performer, a better artist, a more open and giving artist,” he explained.

The discipline, he said, has been both challenging and rewarding. 

“There’s a lot of us here, so you have to take care of yourself while being part of the team. It’s really fun, but also humbling.”

Toning down for Sy Spector

In the musical, Yap plays Sy Spector, Rachel Marron’s flashy publicist. Interestingly, the challenge for him wasn’t turning on the charisma—but toning it down.

“I’m naturally very flashy, but for this role, I had to tone it down. When you’re studying a character and getting into the role, you make these little adjustments. That’s part of the joy of creation—finding balance and making sure what audiences see is the product of all that process,” he said.

Yap joins a powerhouse ensemble alongside Christine Allado (Rachel Marron) and Matt Blaker (Frank Farmer), with Sheena Palad, CJ Navato, John Joven-Uy, Vien King, Jasper Jimenez, and Paji Arceo rounding out the cast. Elian Santos and Giani Sarita alternate as young Fletcher.

Sharing the stage with seasoned musical theater actors has been an eye-opener for Yap.

“I am in awe of their talent. I am so humbled being with them and watching them. Being on the same stage as them is a great, humbling, and amazing experience for me. You see how devoted they are to their work, their commitment to the stage, and to the theater,” he said.

For Yap, "The Bodyguard: The Musical" is more than just a show. It "will take you down memory lane with the songs of Whitney Houston. It will make you cry, it will make you laugh—it’s a show you must not miss,” he said, inviting fans to catch the limited run until October 19. — LA, GMA Integrated News