Romano "Jake" Macapagal (born 1965/1966) is a Filipino actor known for his roles in the films Aswang (2011), Metro Manila (2013), Kid Kulafu (2015), Watch List (2019), and The Monsters Without (2021), as well as the HBO Asia television series Halfworlds (2015–) and the Paramount+ television series No Escape.
Early life
Macapagal was born in Manila, Philippines.
At age 16, he booked his first professional acting credit in a live stage production of the classic musical Cats at the Metropolitan Theater of Manila, becoming the cast’s youngest member.
Career Macapagal credits the 1989 documentary The Heat is On: The Making of ‘Miss Saigon’ as a major career inspiration. The film focused on the making of Miss Saigon, which premiered at Theatre Royal Drury Lane in the West End. In 1994, he auditioned for the musical himself and was cast in the ensemble.
Throughout the 1990s, Macapagal continued to undergo theater-based acting training.
Macapagal's first credited film role was as a “Party Guest” in the 1993 Filipino film Sakay. In the 2000s, he continued his film acting performances in a string of independent Filipino films.
In 2013, Macapagal landed his breakthrough film role as the desperate family man “Oscar” in the British-Filipino co-production Metro Manila, directed by Sean Ellis. Metro Manila was screened at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival, receiving critical acclaim worldwide.
Since appearing in Metro Manila, Macapagal guest-appeared in the 2015 HBO series Halfworlds, the 2019 Filipino crime drama Watch List, and the 2021 horror anthology film Rabid.
In 2023, Macapagal began work for a new upcoming Paramount+ thriller streaming series, No Escape.
Macapagal was also responsible for the casting of his friend, Filipina actress Dolly De Leon, in the 2022 satirical black comedy film Triangle of Sadness.
Filmography Year Title Role 1993 Sakay Party Guest 2005 Chateau De Roses Monroe 2006 Compound Actor 2006 Pandanggo Healer (segment: “Agogo”) 2007 Foster Child Actor 2007 Doble Vista (short) Javier 2007 Sinungaling Na Buwan Actor 2007 Pi7ong Tagpo Benjo (segment: “Wedding Ring”) 2007 Mona: Singapore Escort Singapore Escort 2007 Orange and Lemons: Ang Katulad Mong Walang Katulad (video) Papa 2007 Sa Pagdapo Ng Mariposa Javier Vergeire 2008 Frou Frou Ssh, Wag Mong Sabihin Kay Itay (short) Bhrando 2011 Aswang Manuel 2012 Shackled PO2 Santiago 2012 The Caregiver Javier Vergeire 2013 Metro Manila Oscar Ramirez 2015 Kid Kulafu Dizon 2016 Showdown in Manila Kalalo 2016 Buhay Habangbuhay Joel 2016 Ave Maria (short) Emilio 2016 Biyahe Joel 2017 Sa gabing nanahimik ang mga kuliglig Actor 2019 Watch List Lt. Ventura 2021 The Monsters Without Rommel Romeo 2021 Rabid Carlo2025QuezonManuel "Manoling" Nieto
Television Year Title Role 2017 Halfworlds (TV, 8 episodes) Kaprey 2023 No Escape (TV, 6 episodes) Colonel Justin Reyes
Theatre Year Title Role Production company 1981 Peter Pan Captain Hook Ateneo Children’s Theater 1982 CATS Rum Tum Tugger U.S. Metropolitan Theater 1988 Once On This Island Daniel Chase International 1989 Joseph The Dreamer Judah Trumpets 1992 Nagraland Ken Mitsubishi Music Production Asian Tour 1993 Les Miserables Feuilly Repertory Philippines 1993 My Fair Lady Ensemble Repertory Philippines 1994 Miss Saigon Germany Original Cast/ American GI Stella Musical GmbH 2001 RENT Angel Singapore Repertory Theatre, Atlantis Productions 2001 Hedwig and the Angry Itch Hedwig Atlantis Productions 2002 Falsettos Marvin New Voice Company 2002 Miss Saigon UK National Tour Viet Cong / US Bar-Owner Cameron Mackintosh Ltd. 2004 Cabaret U.S. Emcee New Voice Company 2005 Aspects of Love Alex Dillingham New Voice Company 2007 West Side Story Bernardo Stages 2009 Victor/Victoria King Marchan Zebra Crossing 2010 A Little Night Music Count Carl-Magnus Atlantis Productions 2011 Next to Normal Dr. Fine/Madden Atlantis Productions
Awards and nominations
2007 Golden Screen Award – Nominee, Breakthrough Performance by an Actor 2013 British Independent Film Award – Nominee, Most Promising Newcomer 2014 Star Award – Nominee, Movie Actor of the Year 2021 FAMAS Award – Nominee, Best Supporting Actor 2021 Gawad Urian Awards – Nominee, Best Supporting Actor 2021 Pinoy Rebyu Award – Nominee, Best Ensemble Performance
Personal life Macapagal is openly LGBTQ. He spoke about his lifestyle and preferred decision to reside in Manila in a recent interview with digital LGBTQ magazine OutThere.
References
External links