MANILA, Philippines – Singer Mark Bautista said he’s feeling the pressure of playing the role of the late president Ferdinand Marcos, after news broke that he got the role in the musical Here Lies Love, which will open in London in September.

“Medyo may pressure iyon. Kasi hati, mayroon pro and may against Marcos,” he said during an interview with the press organized by Viva on Thursday, July 31.

(There is a bit of pressure. because it’s divided, there are people who are for and against Marcos.)

Mark said that as early as now, many of his followers on Instagram have already been commenting on the role. 

“Ngayon pa nga lang sa Instagram ko may mga nag-rereact na.  Ba’t mo gawin iyan…negative. Arts eto eh.”

 (In Instagram, there are people reacting already. Why are you doing that…negative. This is the arts.)

Despite the reactions, Mark said that he is excited to play the role of the late president. He also said that given a chance, he would love to ask former First Lady and now Ilocos Norte Cong. Imelda Marcos, his own questions about the musical. 

“Nagkaroon ako nang interest na ma-meet siya at magpakilala ako. Unang-una kong tanong  is ‘alam ba niya etong musical na eto?’ Kung alam niya ang musical na eto, na-flaflatter ba siya or na-ooffend ba siya, medyo offensive sa kanya? Siguro next question ko is diretso na, who is ex-president Marcos as a husband and person, and as a lover. Must personal,” he said.

(I became interested to meet her, introduce myself. My first question would be is ‘does she know about this musical?’ If she does, is she flattered by it, or is she offended by it? My next question would be a very direct one – who is ex-president Marcos as a husband and person, and as  a lover. Must personal.)

He also said that he is preparing for the role by working out and rehearsing with his voice coach. He is also building his endurance, since he has no alternate in the production.

Mark is also looking forward to reuniting with his friend, Rachelle Ann Go, who currently plays Gigi in the revival of Miss Saigon. 

“Advantage, nandoon si Shin (Rachelle). Kaibigan ko siya. Nakapunta na siya sa West End so wala akong problem for tips,” he said, adding that he and Rachelle plan to celebrate when he gets there.

(The advantage is that Shin is there. She is my friend. She is already there at the West End, so I have no problem if I need tips.) 

Although he will be gone for awhile, Mark said that he is looking forward to the journey ahead of him. He is joining the ranks of Pinoys who have played roles on international stages, and fans and critics alike will be crossing their fingers for Mark Bautista. 

“Yung journey, yung training na makukuha at paano ma eenhance yung gift ko as an artist. Kasi marami akong matututunan doon.  I’m looking forward to that,” he said.

(The journey, the training I will get, and how I will be able to enhance my gift as an artist. Because I know I will learn so much there. I’m looking forward to that)

Here Lies Love tells the story of First Lady Imelda Marcos, and chronicles her time in power to her falling out of favor with the public during the end of the People Power revolution.  – Rappler.com