Chamyto Aguedan fills big shoes in Christian Bables’ iconic roles

He is officially on a roll. Taking on an impressive theatrical double-header, Chamyto Aguedan is stepping into roles originally made iconic by acclaimed actor Christian Bables.

There is a quiet, beautiful magic in watching a dedicated artist step into the spotlight when their moment finally arrives. For Chamyto Aguedan, that moment isn’t just arriving—it’s taking center stage with a roar.

Aguedan’s journey began not on the grand theater stage, but under the glowing lights of local barangay singing contests. A self-described former “contesero,” he had a passion for performing that was clear early on.

“Sumasali po ako sa mga singing contest sa school, pati na rin sa mga amateur singing contest sa iba’t ibang barangay,” he reveals. “I consider myself a singer talaga. Bata pa lang, passion ko na ang kumanta at magngangawa-ngawa sa karaoke. Talagang nangarap akong maging isang sikat na singer.”

His dedication earned him a spot at the prestigious UST Conservatory of Music, where his formal classical vocal training began. Yet, with age came a candid, self-aware shift in perspective that ultimately expanded his artistic horizon.

“Habang tumatanda ako, unti-unti akong sinampal ng katotohanan na wala akong ‘maganda’ o ‘maamong’ mukha para sumikat, kaya nag-add ako ng actor-comedian sa craft ko,” he laughs softly. “Hindi ka talaga maggu-grow kung hindi mo tatanggapin kung sino ka.”

A journey of patience and re-emergence

While Aguedan admits to being a late bloomer in professional theater—making his major production debut in “Rak of Aegis”—a shift toward television temporarily paused his stage work.

But the siren call of live theater never truly left him.

In 2025, he made a triumphant return as the lead in UP Dulaang Laboratoryo’s thesis production, “Haus of Zaturnnah.” That rekindled passion paved the way for his current milestone season, balancing two demanding theatrical projects.

First, he takes over Christian Bables’ role for a special one-night-only rerun performance, tonight Aug. 7, of “Taksyapo!” at the CCP Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez (CCP Black Box Theatre). Then, looking ahead to June 2027, he is set to breathe new life into the beloved character of Barbs Cordero in “Die Beautiful: The Musical.”

How did it feel to realize he would be stepping into roles originated by an award-winning powerhouse like Christian Bables?

For “Die Beautiful,” Aguedan approached the process with zero expectations, purely grateful to experience the energy of the callback room alongside incredible talent. For “Taksyapo!,” the offer came completely out of the blue when veteran star John “Sweet” Lapus reached out directly.

“Tinanong niya kung busy daw ba ako. May rerun daw sila, pero hindi na uubra ang schedule ni Christian. Nabanggit daw ako ni Direk Tuxqs (Rotaquio), kaya nung in-offer sa akin ang role, nag-‘yes’ agad ako,” Aguedan shares.

Stepping into the Virgin Labfest (VLF) realm alongside industry stalwarts like Lapus, Rotaquio, and Mosang was a bucket-list opportunity he couldn’t pass up.

Aguedan acknowledges the sheer weight of honoring Bables’ established legacy while making the roles his own.

“Alam din nating lahat kung gaano kagaling na actor ang isang Christian Bables—award-winning levels, as in. Iconic ang role na Barbs sa movie, kaya challenge sa amin ni Lance Reblando (his alternate in ‘Die Beautiful’) kung paano namin mata-translate ang iconic character na ’yon sa teatro.

“At sa ‘Taksyapo!,’ makikita mo na sobrang nag-enjoy si Christian, kaya naman ganoon din ang gagawin ko—mag-e-enjoy lang para less pressure.”

In an industry known for its fast pace and intense competition, Aguedan maintains a grounded philosophy built on continuous learning, physical wellness, and constructive feedback.

“Dapat talaga naririnig mo ’yan para mag-improve ka. Continuous ang lessons for your skill set—regular voice class, dance or movement class na gagawin ko pa lang. At ang pinakamahalaga sa lahat ay healthy living.

“Lesson ko na puwede kong i-share sa mga aspiring performers: huwag n’yong i-compare ang sarili n’yo sa iba. Mag-focus ka sa kung ano ang strength mo. At ang pinakamahalaga sa lahat is to show up. Hindi sa’yo babagsak ang opportunity kung mas mangingibabaw ang fear at self-doubt. And last na, huwag tayong mag-overthink!”

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