Stage to screen: Rachel Coates on ‘Songs for Selina,’ rivalry and musical soulmates

Rachel Coates and Mica Javier explore friendship, rivalry, and musical magic in the highly anticipated film.

In the film “Songs for Selina,” Rachel Coates plays Maya, Selina’s best friend. Both women enter the music industry together, but will their friendship stay strong, or will it turn into rivalry?

Rachel didn’t confirm or deny whether her character shares a same-sex admiration with Selina, (played by Mica Javier), but she was quick with a tease: “You’ll have to watch it to find out!

“But ‘Songs for Selina’ explores so many different expressions of love. The love that Maya and Selina share really resonates with my own life. So channeling that hit really close to home.”

She adds, “To quote a famous duo: ‘People come into your lives for a reason.’

“I think there are musical soulmates everywhere. It’s magical when it happens, and beautiful art comes out of it. But there’s also a lot of strength in gracefully accepting when your paths eventually diverge.

“I believe you can’t truly love something you need just to function. You need to love someone as their own separate entity, not for what they give you.”

From theater roots to film success

Rachel is sister to Becca Coates, who was known for her angelic voice in musical theater.

Both started via Resorts World’s production of “The Sound of Music” in 2011 as among the Von Trapp children. In 2013, they shared the stage via Repertory Philippines’ “Alice in Wonderland.” The last time they were together was in 2019, in Repertory Philippines’ “Father’s Day.”

“I’m practicing a different kind of storytelling nowadays, in advertising,” said Coates. “I act whenever I get the opportunity to. Recently, I dipped my toes back into Shakespeare with ‘Othello’ as Desdemona, which was such a great experience. It’s something I don’t think I will ever be able to let go of fully.”

Coates has also had the joy of playing Emmy in Red Turnip Theater’s “A Doll’s House: Part 2;” Juliet in the Manila Shakespeare Company’s “Romeo and Juliet;” and an ensemble member of Upstart Productions’s “Spamalot and Scrooge.” With film credits in Cinemalaya entries, “As If It’s True” (2023) and “Open Endings” (2025).

In “Songs for Selina,” Maya ghostwrites songs for her friend. But in real life, if she gets to write for Selina, Coates says, “I’d go full Miley Cyrus 2023.”

She adds: “I just think exploring Selina’s (Mica’s) lower rock register would be so awesome. But I could only write the song; Jay R (Mica’s husband) would have to come in to produce.”

The film also features a powerhouse ensemble from stage, music, and television: Rachel Alejandro, Audie Gemora, Nicole Laurel, Leanne Mamonong, Gian Magdangal, Gabby Padilla, and Jay R.

Global streaming and local release

Before its Philippine release this month, “Songs For Selina” first made waves in the US, after it was picked up last year by Amazon Prime Video and Tubi, two of the biggest streaming platforms for movies and serialized content.

“Songs For Selina” is by Homeworkz Entertainment and is distributed in the Philippines by Black Cap Pictures. It will open in Ayala Cinemas nationwide on March 18. 

 

 

I believe you can’t truly love something you need just to function. You need to love someone as their own separate entity, not for what they give you.

Rachel Coates

 

 

READ: