CJ, now a theater actor, still identified with ‘Goin’ Bulilit’
“GOIN’ Bulilit” artist CJ Navato made a name for himself appearing in the comedy sketch gag show starting in 2005. He owes a great deal to the program, where he established his identity from the time he was a kid.
He graduated from the program in 2008, with his fellow stars Kathryn Bernardo, Jane Oineza, Steven Ferno and Mikylla Ramirez. CJ joined the “Fifth Batch Graduates.”
He got used to the public remembering him as a child star. In fact, many are surprised to see him now, adult and all grown up. He credits the program for honing his comic talent and acting as a whole.
CJ will undoubtedly be always remembered for “Goin’ Bulilit.” Up to this day, he has always been associated with the iconic program, where he made long-time friends.
He remains in touch with erstwhile “Goin’ Bulilit” mainstays such as John Manalo, Sharlene San Pedro, Kristel Fulgar, Julia Montes, Miles Ocampo, as well as Igi Boy Flores, Nash Aguas, Carl Barrameda and Alfred Labatos.
CJ will always remain grateful to “Goin’ Bulilit” director and mentor, Bobot Mortiz, who honed his talent since he was a kid.
“It’s rooted in me being a ‘Goin’ Bulilit’ kid,” asserted CJ. “Up to this day, nadala ko ang comic timing ko. Natural na sa akin na magpatawa. I love making people laugh. That has been part of my normal interaction with people.”
Prior to “Goin’ Bulilt,” CJ was first seen in the reality-based talent competition, “Star Circle Quest” (2004), where his talent was honed since he underwent training, physical enhancement and different challenges to test his skills.
His reason for joining the competition was that he wanted to become an artist. He managed to be in the “Magic Circle of 5,” with fellow competitors Nash Aguas, Sharlene San Pedro, Aaron Junatas and Mikylla Ramirez.
CJ placed fifth in the “Grand Questors Night,” held at the Araneta Coliseum in June 2004. Since then, he subsequently became part of Star Magic with an exclusive contract with ABS-CBN.
In 2018, CJ first ventured into theater and was seen in PETA’s “Charot,” where he made his stage debut.
Last year, CJ appeared in his second theater production, “One More Chance,” the Popoy-Basia (John Lloyd-Bea Alonzo) musical, with songs by Ben&Ben. As the lead Popoy, he alternated with Sam Concepcion. CJ worked with Nicole Omillo, his Basia.
When he first heard the PETA musical of “One More Chance” and he was asked if he wanted to audition, CJ readily gave a resounding yes.
Thankfully, he landed the role of Popoy played by John Lloyd Cruz on the big screen. “I love performing,” CJ said. “I love singing. Ang saya doon, kumakanta ka while acting at the same time. I realized it’s something I always wanted to do.”
CJ also came from rehearsals of yet another PETA play, “Kislap at Fuego,” where he gets to work for the first time with Felicity Kyle Napuli.
“Since I also ventured into theater, I also realized it is also important that my mind was opened,” said CJ. “For me to become the best actor I can be, I need to be in the middle of theater and showbiz. To be in the middle is the place to be.”
CJ is now rehearsing for 9 Works Theatrical’s “Liwanag sa Dilim,” the Rico Blanco musical, where he will be working with Khalil Ramos, Anthony Rosaldo, Alexa Ilacad, Rita Daniela and Nicole Omillo. At the helm is Robbie Guevarra.
“So this (‘Liwanag sa Dilim’) is my fourth play,” disclosed CJ. “Kislap at Fuego will run ahead.”
CJ is thankful that he gets to experience theater now after two decades of working on television. “Wala naman masyadong singing on TV,” he said. “I love performing. So I get to explore theater. It’s different, the discipline. How to do a particular role or scene.”
Although CJ does not say that he prefers theater than TV, he realized theater has greatly helped him become a better actor.
“On TV, you don’t always do a workshop whe you do a scene,” CJ said. “When I read a script, I realized I’m more equipped now, when I’m on TV or theater.
CJ expresses his desire to be in the cast of an English musical. “I enjoy expanding my craft especially my singing and performing.
“When I learned about the auditions for ‘Liwanag sa Dilim,’ I auditioned right away. I wasn’t invited o audition. I really went to audition.”
CJ is playing the role of Chris in “Liwanag sa Dilim,” alternating with Vien King. The Rico Blanco musical will go onstage starting March 7 at the Carlos P. Romulo Theater at RCBC Building.
