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Theater actor Topper Fabregas slowly coming to life as Donkey for 'Shrek the Musical'

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Creative Space: Topper Fabregas

ABS-CBN Lifestyle

<p>In this series by ABS-CBN Lifestyle, readers get a glimpse into the everyday lives of the country&#x27;s most fascinating creatives from multiple industries. Much as they&#x27;re often put on pedestals and applauded for their mind-blowing work that sets them apart, it&#x27;s just as interesting to see how they go about their workaday worlds without the rose-colored glasses. Because really, in the end, these talented individuals are regular humans too...just like us.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>A Day in the Life of being Donkey in &#x27;Shrek the Musical&#x27;: Topper Fabregas</strong></div><div><br/></div><p>10:00am</p><p>My body has gotten so used to performing and working till late at night so I am definitely not an early riser. My cat meowing till he’s fed is what gets me out of bed everyday. Today is also the start of a five show weekend so I try to get as much sleep as I possibly can. &#x27;Shrek&#x27; has been such a physically demanding process, rest and recovery are so important. </p><p>I start every day by oil pulling with coconut oil while I prepare my coffee and check my messages. I already have a ton of messages on my WhatsApp from Saddle Row, a boutique fitness studio I’ve been working for as an instructor for the past ten years.  </p><p>Whenever I’m in a show, I add Berocca to my usual daily dose of multivitamins/supplements for extra protection from getting sick. Coffee and Berocca, breakfast of champions.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/176433210820810_am.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">Coffee and Vitamin C: the breakfast of champions. <em>Image courtesy of Topper Fabregas</em></span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>12:00nn</p><p>My pre-show workout today is care of CrossFit Ethos. I wanted to be as fit as I possibly could for “Shrek” because I knew I’d be doing a lot of physical stuff for the show, apart from the singing and dancing. I’ve worked hard at getting my endurance up. Musical Theater (especially comedies) require a lot of stamina and I’m not as young as I used to be. It takes a lot more work and prep for me nowadays. I’m lucky I have a great CrossFit gym nearby and can always sneak a workout in (or teach a class at Saddle) before rehearsals and on show days like today. I also have to credit the workouts on amping up my lung power and endurance.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:893.993px;display:block" width="893.993"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/176432980960512noon.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:893.993px;height:auto" width="893.993"/><span class="fr-inner">Fitness training builds performance endurance.<em> Image courtesy of Topper Fabregas</em></span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>1:50pm</p><p>Our call time is at 2:30pm and I head out a little earlier than usual so I can drive-thru and get some Starbucks (iba talaga young feeling ng drive-thru haha). Today I’m having a Venti Iced Latte with brown sugar syrup (am supposed to limit dairy &#x27;cause I need to sing but whatever) and the seasonal Chipotle Chicken Wrap (my favorite). It’s a full weekend ahead so I find joy wherever I can take it. This gives me joy. </p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17643320941691_50pm.jpg" style="width:960px;display:block;height:auto" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">Finding joy in the simple things. <em>Image courtesy of Topper Fabregas</em></span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>2:30pm</p><p>I sign in and head to the dressing room I share with Jamie Wilson and Alfredo Reyes, who play Shrek and Lord Farquaad respectively. Our dressing room is usually pretty quiet at the start of the day. I don’t normally see Jamie until before showtime because he comes in earlier than everyone else to do a solo warm up and get into prosthetics. It takes him about 2 hours get into his full Shrek prosthetics and costume, sometimes even longer. On two show days, he is in his prosthetics for almost up to 12 hours. What a trooper. </p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17643320813092_30_pm.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">The dressing room calm before the storm. <em>Image courtesy of Topper Fabregas</em></span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>3:15pm</p><p>We do physical and vocal warm-ups onstage as a cast first thing on show days. Am feeling a little sore from today’s workout so am grateful for all the stretching we get to do. It’s also great to check in with everyone after a few days of rest. The mood is light and everyone is refreshed and ready to go. </p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17643320660483_15pm.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">Warming up and checking in with the cast. <em>Image courtesy of Topper Fabregas</em></span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>3:45pm</p><p>After the warm up, it’s time for our lift and harness checks. I get lifted up during one of my numbers and we prep for it before every show. The guys are in good spirits today and I might’ve gotten thrown up in the air a little higher than usual.</p><p>KC Kane, who plays Fiona, tries her harness on to make sure she’s all safe for her transformation scene in Act 2.</p><p>We finish all the checks and balances and prep for an Italian run at 4pm. Every Friday we go through certain numbers and make sure all our scene transitions are nice and smooth. It takes about an hour to an hour and a half.</p><p>The show has so many gigantic set pieces, our backstage is literally a jigsaw puzzle. There is a specific flow to the show not just onstage but in the wings and backstage as well. This isn’t the sort of show you can just step into after a few days off. It’s a spectacle with a lot of moving pieces (plus LED projections) so we always make sure the cast and crew feel safe and secure before going on. I wish I could show you guys a picture of what the stage looks like from the wings, its a little insane. This honestly might be one of the biggest shows I’ve ever been a part of.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17643320430073_45pm.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">Safety first with harnesses and stunts. <em>Image courtesy of Topper Fabregas</em></span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>6:00pm</p><p>My Donkey makeup takes around 30-40 minutes on average to put on. Thank God my makeup artist is Mamarhaye Delacruz, or “Mama” to most. We’ve worked on a lot of stuff together, theater and TV, so it’s never a dull moment in the makeup chair. We’re feeling great &#x27;cause we found the perfect shade of white for my makeup, after weeks of testing out different products. My makeup miraculously stays intact despite all the sweat and running around.</p><p>I can’t help but also start talking in my &#x27;Donkey voice&#x27; the minute we start applying the face. It’s a really fun &#x27;mask&#x27; that helps me feel like a cartoon character come to life. </p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17643320299106pm.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">Donkey coming to life thanks to a trusted makeup artist. <em>Image courtesy of Topper Fabregas</em></span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>6:45pm</p><p>We have four teenage actors who alternate as Teen Fiona and tonight she is played by Simone Valderrama-Martinez. My <em>inaanak</em>. Her parents are actors and I grew up with them in the theatre. I got to see her mom and dad play Fiona and Farquaad (both so perfect) in the Atlantis Productions’ staging of &#x27;Shrek&#x27; 11 years ago. This is such a full circle moment to see her step into the role. I also used to hold her as a baby and have literally watched her grow up so I’m astounded that I now get to call her my &#x27;castmate&#x27;. We make <em>chika</em> for a while and I pretend to be her super cool and hip <em>Ninong</em>.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17643320134366_45pm.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">Proud of goddaughter Simone. <em>Image courtesy of Topper Fabregas</em></span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>7:30pm</p><p>Company prayer. This is our last opportunity to lock in and huddle as a cast. Once the show starts, it’s a runaway train for most of the ensemble. It’s prod number after prod number, with quick changes in between. We have a killer ensemble of triple threats who do a lot of the heavy lifting for the show. We don’t get to interact as much as we usually would in other productions because &#x27;Shrek&#x27; is a different beast altogether. It’s a lot of moving parts. This is the quiet before the storm. We always pray for energy, safety and a great audience. </p><p>Once the huddle is done, the cast starts to prep for their individual tracks.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17643320007907_30_pm.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">Company huddle and prayer. <em>Image courtesy of Topper Fabregas</em></span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>8:05pm</p><p>The show has already started and we are halfway through the opening number. This is when I fully zip up into my Donkey costume. My first entrance is at the 14-minute mark (and then I hardly get any breaks). I don’t want to get into costume too early because I’ll have limited use of my hands haha. I am literally wearing hooves throughout the show. I depend so much on our dressers (and my JisuLife)! They are amazing.</p><p>After zipping up, I head over to stage right to start gearing up for my entrance. I watch the ensemble from the wings to hype me up and zero in on what the energy from the audience feels like today. </p><p>See you guys after the show! </p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:600px;display:block" width="600"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17643319775788_05pm.jpg" style="width:600px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="600"/><span class="fr-inner">No turning back after getting zipped up! <em>Image courtesy of Topper Fabregas</em></span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>11:15pm</p><p>It takes Jamie a long time to get out of his Shrek prosthetics after every show. Alfredo and I decided to keep him company tonight. Our post-show debrief is always fun. We are a puddle underneath all our costumes and I’m not gonna lie, we pretty much reek by the time we get to the end of everything haha. Despite the soggy costumes, tonight is all laughter. As usual.</p><p>I am really fortunate to have these two with me. We made it a point since day one to remain a team and have each other’s backs. I love hanging out in our dressing room because these two keep me in check. They keep my spirits up while I do the same for them. The camaraderie you see from us onstage is authentic.</p><p>The chemistry of a show really trickles down from its leads (I don’t really like referring to myself as a &#x27;lead&#x27; but will do so for the sake of this point) and we understand that responsibility. We (together with KC) have tried to set the proper tone for the company as much as we can. We look out for everyone.</p><p>We have one more laugh together and I pack up to head home.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/176433195807611_15pm.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">We’re all in this together. <em>Image courtesy of Topper Fabregas</em></span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>12:00mn</p><p>It takes me a long time to decompress after every show. I am physically drained from the day but my mind is still abuzz from all that adrenaline. We’ve just performed to an audience of about 1,500 plus people. It really takes a while to come down from that.</p><p>After a much needed shower, I treat myself to a nightcap (shouldn’t be drinking &#x27;cause am singing but whatever...I deserve this). My drink of choice is always a Negroni. I also unwind by watching something light on TV. My newest obsession is &#x27;I Love LA&#x27; on HBO. I missed the latest episode and am playing catch up.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/176433194463212-midnight-.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner"></span></span></span></div><p>Decompression mode: a negroni and catching up on shows.<em> Image courtesy of Topper Fabregas</em></p><div> </div><div><br/></div><p>1:30am</p><p>I’m still very much awake. Surprise, surprise. My cat (the real boss of the house) has decided it’s time for a snuggle. And I will probably stay like this until I pass out on the couch. I’ll be lucky if I fall asleep by 2am. We have four more shows this weekend and my call time tomorrow is 12nn. I set my alarm for 10:30am and I hope for the best.</p><p>Thanks for keeping me company today and I’ll see you guys at the theater!</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17643319258331_30-am_.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">Hanging out with the boss of the house. <em>Image courtesy of Topper Fabregas</em></span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><p>ABOUT THE AUTHOR</p><div><em>Topper Fabregas is a theater actor and director. He is best known for his roles in &#x27;Ang Huling El Bimbo&#x27; (Young Anthony), &#x27;Bar Boys&#x27; (Atty. Victor Cruz), &#x27;Angels in America&#x27; (Prior Walter), &#x27;The Producers&#x27; (Leo Bloom), &#x27;The Normal Heart&#x27; (Felix Turner) and most recently &#x27;Come From Away&#x27; (Kevin J/Ali). He has also directed the musicals &#x27;The Last Five Years&#x27; and &#x27;Company&#x27;. His TV and film credits include the Cinema One Orginals movie &#x27;Sila-Sila&#x27; which garnered him the 2019 C1Originals Best Supporting Actor trophy as well as Gawad Urian and FAMAS nominations in the same category. Apart from theater, Topper is also a host and fitness instructor.</em></div><div><br/></div><p><em></em>RELATED ARTICLES</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/people-culture-events/2025/11/8/-for-1-pm-theater-review-shrek-the-musical-delivers-a-big-bold-fairy-tale-spectacle-1300" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Theater review: &#x27;Shrek the Musical’ delivers a big, bold fairy-tale spectacle</a></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/food-travel/2025/11/1/staycation-ideas-make-it-a-shrektacular-weekend-at-newport-world-resorts-0959" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Staycation ideas: Make it a ‘Shrektacular’ weekend at Newport World Resorts</a></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/events/2025/10/15/-shrek-the-musical-brings-fairytale-fun-to-life-in-colorful-dress-rehearsal-2344" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">&#x27;Shrek The Musical&#x27; brings fairytale fun to life in colorful dress rehearsal</a></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/people-culture-events/2025/10/11/-shrek-the-musical-returns-under-dexter-santos-direction-1029" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">‘Shrek The Musical’ returns under Dexter Santos’ direction</a></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/music/2025/9/28/krystal-kane-stars-as-princess-fiona-in-shrek-the-musical-i-worked-very-hard-for-it-1641" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Krystal Kane stars as Princess Fiona in Shrek The Musical: ‘I worked very hard for it!’</a></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/celebrities/2025/9/21/jamie-wilson-stars-as-shrek-in-a-new-musical-1017" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Jamie Wilson stars as Shrek in a new musical: ‘I can be a hero. 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<p>Theater actor Topper Fabregas gives us a glimpse into his hectic schedule as Donkey in 'Shrek the Musical' </p>

Theater actor Topper Fabregas gives us a glimpse into his hectic schedule as Donkey in 'Shrek the Musical'

Creative Space: A day in the life of theater actor Topper Fabregas

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Creative Space: A day in the life of theater actor Topper Fabregas

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Topper Fabregas

Published November 28, 2025 09:23 PM PHT

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Updated November 28, 2025 09:58 PM PHT

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Day in the Life

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Topper Fabregas

Shrek the Musical

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