Lance Joseph Martinez

Jason Canela Says Being Part of PH Staging of ‘On Your Feet!’ Is a Blessing

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<p>The iconic <strong>Broadway</strong> musical <strong><em>On Your Feet!</em></strong> is finally making its way to the Philippines, as<strong> Rockwell </strong>and <strong>9 Works Theatrical</strong> bring the Southeast Asian premiere of the internationally staged production to local audiences.</p><p>The musical tells the inspiring story of <strong>26-time Grammy Award-winning</strong> husband-and-wife duo <strong>Gloria </strong>and<strong> Emilio Estefan</strong>, tracing their rise to fame through a journey shaped by ambition, resilience, and an unwavering belief in one another.</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px;display:block"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1781067903233prosceniumtheater_1780666522_3912833921089787623_72441753626.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">The official poster of &#x27;On Your Feet!&#x27; | Photo from @prosceniumtheater</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>Set for a limited run from July 10 to August 2, 2026, the production features musical direction by <strong>Daniel Bartolome</strong> and is helmed by director <strong>Robbie Guevara</strong>. Staged at <strong>The Proscenium Theater</strong> in <strong>Rockwell Center</strong>,<strong> Makati City</strong>, the acclaimed show brings the enduring legacy of the Latin pop icons to life on the Philippine stage.</p><p>Adding to the excitement is the official casting announcement, with Cuban-American actor <strong>Jason Canela</strong>—known for his work in television, film, and theater—set to portray Emilio Estefan in the highly anticipated local staging.</p><div style="text-align:center"><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-0" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DZZArXuB2v2/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=1080&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A0%2C%22os%22%3A308538%2C%22ls%22%3A307916%2C%22le%22%3A308520%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="510" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-0" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><div><strong>Why is Jason Canela perfect for the role of Emilio Estefan?<br/></strong></div><p>Emilio Estefan, being Cuban-American, is often seen as a role that demands not only performance accuracy but also a deep understanding of the immigrant experience, particularly the cultural and personal narratives tied to being Cuban-American in Miami, Florida.</p><p>Interestingly, Jason Canela appears to embody that same lived context. Born in Miami to Cuban parents Lisette and Heriberto Canela, he also previously portrayed Emilio in a 2022 staging of the same musical in Miami.</p><p>During the press conference for the highly anticipated production at Rockwell on Tuesday, Jason expressed nothing but gratitude for the opportunity to once again bring Emilio’s story to life—this time for the Philippine stage.</p><p>“I had the blessing of getting to tell this story a few years back in Miami with an incredible group of people. I cannot tell you guys how much this story means to me,” Jason told the press.</p><div style="text-align:center"><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-2" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DZXFN44wJ7O/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=1080&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A2%2C%22os%22%3A340058%2C%22ls%22%3A307916%2C%22le%22%3A308520%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="881" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-2" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>He also shared that he has long been familiar with Gloria and Emilio Estefan, describing Gloria as “an extremely resilient, strong individual” who overcame numerous challenges to achieve success, alongside an equally remarkable partner in Emilio, a role he feels honored to portray.</p><p>“These two people, they dared to dream dreams that they themselves thought were impossible. However, they did not take no for an answer. Like Kayla mentioned a few moments ago, they were told no time and time again,” he said, echoing what Kayla Rivera, one of the actresses portraying Gloria, previously shared.</p><p>Jason further relayed the Estefans’ excitement about their story being shared with Filipino audiences. According to him, the Latin icon couple is “nothing but excited” for the production. </p><p>“A story about making dreams come true. I couldn’t be more excited to be telling it alongside this wonderful cast,” he added.</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1781068158455[image] - 1939059.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>How Jason Canela feels about being part of a Filipino theater production<br/></strong></div><p>In every production he has joined—whether for television, film, or stage—Jason Canela remains grounded in gratitude. He reflected, “I truly am grateful to God for always putting me in rooms with people that love what they do, and that are grateful to be doing it.”</p><p>He went on to emphasize that much of the real work happens long before the spotlight, explaining that preparation takes place through auditions, workshops, and deep character research.</p><p>For him, the misconception around the profession is something he has long challenged, sharing that he “always says there’s a big misconception on what it means to be working in our industry.”</p><div style="text-align:center"><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-6" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DZW6cMJR0i_/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=1080&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A6%2C%22os%22%3A566157%2C%22ls%22%3A307916%2C%22le%22%3A308520%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="881" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-6" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>Speaking about his experience in a Filipino production, Jason described rehearsals as moments of admiration and inspiration, saying he is often in “a complete awe,” of the talent around him. “I wish I could just stand on stage and watch you and not have to perform because it really is that much of a joy to just watch,” he said.</p><p>He added that the experience reminded him of past collaborations, noting, “In comparison to my experience with the cast in Miami, it’s very similar in the sense that I was also blessed to be alongside a wonderful group of artists who I thoroughly enjoyed getting to watch.”</p><p>Jason concluded with heartfelt appreciation for the production team and cast, saying, “I will never get tired of saying thank you for receiving me and for making me feel at home. This is the beginning of a lifelong friendship. Thank you to 9 Works Theatrical and to everyone for allowing me to be a part of this.”</p><div style="text-align:center"><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-4" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DY9qsStPZa-/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=1080&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A4%2C%22os%22%3A407016%2C%22ls%22%3A307916%2C%22le%22%3A308520%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="486" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-4" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><div><strong><em>Tickets may be purchased via </em></strong><a href="https://premier.ticketworld.com.ph/shows/show.aspx?sh=ONYRFEET26"><strong><em>TicketWorld</em></strong></a><strong><em> outlets and its official online platform, as well as at the Power Plant Mall Cinema box office. For the latest announcements and further details, audiences are encouraged to follow </em></strong><a href="https://www.instagram.com/prosceniumtheater?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&amp;igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw=="><strong><em>Proscenium Theater</em></strong></a><strong><em> and </em></strong><a href="https://www.instagram.com/9workstheatrical?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&amp;igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw=="><strong><em>9 Works Theatrical </em></strong></a><strong><em>on their official social media pages.</em></strong></div><div><br/></div><p>Lead photos courtesy of <strong>Proscenium Theater</strong></p>

<p>Cuban-American actor Jason Canela expresses being in “complete awe” as he works alongside Filipino talents in the Philippine staging of the Broadway musical "On Your Feet!"</p>

Cuban-American actor Jason Canela expresses being in “complete awe” as he works alongside Filipino talents in the Philippine staging of the Broadway musical "On Your Feet!"

Jason Canela Says Being Part of the PH Staging of ‘On Your Feet!’ Is a Blessing

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Jason Canela Says Being Part of the PH Staging of ‘On Your Feet!’ Is a Blessing

Lance Joseph Martinez

Published June 10, 2026 01:40 PM PHT

Read More:

Jason Canela

On Your Feet!

Emilio Estefan

Gloria Estefan

Proscenium Theater

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