An Interview with Steven Silva

Amiciness was given the opportunity to interview my first (and hopefully not the last) celebrity guest, Steven Silva of La Cage Aux Folles.

Well, close enough since this was done only via email. I don’t think I’m ready for an actual face-to-face interview not to mention I still get easily starstruck by literally anyone or anything. We’ll get there. I’m still nurturing the inner journalist in me. Anyhow, the teaser for this interview gained a lot of views so I guess, I’m not the only one excited to read Steven’s answers to this set of witty questions, Amiciness style. I won’t prolong your agony. Here we go!

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Amiciness: Time flies so fast. It has been more than half a decade since you joined showbiz. You even had a different Twitter handle before. (I was always responding to your tweets. LOL. I remember one time, you asked how to describe the taste of blood and I tweeted “like licking a pad lock.”). You are now entering a new chapter in your professional career. How will you compare Steven then with the Steven now?

Steven: I do remember that particular tweet! I have no clue what I was thinking that day when I posted that but I did appreciate your unique response. 5 years is a long time and a lot has happened within those 5 years. The Steven of now I believe is more refined, experienced and aware of himself. I feel more aware in the sense of – I better understand my strengths and weaknesses as a person and an artist.

If given a chance, what part of your journey do you want to relive?

The first thing that really sticks out of my mind is being able to perform at the Araneta Coliseum during the finals of Starstruck. Countless great performers have graced that stage, local and international, so to be able to part of that list is quite special to me.

What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned?

Everything happens for a reason. You just have to learn to not over-analyze everything and always be ready to work hard for whatever it is you want in life.

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On Social Media

Fans know you from your work on television and theatre, but aside from that, you are also active in social media. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and you’re even on Tumblr (we follow @chefnito! :D). How important is it for you to connect with your fans?

I believe it is very important to connect with your fans/supporters/friends through social media. It’s almost an instant barometer to their opinions and feelings towards whatever it is you’re currently doing. Also, it’s a nice way to bridge the gap to your followers wherever they are in the entire world. I think social media has definitely helped make this world just a little bit smaller, in a good way.

What is the weirdest tweet you have ever received?

Umm, I’ve received quite a few. The weirdest one was probably when a certain someone asked me to join them for a dinner date and that they would pay me for my appearance.

Steven singing with David DiMuzio. This is my favorite among his covers. 😀

Aside from those social media networks, you’re also on Youtube, posting vlogs and song covers. Would you consider yourself a Youtuber? Describe the process of making these videos.

I don’t know if I consider myself a Youtuber, more of just an enthusiast for it since it isn’t something I do fulltime. It was actually Director Freddie Santos who suggested the idea to me that I post videos of myself singing to just get my voice out there and let more people know of my talent. The vlogs, on the other hand, were suggested by my best friend who is a full time Youtuber, TheJettyJetShow, and has just under 20,000 subscribers. He thought it would be cool if I started vlogging as a way to let my followers get a more behind-the-scenes view on my daily activities. At first, it felt weird to be filming random ordinary events of my life but after I posted a few vlogs, a lot of people started giving me good feedback. And I also like the fact that I can post these and look back on them, kind of like an online video album of past events in my life.

Can I make a request? Please cover “Can’t Feel My Face” by The Weekend.

I will see what I can do about this. No promises though.

Describe Steven Silva in hashtags.

I LOVE hashtags. Challenge accepted. #Chinito #Singer #Chef #MixedKid #FilAm #Athlete #LooksKoreanButNot #ButLovesKPOP #BIGBANG #AlwaysHungry #Random

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On Singing/Television

You sing covers, you write music(?), and you play the guitar. You’re a musician. But when did your love for music begin?

I don’t write music but I am learning to play the guitar. My love for music started rather late in my life, I didn’t start singing until my last year of high school when I joined a choir class halfway through the year. From then on, it was just karaoke sessions and random formal training workshops here and there.

Did you study music or have vocal training growing up?

I took maybe 2 or 3 choir classes from high school to college. Other than that, it was all karaoke and workshops here and there.

Right Here Waiting for You by Mr. Steven Silva #TBT :p

Describe your first public performance.

I was a nervous wreck and it was horrible. Hahaha. It was our final presentation for a voice class I was taking at Sacramento City College and it was the first time I had ever sang in front of an audience. Frankly speaking, it was really bad. My voice even cracked during the climax of the song. Safe to say, I think I’ve come a long way since that 1st performance many years ago.

So you love K-pop. You’re a bit of a fanboy for Big Bang among other Korean groups. What is it with Korean music that resonates with you?

Honestly, I really don’t know why. But it’s just something I got turned on to while I was still in high school. And yes, I am a big Big Bang fan. And yes, I was there at their recent concert. And yes, it was AWESOME.

If you were to have an album produced, what would your record sound like? What would it be called?

I love all kinds of music so it might have a mixed and odd sound. But when it comes to singing I think my voice tends to fit more with pop and alternative sounds, so it might take on that type of feel. As for a album title, I really can’t think of anything…maybe something relating to food. Haha.

Who are your idols in music? Who are your favorite singers?

Some of my favorite singers include Usher, Bruno Mars, James Brown, and Michael Jackson.

You’re also a chef! Which carries more weight in your heart: music or cooking?

I really can’t decide because they both have special places in my heart. For example, when I’m cooking it just doesn’t seem right if I don’t have music playing in the background or if I’m not singing along while I’m sautéing something.

Of course you sort of got to do both in The Boston Kitchen Musical. How different is working with an international production from a local production?

In terms of production, I think The Boston was more time consuming but done very meticulously. We went through workshops, script reading sessions, scene run-throughs before we ever even stepped in front of a camera. The process is completely different than how television programs are run locally in the Philippines.

Speaking of local productions, you have been one of the favorite guest stars of TV5’s Wattpad Presents. I watched the first series, Lady in Disguise. You were so funny especially that part when you stole a kiss from Eula Caballero. I also noticed how well your Tagalog improved. Are you taking lessons or is it just practice?

Thank you for catching that, I appreciate it. It’s a little of both. When I first got here and even while I was in the Starstruck competition, not too many people understand that it was my first time ever being exposed to the Tagalog language. It was hard. I literally did not understand anything people were saying and I was being handed scripts and spiels daily. So, after the competition I started taking lessons and tutoring and after that it’s just been practising it every day.

What’s the most difficult Filipino phrase you’ve learned?

Any phrase that contains a word with more than 4 syllables; those are deadly to a non-native Tagalog speaker.

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On Theatre

Auditions could be nerve-racking. Can you describe your most memorable theatre audition? If applicable, how do you deal with bad auditions?

Auditions are extremely nerve-racking. They may be the hardest part of the whole process and like everyone, I’ve had good and bad and horrible ones. You just try to see what you did wrong and correct it in the future and if possible, try to get feedback from the auditioner(s) on what you can work on.

How was your first time stepping on the theatre stage? How different is it from your first television acting experience?

It was nerve-racking and a bit emotional because, unlike TV, there’s a live audience, and there are no take-twos. But there’s also the reassuring factor that you’ve been rehearsing the material from weeks to months ahead of time, so you know it, you just have to focus and execute.

I’ve always wondered how actors memorize their parts especially in theatre where there are no second takes. Do you have your own technique?

Honestly, I really didn’t have a technique and I actually believe that I take so long to memorize things. My script and I are usually inseparable the first few weeks of a production. It’s not uncommon also for me to take a new script and just huddle up in a coffee shop for hours on end learning and reviewing lines/songs.

Have you ever forgotten your lines or lyrics to a song?

I’ve been on both sides of it. I’ve had a co-actor completely blank out on me during a show and I had to somewhat recite his line in a different way to kind of guide him back into the flow of our conversation. There was also a time during a particular show where I also blanked out and missed a whole verse of a song. Sad to say, it just happens. I think the most important thing is that you make sure the show goes on and you never drop your character while on-stage. Because most of the time, the audience won’t know you made a mistake unless you make it obvious that you did.

Do you have pre-/post-show rituals/superstitions?

The only thing I tend to do before shows is just stretch, go over a few lines and pray. But during the first run of La Cage, before every show I would buy a footlong veggie sandwich from Subway and eat half of it before the show and the other half during intermission. Other than that, every show is a battle and there’s a lot that goes on backstage, so it’s definitely a celebration to finish a show unscathed and with few or no mishaps.

What is your most memorable moment backstage?

My most memorable moment backstage actually happened during a live television show. I was supposed to sing a part of a song and while I was backstage looking for a microphone, none of the stagehands had any available. Sadly, my cue came up and since I didn’t have a microphone, I never went onstage.

Most embarrassing costume you’ve had to wear?

It probably has to be the Stripe costume from our production of Hope For The Flowers. It was basically a body suit with a doo-rag on top of my head. It felt funny every time I walked around in it.

Favorite musical (local and international) that you’ve watched?

International: Wicked. Local: Rak of Aegis.

Dream role?

None at the moment, I just would love to keep on trying different roles in different productions in the near future.

What’s coming up for Steven Silva both in theater and in showbiz?

I still feel like I’m barely getting started in the theater world and I’d love to continue auditioning for future shows and productions. In terms of showbiz, I think I want to stay out of the limelight for the time being and explore myself in other venues.

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La Cage Aux Folles

In the very near future, however, you’re going to revisit your role as Jean-Michel in La Cage Aux Folles. Congratulations, by the way, for the successful first run and for your wonderful performance. We will definitely watch again. You play a son who is afraid that his unconventional parents would affect his engagement. How different is Steven from your character as Jean-Michel?

Thank you for watching the 1st time around and we look forward to seeing you in the theater for the rerun. Well, the slight age difference aside, I think Jean-Michel isn’t too different from me and anyone else with his or her first real taste of true love. I remember being hit by love for the first time and I remember it clouding my judgment and I made some questionable decisions. But you learn from it all and I think that’s one thing I applied to Jean-Michel. He experiences first love but he also realizes near the end of the show that he’s made a horrible mistake by neglecting the sacrifices and love given to him from his parents.

How was it working with theatre veterans Audie Gemora and Michael de Mesa?

It was amazing. I’ve learned so much from them and the entire cast. I remember Noel Rayos pulled me aside during one rehearsal and reminded me that within our cast there’s about 100 plus years of theater experience and that I should take advantage of it.

What was your initial reaction when you found out that La Cage would stage a rerun?

I was surprised but extremely happy. I’ve never been part of a show that’s done a rerun where I’ve been in both runs, so I really don’t know what to expect. But, I’m extremely thankful and I hope our future audiences enjoy the show, even those who have already seen it.

Did you do anything differently this time around when preparing for your role?

Well, since it is a rerun, I’ve just tried to tweak anything that was weak before and basically make sure everything is better and cleaner than the first run and also exploring ways to make my character more effective this time around.

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And that concludes my email interview with Steven Silva. Special thanks to Jonjon Martin for making this possible. And of course, thank you Steven for taking the time to answer my questions. 🙂

I attended the Press Preview of La Cage last night and I, along with the other people in the audience, were on our feet cheering. La Cage is no stranger to standing ovations, but the show last night was extra special. We felt a different level of energy from the cast. Steven, especially, was at his best; there’s an added depth to his acting. Using his own words, to embody Jean-Michel in the most truthful way possible, he peeled all the layers of the character and found his heart. This made it easier for the viewers to put themselves in Jean-Michel’s shoes and understand where the character is coming from. It made Jean-Michel even more likeable than he already was. Good job on a wonderful performance Steven. Break a leg! 🙂

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Don’t forget to watch the second run of 9 Work Theatrical’s La Cage Aux Folles directed by Robbie Guevara. It opens tonight Saturday, August 15, at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium (RCBC Plaza). Trust me, you don’t want to miss the spectacular performance of this stellar cast! See you in the theater! #LaCageManila