Versatile actor embracing growth beyond VMX

 

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

 

Actor Victor “VR” Relosa is redefining his career trajectory. Moving beyond his roots in VMX films, Relosa is earning a reputation as a dedicated artist committed to honing his craft through professional training, critical independent film roles, and experimental ventures into theater.

Relosa recently completed The Master Series: Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) Acting Workshop for Filipino Talents 2026 as one of only 20 participants selected through a competitive audition process. The intensive 10-day program, which ran from July 7 to 16, offered exposure to three distinct industry methodologies from directors Laurice Guillen, Jose Javier “Direk Joey” Reyes, and Joel Lamangan.

Reflecting on the experience, Relosa expressed his gratitude to FDCP and its supportive staff, noting that the program offered deep insight into directors’ expectations behind the monitor. “I came in hoping to learn more about acting, but I left with so much more,” he revealed.

“To our mentors, thank you for sharing not just your knowledge, but also your hearts. Each of you has a unique way of seeing stories, characters, and people, and getting to experience that firsthand was truly a privilege. I’ll carry your lessons with me in every role I take on,” Relosa shared.

“I hope more actors get to experience workshops like this because they really help not just in acting, but also in understanding the industry better through the stories these three directors shared about their lives and their decades of experience as actors and directors,” he added.

Relosa’s recent screen credits showcase his artistic range through compelling performances in major local film festivals.

In “Hoy, Hoy, Ingat!” (one of the short film finalists in this year’s Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival), Relosa stars as Bhing, a hardworking older brother fighting to reclaim his family’s impounded jeepney. Alycia Avila co-stars as his sister Baby.

Directed by Norvin De Los Santos, the short film centers on urban poverty, systemic struggle, and the defense against jeepney phaseout. The film, which blends humor, music, and dreamlike storytelling, previously won the Critics Prize at the 2025 QCinema International Film Festival. It screens as part of the Cinemalaya program from August 6 to 18, at Shangri-La Plaza Red Carpet Cinemas, Gateway Cineplex 18, and select Ayala Mall cinemas.

Meanwhile, in the short film “Starfish” by John Clite Apolinar from Polytechnic University of the Philippines for Puregold’s CinePanalo Film Festival 2026, Relosa takes on the lead role of Boyet. The narrative follows a former Manila macho dancer who returns to his home province after losing his job, navigating family dynamics along with his sister Pia (Nour Hooshmand) and their traditional father Domeng (Floyd Tena).

Demonstrating a fearlessness toward new creative challenges, Relosa also made his musical theater debut last June 28, starring in “Sa Apolonio Samson, Si Apolonio Samson.” Produced by Dulaang Apolonio Samson and the Barangay Apolonio Samson Council in Quezon City, the historical, community-driven play featured a dual-timeline structure bridging the 1896 Philippine Revolution with modern-day struggles.

Despite the vocal challenge, Relosa committed to ten intensive weekend rehearsals to master eight songs (including three solos). Performing with local residents, students, and persons with disabilities, he delivered an emotionally raw performance shaped by real community histories, performing with actors portraying historical icons Andres Bonifacio and Gregoria de Jesus.

Relosa’s momentum shows no signs of slowing down as he continues to transition into complex mainstream and independent roles.

The actor enters the psychological horror genre in “Immaculada,” a co-production of CVP, Arrowhead Cinepoint Audio Visual Rental, and ATC Remote Studio. Supported by FDCP’s CreatePH Films funding program, the film features Relosa, co-starring with Elora Españo, Joel Saracho, and Carla Zarcal, in a dark monstrous role representing the hidden terrors of the story.

In addition, Relosa also joins an ensemble cast that includes Cedrick Juan, Jennica Garcia, Albie Casiño, and Paolo Gumabao in “Andoy,” solidifying his place in psychological thrillers.

Armed with the techniques gained from his recent training and a clear focus on artistic growth, Relosa continues to expand his capabilities, establishing himself as a versatile force in the changing landscape of Philippine cinema. 

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