Versatile actor redefines career trajectory

Actor Victor “VR” Relosa is slowly shedding the labels of his early career. Best known for his roles in VMX films, Relosa is deliberately shifting gears, building a reputation as a serious, disciplined artist. Through formal training, independent cinema, and a recent leap into live theater, he is proving that his artistic range goes deeper than audiences might expect.

Relosa recently sharpened his tools in The Master Series: Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) Acting Workshop for Filipino Talents 2026. Securing a spot was no small feat, as he was one of just 20 actors chosen from a highly competitive audition pool. The intensive 10-day program served as a masterclass in versatility, exposing him to distinct industry methodologies of directors Laurice Guillen, Jose Javier “Joey” Reyes, and Joel Lamangan.

For Relosa, the workshop was transformative, offering a rare glimpse into what directors truly look for from behind the monitor. “I came in hoping to learn more about acting, but I left with so much more,” Relosa shared, expressing his gratitude to the FDCP staff and the facilitators. “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 hopes programs like this become accessible to more artists, noting that the real value lies in the directors’ candid stories about their decades of survival and success in the industry. His recent screen choices reflect a calculated pivot toward complex, socially relevant storytelling, making him a noticeable force in the local festival circuit.

In the short film “Hoy, Hoy, Ingat!” directed by Norvin De Los Santos, a finalist in this year’s Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival, Relosa steps into the shoes of Bhing, a hardworking older brother fighting to reclaim his family’s impounded jeepney with his sister Baby (Alycia Avila). The film tackles the harsh realities of urban poverty and the systemic anxiety surrounding the jeepney phaseout, balancing heavy themes with music, humor, and surrealism. After taking home the Critics Prize at the 2025 QCinema International Film Festival, the short is set to screen at Cinemalaya from August 6 to 18 across venues like Shangri-La Plaza Red Carpet Cinemas, Gateway Cineplex 18, and select Ayala Malls cinemas.

Relosa also took the lead in “Starfish,” a Polytechnic University of the Philippines student short directed by John Clite Apolinar for Puregold’s CinePanalo Film Festival 2026. Playing Boyet, a former Manila macho dancer forced to return to his home province after losing his livelihood, Relosa navigates tense family dynamics opposite Nour Hooshmand, who plays his sister Pia, and veteran actor Floyd Tena, who portrays their traditional father Domeng.

Relosa also made his musical theater debut in “Sa Apolonio Samson, Si Apolonio Samson,” demonstrating a lack of fear when it comes to uncharted creative territory. Produced by Dulaang Apolonio Samson and the Barangay Apolonio Samson Council in Quezon City, the historical play used a dual-timeline narrative to connect the 1896 Philippine Revolution to modern times.

Despite having no formal background in musical theater, Relosa committed to ten grueling weekend rehearsals to tackle eight songs, including three solos. He shared the stage with local residents, students, and persons with disabilities, and performed with actors playing revolutionary heroes Andres Bonifacio and Gregoria de Jesus.

Equipped with new techniques, industry insights, and a hunger for growth, Relosa is redefining his trajectory, positioning himself as one of the most adaptable actors in Philippine cinema.