Jake Macapagal

Romano "Jake" Macapagal (born 1965/1966) is a Filipino actor known for his roles in the films Aswang (2011), Metro Manila (2013), Kid Kulafu (2015), Watch List (2019), and The Monsters Without (2021), as well as the HBO Asia television series Halfworlds (2015–) and the Paramount+ television series No Escape.

Early life
Macapagal was born in Manila, Philippines.

At age 16, he booked his first professional acting credit in a live stage production of the classic musical Cats at the Metropolitan Theater of Manila, becoming the cast’s youngest member.

Career
Macapagal credits the 1989 documentary The Heat is On: The Making of ‘Miss Saigon’ as a major career inspiration. The film focused on the making of Miss Saigon, which premiered at Theatre Royal Drury Lane in the West End. In 1994, he auditioned for the musical himself and was cast in the ensemble.

Throughout the 1990s, Macapagal continued to undergo theater-based acting training.

Macapagal's first credited film role was as a “Party Guest” in the 1993 Filipino film Sakay. In the 2000s, he continued his film acting performances in a string of independent Filipino films.

In 2013, Macapagal landed his breakthrough film role as the desperate family man “Oscar” in the British-Filipino co-production Metro Manila, directed by Sean Ellis. Metro Manila was screened at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival, receiving critical acclaim worldwide.

Since appearing in Metro Manila, Macapagal guest-appeared in the 2015 HBO series Halfworlds, the 2019 Filipino crime drama Watch List, and the 2021 horror anthology film Rabid.

In 2023, Macapagal began work for a new upcoming Paramount+ thriller streaming series, No Escape.

Macapagal was also responsible for the casting of his friend, Filipina actress Dolly De Leon, in the 2022 satirical black comedy film Triangle of Sadness.

Awards and nominations

 * 2007 Golden Screen Award – Nominee, Breakthrough Performance by an Actor
 * 2013 British Independent Film Award – Nominee, Most Promising Newcomer
 * 2014 Star Award – Nominee, Movie Actor of the Year
 * 2021 FAMAS Award – Nominee, Best Supporting Actor
 * 2021 Gawad Urian Awards – Nominee, Best Supporting Actor
 * 2021 Pinoy Rebyu Award – Nominee, Best Ensemble Performance

Personal life
Macapagal is openly LGBTQ. He spoke about his lifestyle and preferred decision to reside in Manila in a recent interview with digital LGBTQ magazine OutThere.