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John Arcilla | |
|---|---|
| Arcilla in 2024 | |
| Born | Romeo Gonzales Arcilla June 24, 1966 Manila, Philippines |
| Alma mater | Saint Joseph's College of Quezon City |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1989–present |
| Agent | Star Magic (2021–present) |
| Known for | Heneral Luna , On the Job: The Missing 8 , FPJ's Ang Probinsyano |
| Height | 173 cm (5 ft 8 in) |
| Awards |
|
| Website | sites |
Romeo John Gonzales Arcilla (born June 24,1966) is a Filipino film and television actor who has portrayed roles including Antonio Luna in Heneral Luna , Hagorn in Encantadia , Carlos Fiero in Dirty Linen , President Eleazar Sagrado in Pamilya Sagrado , and Renato Hipolito in FPJ's Ang Probinsyano .
In 2021, he was awarded the Volpi Cup for Best Actor at the Venice International Film Festival for his role in On the Job: The Missing 8 , making him the first Filipino and Southeast Asian actor to receive the award. [1] He also received the Best Actor award at the Gawad Urian Awards in 2022 for the same role. [2]
Arcilla was born in Manila, Philippines, and is related to former President Manuel L. Quezon and to his cousin and wife Aurora Quezon through her sister Maria who married a Gonzales. [3] Arcilla and his family moved to his mother's hometown of Baler, Aurora in 1972 after the martial law declaration in the Philippines. [4] [5] He began to show an interest in acting at the age of seven. [6] [7] [8] [9]
Arcilla was a member of the community-based Philippine Educational Theater Association - Metropolitan Teen Theater League (PETA-MTTL). [10] [11] In 1986, he graduated from Saint Joseph's College of Quezon City (SJCQC). [6] He was also an acting scholar of the Actors Workshop Foundation under Laurice Guillen, Johnny Delgado, and Leo Martinez from 1987 to 1990. [5]
Arcilla was a member of Dulang University in the Philippines from 1988 to 1989 and was trained by stage director and National Artist for Theatre Tony Mabesa. [12] From 1989 to 1990, Arcilla worked as a casting director for Foote, Cone & Belding. [13]
From 1991 to 1997, Arcilla was a resident actor and senior member of the Tanghalang Pilipino Actor Company, the resident theatre of the Cultural Center of the Philippines. [14] [5] At the Cultural Center, he played lead roles in productions including Orosman and Zafira , Walang Sugat , and Ryan Cayabyab’s Rizal musical trilogy: El Filibusterismo (1993), Noli Me Tángere (1995), and Illustrado (1996). [15] [5] [16] Arcilla was also part of the main cast of Rama at Sita , a 1999 Filipino musical adapted from the Indian epic Ramayana .[ citation needed ] In 2000, he appeared with Repertory Philippines as Valentin in Kiss of the Spider Woman . [17] [16]
Arcilla also appeared in television commercials for brands including Tide, Gold Eagle, the National Steel Corporation, and the Development Bank of the Philippines.[ citation needed ] He appeared in a 1994 commercial for Pure Foods with the slogan "Coffee na lang, dear" ("Just coffee, dear"), which lead to more opportunities in narrative television. [18] [5] In 1987, he appeared in television programs including the variety show Goin' Bananas and the drama anthologies Lovingly Yours, Helen and Star Drama Theatre Presents. [19]
From 1992 on, he acted in a number of films, including Mulanay (1996).[ citation needed ] In 1997, he appeared in Ligaya ang Itawag Mo sa Akin.
This article needs additional citations for verification .(October 2025) |
From 1998 to 2005, Arcilla played supporting roles in film and television, including Pangako sa 'Yo (2000), Basta't Kasama Kita (2003), and Sugo (2005).[ citation needed ] He starred in the film adaptation of Tony Perez's play Sa North Diversion Road with Irma Adlawan.
In 2010, Arcilla starred in Halaw, [20] and afterwards returned to television in Magkaribal .[ citation needed ]
In 2012, Arcilla had a cameo in The Bourne Legacy as a head security guard. [21] In 2013, Arcilla appeared in Metro Manila , which was selected as the British entry for Best Foreign Language Film at the 86th Academy Awards. [22]
In 2015, he portrayed General Antonio Luna in Heneral Luna ; for the role he studied Luna's temperament and vulnerabilities. [23] [24] The film was reported as the highest‑grossing Filipino historical film at the time. [25] He later reprised and parodied the role in television commercials. [26]
In 2016, Arcilla appeared in Mikhail Red’s Birdshot as police officer Mendoza.
From 2017 to 2022, Arcilla played Renato “Buwitre” Hipolito, a government official and antagonist in FPJ's Ang Probinsyano . [27] In 2019, he appeared in the comedy film The Panti Sisters and in the Filipino adaptation of Miracle in Cell No. 7 . [28]
In 2020, Arcilla portrayed Fernando Suarez in Suarez: The Healing Priest, and On the Job: The Missing 8 the following year. At the Venice international Film Festival Arcilla won the Volpi Cup for Best Actor for On the Job: The Missing 8 (2021). [1]
He also appeared in Big Night! and A Hard Day , both selected for the 2021 Metro Manila Film Festival. In 2023, Arcilla played Carlos Fiero in Dirty Linen and later appeared in Jun Lana’s film Ten Little Mistresses . [29] [1]
In September 2023, Arcilla became host of the TV5 game show SpinGo. [30] In 2024, he appeared in Fuchsia Libre from Mavx Productions, playing the father of a gay wrestler. [31]
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | Orapronobis | Photojournalist | |
| 1992 | Bayani | Mariano Noriel | |
| 1993 | Sakay | Gen. Leon Villafuerte | |
| 1995 | Sa'yo Lamang | Hector | |
| 1996 | Mulanay | Lino | |
| 1997 | Ligaya Ang Itawag Mo Sa Akin | Polding | |
| 1999 | Batang Pro | Milet's father | |
| Burger Boys | Sir. Fernando Ayala | ||
| Ekis: Walang Tatakas | George | ||
| 2000 | Ang Babaeng Putik | Lt. Ramil | |
| Anino | Man in black | Short film | |
| Biyaheng Langit | Berto | ||
| Gusto Ko Nang Lumigaya | |||
| 2001 | Trip | Joboy and Celine's Dad | |
| 2002 | Sana Totoo Na | Carlo | |
| Diskarte | Insp. John Gomez | ||
| Forevermore | Ronaldo | ||
| 2003 | Ligaya...Katumbas ng Buhay | ||
| 2004 | Now That I Have You | Oscar Morelos | |
| 2005 | Sa North Diversion Road | Man | |
| 2006 | Compound | Virgilio delos Reyes | Short film |
| 2007 | A Love Story | Steve | |
| 2008 | Ay Ayeng | ||
| 2009 | Villa Estrella | Dave | |
| Himpapawid (Manila Skies) | Crispin | ||
| 2010 | Halaw (Ways of the Sea) | Hernand | |
| Amigo | Nenong | ||
| Petrang Kabayo | Poldo | ||
| 2011 | Thelma | Aldo Molino | |
| No Other Woman | Mario dela Costa | ||
| Huling Araw ng Pagsisilbi (Short film) | Short film | ||
| 2012 | The Bourne Legacy | Joseph | Cameo |
| Lilet Never Happened | James | ||
| El Presidente | Mariano Trías | ||
| 2013 | Metro Manila | Douglas Ong | |
| 2014 | Muslim Magnum .357: To Serve and Protect | Col. Jose Ramos | |
| 2015 | Heneral Luna | Gen. Antonio Luna | |
| Pamanhikan | Raynaldo Hernandez Sr. | ||
| 2016 | Birdshot | Mendoza | |
| Supot | Itoy | ||
| 2019 | Second Coming | Priest | |
| Kuwaresma | Arturo Fajardo | ||
| The Panti Sisters | Don Emilio y Panti | ||
| Miracle in Cell No. 7 | Johnny San Juan | ||
| 2020 | Suarez: The Healing Priest | Fernando Suarez | |
| 2021 | On the Job: The Missing 8 | Narciso "Sisoy" Salas | |
| Big Night! | Donato Rapido | ||
| A Hard Day | Lieutenant Ace "Alas" Franco | ||
| 2022 | Reroute [32] | Gemo | |
| 2023 | Ten Little Mistresses [33] | Valentin Esposo | |
| Penduko [34] | Apo Tisot | ||
| 2024 | Fuchsia Libre | Danilo Malvar | |
| TBA | Bilyarista | Itoy |
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1989–1992 | That's Entertainment | Himself / Co-host / Performer | Thursday Group Member |
| 1992–1994, 1995–1997 | Valiente | Froilan / Benjie | |
| 1995–2015 | Maalaala Mo Kaya | Fidel Chavez / Benny / Tatay / Papa | 14 episodes |
| 1996 | Bayani | Marcelo H. del Pilar | Episode: "Marcelo H. del Pilar" |
| 1999 | G-mik | Cesar Rivera | |
| 2000–2002 | Pangako Sa 'Yo | Simon Barcial | |
| 2003–2004 | Basta't Kasama Kita | Godofredo "Prince" Gonzales | |
| Buttercup | Orly | ||
| 2004–2005 | SCQ Reload: OK Ako! | Dennis Roxas | |
| 2005–2017 | Magpakailanman | Mang Ente / Tatay Ador / Berto / Manny / Ricardo / Hector / Chito / Sergio | 9 episodes |
| 2005–2006 | Sugo | Romeo | |
| 2006–2007 | Komiks Presents: Da Adventures of Pedro Penduko | Mang Tony | |
| 2006–2008 | Abt Ur Luv | Ramon Brondial | |
| 2007 | Pangarap na Bituin | Benedict Tuazon | |
| Sineserye Presents: May Minamahal | Ronald Tagle | ||
| Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang | Lard | Episode: "The Palace of the Dwarves" | |
| 2007–2008 | Boys Nxt Door | Buboy's father | |
| 2008 | Carlo J. Caparas' Gagambino | Alejandro Bayani | |
| I Am KC | Himself | ||
| 2009–2010 | Sana Ngayong Pasko | King | |
| May Bukas Pa | Eduardo | Chapter Nine: Search | |
| 2010 | Magkaribal | Hermes Agustin | |
| Habang May Buhay | Manuel Corpuz | ||
| 2011 | Pablo S. Gomez's Machete | Alfonso | |
| Pepito Manaloto | Luis | ||
| Precious Hearts Romances Presents: Mana Po | Vino Dela Paz | ||
| 2011–2012 | Wansapanataym | Fidel Sandoval / Tatay / Daddy | 4 episodes |
| 2011 | Mula sa Puso | Don Fernando Pereira Sr. | |
| 2012 | My Beloved | Romeo Quijano | |
| Precious Hearts Romances Presents: Lumayo Ka Man Sa Akin | Juanito Falcon | ||
| Precious Hearts Romances Presents: Hiyas | Donato Salvador | ||
| 2012–2013 | A Beautiful Affair | Leopoldo "Epong" Riego | |
| 2013 | Be Careful With My Heart | Wedding Priest | |
| Apoy sa Dagat | Odessa's father | ||
| One Day, Isang Araw | Eduardo | Episode: "Gamer Girl" | |
| Genesis | Fredirico "Fred" de Guzman | ||
| 2014 | Pure Love | Peter Santos | |
| 2015 | Oh My G! | Joe "Daddy-Ninong" Luna | |
| 2016 | The Story of Us | Danillo "Danny" Manalo | |
| That's My Amboy | Joselito "Lito" Tapang | ||
| 2016–2017 | Encantadia | Hagorn | |
| 2017–2022 | FPJ's Ang Probinsyano | Renato "Buwitre" Hipolito | [35] |
| 2018 | Barangay 143 | Coach B (Roberto "Bobby" Sebastián Sr.) | |
| 2019 | Ipaglaban Mo | Pedring | Episode: "Gayuma" |
| 2020 | Bangon Talentadong Pinoy | Himself | Talent Scout |
| 2022 | How to Move On in 30 Days | Mon (Jen's father) | |
| It's Showtime | Himself | Hurado (guest judge) | |
| 2023 | Dirty Linen | Carlos Fiero | |
| ASAP Natin 'To | Himself / Co-host / Performer | ||
| SpinGo | Himself | [30] | |
| 2024 | Black Rider | Albert Z. Libanan | |
| Pamilya Sagrado | Sen. Eleazar "Elias" Sagrado | ||
| 2025 | Lolong: Bayani ng Bayan | Julio Figueroa | [36] |
| Sins of the Father | Mike Trinidad | Guest role | |
| 2025–2026 | The Alibi | [37] | |
| TBA | The Bagman |
Arcilla has received awards and nominations in the Philippines and internationally. In 2013, he was nominated for Best Supporting Actor at the British Independent Film Awards for Metro Manila . In 2016, he received a Best Actor nomination at the Asian Film Awards for Heneral Luna .
In 2017, Arcilla received a Best Supporting Actor Craft Award from the First Run Festival for the short film Supot. In 2021, he received the Volpi Cup for Best Actor at the Venice International Film Festival for On the Job: The Missing 8 .
Arcilla received the Best Supporting Actor award from the Gawad Urian in 1997 for Ligaya Ang Itawag Mo Sa Akin . Director Jerrold Tarog cast Arcilla in the leading role of Heneral Luna after seeing his performances in Anino and Metro Manila.[ citation needed ]
Arcilla was awarded the Dangal ng Aurora (Aurora's Honor) by his home province in 2005 for his work in theatre, film, and television. [38] In 2009, he received an Outstanding Citizen Award from the municipality of San Luis, Aurora for achievements in the performing arts.[ citation needed ]
| Year | Award-giving Body | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | Manila Film Festival | Best Actor | Mulanay | Won |
| 1997 | Gawad Urian Awards | Best Supporting Actor | Ligaya Ang Itawag Mo Sa Akin | Won |
| 2006 | Golden Screen Award | Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role (Drama) | On The North Diversion Road | Nominated |
| 2007 | Golden Screen Award | Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role (Drama) | Compound | Nominated |
| Star Awards for Movies | Movie Actor of the Year | Nominated | ||
| 2009 | Gawad Urian Awards | Best Supporting Actor | Manila Skies | Nominated |
| 2010 | Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival | Best Actor (New Breed) | Halaw | Won |
| 2011 | 25th PMPC Star Awards for Television | Best Single Performance by an Actor | Maalaala Mo Kaya – "Cross" episode | Nominated |
| 2013 | 16th British Independent Film Awards | Best Supporting Actor | Metro Manila | Nominated |
| 2016 | 2016 Platinum Stallion Media Awards | Best Film Actor [39] | Heneral Luna | Won |
| 14th Gawad Tanglaw Awards | Gantimpalang Dr. Jaime G. Ang Presidential Jury Award for Film [40] | Won | ||
| Highest Merit on Film Performance | Won | |||
| 10th Asian Film Awards | Best Actor [41] | Nominated | ||
| 34th Film Academy of the Philippines Awards | Best Actor | Won | ||
| MEDIA WORKS Commexcel Student Choice Awards of San Juan De Letran | Actor of the Year | Won | ||
| Pangasinan Government URDUJA Film Festival [42] | Best Actor | Heneral Luna | Won | |
| 2017 | Craft Award from the 2017 First Run Festival held in New York | Best Supporting Actor | Supot | Won |
| 2020 | 2020 Metro Manila Film Festival | Best Actor in a Leading Role [43] | Suarez: The Healing Priest | Nominated |
| 2021 | 78th Venice Film Festival | Volpi Cup for Best Actor [44] [45] | On the Job: The Missing 8 | Won |
| Lion HearTV | Royal Lion Awards | On the Job: The Missing 8 | Won | |
| GEMS (Guild of Educators, Mentors, and Students) | 6th GEMS Awards Natatanging Hiyas ng Sining sa Pelikula (Outstanding Medal in the Field of Film) | On the Job: The Missing 8 | Won | |
| Esquire Philippines | Actor of the Year | On the Job: The Missing 8 | Won | |
| Metro Manila Film Festival | Best Supporting Actor [46] [47] | Big Night! | Won | |
| A Hard Day | Nominated | |||
| 2022 | Manila Bulletin | MB Uplift Awards for Entertainment [48] | On the Job: The Missing 8 | Won |
| Film Development Council of the Philippines | 2022 Camera Obscura Artistic Excellence Award for Film | On the Job: The Missing 8 | Won | |
| Society of Filipino Film Reviewers | 2022 Best Lead Performance, 2nd Rebyu Awards | On the Job: The Missing 8 | Won | |
| National Commission for Culture and the Arts | 2022 Ani ng Dangal para sa Cinema [49] | On the Job: The Missing 8 | Won | |
| 2022 Golden Laurel Media Awards | Best Drama Actor | FPJ's Ang Probinsyano | Nominated | |
| FAMAS Awards [50] | Best Supporting Actor | Big Night! | Nominated | |
| Best Supporting Actor | A Hard Day | Nominated | ||
| ContentAsia Awards [51] | Best Male Lead in a TV Programme | On the Job: The Missing 8 | Nominated | |
| Asian Academy Creative Awards [52] | Best Actor in a Leading Role – National Winner (Philippines) | On the Job: The Missing Eight | Won | |
| Gawad Urian Awards [53] [2] [54] | Best Actor | On the Job: the Missing Eight | Won | |
| Best Supporting Actor | Big Night! | Nominated | ||
| Best Supporting Actor | A Hard Day | Nominated | ||
| Jeepney TV [55] | Fave Best Supporting Actor | FPJ's Ang Probinsyano | Won | |
| 24th Gawad Pasado (Pampelikulang Samahan ng mga Dalubguro [56] | Best Supporting Actor | A Hard Day | Won | |
| 5th EDDYS from the Society of Philippine Entertainment Editors (SPEEd) [57] | Best Actor | On the Job: The Missing Eight | Nominated | |
| Best Supporting Actor | Big Night! | Nominated | ||
| 2023 | 35th PMPC Star Awards for Television [58] | Best Drama Supporting Actor | FPJ's Ang Probinsyano | Nominated |
| 37th PMPC Star Awards for Movies [59] | Movie Actor of the Year Indie Movie Original Theme Song of the Year: "Yakapin Mo Ako" performed by John Arcilla [60] | Suarez: The Healing Priest | Won | |
| 38th PMPC Star Awards for Movies [61] | Movie Actor of the Year | On the Job: The Missing Eight | Nominated | |
| Supporting Actor of the Year | A Hard Day | Nominated | ||
| 71st FAMAS Awards [62] | Best Actor | Reroute | Nominated | |
| LUNA Awards 2023 [63] | Best Supporting Actor | Reroute | Won | |
| 2024 | 39th PMPC Star Awards for Movies | Movie Actor of the Year [64] | Reroute | Nominated |
| 2025 | 37th PMPC Star Awards for Television | Best Drama Supporting Actor [65] | Dirty Linen | Nominated |
| Best Game Show Host [66] | SpinGo | Nominated |
| Year | Award-giving Body | Honor/Recognition Given |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Aurora Province Government | Dangal ng Aurora |
| 2009 | Outstanding Citizens of San Luis, Aurora | |
| 2012 | City of Marikina | Sapatos Festival Walk of Fame |
| 2015 | City of Parañaque | Meritorious contribution in the field of performing arts |
| 2016 | PMPC Star Awards 2016 | Male Face of the Night |
| University of Makati AGHAM Theater Company | Gawad Malayang Pilipino [67] | |
| John Clements Youth for Leadership Summit | Award for Excellence in Arts and Culture | |
| City of Manila | Manila Day Honor: Arts and Culture Guide for Film (Architecture, Sculpture, Music, Theater, Painting, Modern Art, and Spirit of Race) | |
| PEOPLE ASIA | People of the Year Award [68] | |
| GAWAD AMERIKA Awards | Most Outstanding Performance for Theater TV and Film | |
| The PEP Awards | Editors' Choice: Breakout Star of the Year | |
| Walk of Fame Philippines | Eastwood City Walk of Fame Star [69] | |
| Inding-indie Golden Choice Award | 3rd Indie Short Film Festival 2016 - Most Experienced Artist | |
| 2019 | Film Development Council of the Philippines | Luminaries of Philippine Cinema |
| 2021 | Tatler Asia | Asia's Most Influential List [70] |
| 2022 | Stargate, People Asia | People of the Year 2022 [71] |
| Film Development Council of the Philippines | A-List Award [72] | |
| Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino [73] | Language Champion (film, television, and theater) |
1888-On February, Aurora Antonia Aragon is born to Pedro Aragon and Maria Zenaida Molina in Baler (the Tayabas province). The couple had four children: Maria, married to Gonzales, called by her siblings Kaka Malaki; Emilia, married to Angara, referred to Kaka Munti; Amparo , referred to as Kaka Nanis; and the youngest, Aurora, affectionately called Nene by everyone.