How singing competitions led Milo Cruz to musical theater

MANILA, Philippines — Milo Cruz, known for playing Tonton in “Bagets: The Musical,” recently looked back on his journey into the music industry, from competing in interschool singing contests to joining the new Filipino vocal group XERENADE.

While growing up in Pampanga, Milo recalled how his family’s love for music influenced him in entering the industry.

“I would say that they are the reason kung bakit mahilig ako sa music. Pero not specifically for singing. Kasi they like to listen sa mga music,” he said, sharing he has an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) dad and a hands-on mother, and is the youngest among three siblings.

“I’ve been joining inter-school competitions ever since Grade 1. So, parang nahasa ng nahasa ‘yung performing skills ko in terms of singing. Eventually, I found out na I think I’m a bit good at this field. So, parang why not pursue it?” he added.

Milo said that back then, he did not usually sing solo; rather, he enjoyed performing duets in various interschool competitions.

“I always had a partner na ka-duet. And doon ko na-start na maintindihan din ‘yung beauty ng mga duet songs, mga love songs. Sobrang beautiful nga kahit in the OPM (Original Pilipino Music) industry. Grabe ‘yung linamnam ng OPM love songs. And I understand kasi pagdating sa judging for those criteria, ‘pag duet, parang kailangan in love na in love ka dun sa ka-duet mo,” said Milo.

According to the young artist, if it weren’t for his supportive parents, he wouldn’t be able to pursue his love for singing. Eventually, he attended voice lessons to hone his talent.

“Sa lahat ng competitions ko, alam ko nandyan si Mommy. Eventually, nahasa na lang din ‘yung kakayahan ko. I was not this good before. So, I believe everyone can sing. Huwag kayong mawalan ng pag-asa,” he stressed.

Milo was also part of a band in high school, describing it as the moment he knew he wanted to enter the music industry.

“That was the time na mas lumalim ‘yung passion ko for music. Kasi hearing music talaga live, especially on instruments, iba ‘yung tama niya as a musician din. Parang dito lumalim na parang gusto kong i-pursue talaga ‘yung singing,” he noted.

When he reached his teenage years, Milo started auditioning for TV singing competitions.

“Nag-audition ako sa ‘The Voice Teens.’ There were callbacks, pero talagang hindi kaya ng experience ko at that moment. Sobrang hilaw ko pa. Gustong-gusto mo nang (i-)pursue. You’d think time is running out. You’d think hinahabol ka ng oras or something.”

Milo started having doubts about his talent and the path he was taking. After graduating from high school, his mother had one request for him: to finish college. And he did not fail on his promise. He holds a degree in Aeronautical Engineering from Holy Angel University in Pampanga.

When he was ready to be back in the scene after graduation, director Jason Paul Laxamana found him. “Siya talaga yung nakapag-pluck sa akin from Pampanga na nilagay ako sa Manila. He really paved the way for me to showcase my talent.”

He then auditioned to be part of a group handled by Viva. Fortunately, he got in and became one of the members of XERENADE in October 2024. He underwent long and intensive training with fellow groupmates Eli, Migo and Gami. The group debuted in 2026 and released their first song, Ikaw Lang.

“We were training and all. Pero parang at the end of the day, we just understood each other that in one way or another, we had to experience it. It made us hungry for success and parang (helped) keep that burning passion alive. It was a big deal for us to experience na ngayon nakapag-release na kami ng debut single,” Milo said.

Nevertheless, for Milo, his role as Tonton in “Bagets: The Musical” — originated by William Martinez in the ‘80s movie version — was a game changer in his career. Now, he looks forward to showcasing his talent more to the public.

“Malaking factor kasi ‘yung ‘Bagets’ na movie was really, really a big hit. There have been instances na hindi ko naman in-expect. Naglalakad lang ako sa isang mall, then, (someone said) ‘Uy!’ Sabi (ko) ‘Ay, hello po’ and then, nag-bless ako. Akala ko, tita ko siya na ‘di ko masyado matandaan ‘yung mukha. Sabi niya, ‘Ano, si William Martinez, si Tonton,’” Milo narrated with amusement.

“So, I really just believe in God’s timing. He has all the plans,” he added.