Mild-mannered with a congenial smile, Matthew de Ubago exudes the confidence of a theater actor and budding opera singer.
With a BS in Applied Physics, majoring in Instrumentation from the University of Sto. Tomas, and a Master’s degree in Physics from Ateneo de Manila University, Matthew holds an impressive academic background. His international paper publication on Optics and Photonics further adds to his accolades.
Despite his love for science and its methodical approach, he has found a profound passion for theater arts and opera, embracing the convergence of rationality and creativity in a captivating symphony of passions.
“It is a whole new world of discovery and magic. The bug bit me when I did a musical where I played a singing bible in my wonder years. Also, in high school, I won a singing contest with a Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classic, ‘My Favorite Things,’ which I think became a stand-out song choice and performance from all the pop songs that the judges heard then,” he explains.
Having previously been deeply immersed in the sciences, Matthew admits that fully embracing the arts took time. Now, he finds himself engrossed in the dramatic world, collaborating with the progressive and independent theater company, Frontline Productions. Furthermore, he is eagerly looking forward to commencing his music studies at UP.
“I want to constantly challenge myself and I am a believer that life offers opportunities for constant learning,” declares the mild-mannered gentleman. “It does not stop in one degree or course. And learning does not come from the university alone. We learn from anything and everything that comes our way.”
Matthew finds the thrill in theater by immersing himself in the character, delivering lines with genuine emotion. Being able to connect with the audience and evoke understanding and empathy for the character’s reasons is the most fulfilling aspect for him.
“Characters that are not the bida, it is daunting yes but the excitement it gives and the opportunity to learn from it to me that is priceless,” Matthew declares.
Speaking of learning, the FLP Artist is set to enter the UP College of Music, as a Voice Major. This tenor’s first opera experience was in Turandot, a production presented at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Since the production, he has had special voice classes with no less than National Artist for Music, Madama Fides Cuyugan-Ascencio.
The budding opera singer finds singing in romantic languages challenging but fulfilling. He researches the meaning and history behind the songs and takes language courses to improve his understanding and pronunciation. Although not fluent yet, he believes more classes and interactions with native speakers will assist his quest.
He loves opera because of its grandness and how it transports the audience to a different time and place. Conquering the challenge of using his voice without a microphone is something he aims for, driven by his Capricorn personality’s love for challenges. With proper guidance, discipline, and life experience, he believes he will excel in his pursuit.
His dream roles are Raoul in Phantom of the Opera and Turandot, “I was part of the ensemble in the opera. I want to give it justice for the second time, as the Turandot.”
With his dedication and passion, discipline, and desire to learn, Matthew has more than a bright future as his talent screams world-class actor and opera singer.