Some think his destiny in the Philippine music scene was laid down even before he was born. After all, his mother is none other than diva Dulce. David Ezra (left) with Markki Stroem and Arman Ferrer It must be pointed out, though, that musician-turned-thespian David Ezra worked hard for his success. In a chat with Bulletin Entertainment, David said his love for music started at an early age. He has a degree in Music Education major in Voice from the University of Santo Tomas. His career started as a band member. “Then I got a bit frustrated. I was 25 years old and I was just hopping from one bar to another, doing gigs sometimes without pay,” he said. “I realized I was getting old yet I didn’t have concrete plans. From that point, I took a sudden shift in direction.” In 2011, he auditioned for “The Little Mermaid” musical but he didn’t get a part. He didn’t give up, though, and eventually, he got cast as Aguinaldo in “Mabining Mandirigma.” “I got hurt when I didn’t get a part in ‘The Little Mermaid’ but I just thought God has better plans for me. ‘Mabining Mandirigma’ was a big blessing to me. It was one of my stepping stones towards my true calling,” he said. One of the in-demand leading actors in Philippine theater, having won numerous awards including Best Actor in a Musical for his title role in “Aurelio Sedisyoso: A Rock Sarswela,” David dreams to make it abroad. “Until now, I discover a lot of things about my voice and I love to explore it more, maybe with a larger market. I know that I’m a performer by spirit, by blood so let’s see where fate would bring me,” he said. ‘She lets us be’ David reveals Dulce never imposed singing on her children. Gab Pangilinan and Kayla Rivera “She lets her children be whatever they want to be and that’s a good thing. She didn’t force us to follow in her footstep, it’s always our decision. Me, I learned to love music on my own, I worked hard to gain my spot here,” he said. Did Dulce give him tips in singing? No. In fact, David revealed Dulce, ever the humble one, asks help from him. “My mom did not have formal training in singing. Sometimes she would ask for my help because I studied music.” David said he always does his best because he doesn’t want to ruin her good name. “It’s hard to keep up with her legacy,” he said. “She’s one of a kind and I’m forever grateful that she’s my mom.” ‘Magical’ show David stars in the Philippine adaptation of Tony-nominated musical “Side Show.” Produced locally by Atlantis Theatrical Entertainment Group, “Side Show” is based on the lives of Daisy and Violet Hilton, conjoined twins who became famous stage performers in the 1930s. It is about love, loss, sisterhood and what it means to be unique. Wency Cornejo David plays aspiring musician Buddy Foster. “This is my first-ever role that is not a drama. I’m more used to the ‘Les Miserable’ ‘Phantom Of The Opera’ types. This one will have lots of dancing and comedy. The repertoire is upbeat, and the character I play is flamboyant,” he said. Meanwhile, “Habang May Buhay” singer Wency Cornejo makes his theater debut via “Side Show.” He plays the mysterious ringmaster Sir. In a separate interview, Wency quipped he got motivated seeing colleague Jet Pangan doing musical plays. “When I saw Jet doing musicals, I told, ‘I should do that, too.’ You know, music is life for me and I always want to try something new,” he said. Completing the cast are Markki Stroem, Arman Ferrer, Gab Pangilinan, Kayla Rivera, Christine Flores, Ring Antonio, Mica Fajardo, Alex Reyes, Jill Pena, Chesko Rodriguez, Luis Marcelo, Juancho Escoto, Vien King and Tim Pavino. Directed by Steven Conde, “Side Show” runs from Aug. 31 to Sept. 23 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium of RCBC Plaza in Makati.