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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Celebrities devider Jrey Rivas celebrates birthday with a breakup confession and a brand-new EP

Jrey Rivas celebrates birthday with a breakup confession and a brand-new EP

Published Apr 7, 2026 07:53 am

Award-winning actor-singer Jrey Rivas has opened up about his newfound single status, following a painful discovery about his girlfriend.

At his birthday concert on March 31, Jrey recounted the moment that changed everything.

He had planned to surprise his girlfriend and take her out, but before he could, he spotted her walking hand in hand with another man.

Jrey Rivas (Robert Requintina)
Jrey Rivas (Robert Requintina)

"I'm single now. I just went through a heartbreak — I really didn't expect it to happen," Jrey admitted during the media conference when asked about his relationship status.

Rather than dwell in the pain, Jrey channeled his emotions into music, releasing an EP titled "Paulit-ulit" — a deeply personal project about heartbreak and healing. The EP features tracks "Sabi Mo Sa Akin," "Ang Awiting Ito," and "Umalis Ka Na Sa Puso't Isip Ko."

"This year, I decided to enter the world of music because I believe that my dream and passion for songwriting would be ignited and shared with the whole world. Music, after all, is a universal language," he said.  

Jrey also shared his birthday wish — one that centers entirely on his growing musical career.

"I want my songs to become known. With the help of my media friends, I hope the music I worked hard on spreads and is loved. I really traveled all over the Philippines to shoot the music videos," the artist said.

A theater actor at heart, Jrey has been steadily carving out a place in the Philippine entertainment industry. He won the 2022 Best Supporting Actor award for "Katips" at the FAMAS and earned a 2026 Best Supporting Actor nomination at the Sinag Maynila Independent Film Festival for "Ang Bangkay."

Despite lucrative opportunities overseas, Jrey made the deliberate choice to stay in the Philippines and build his career at home.

"At that time, I had offers abroad — one for a musical in Guam and a role in Aladdin at Hong Kong Disneyland. But I decided to just stay here in the Philippines," he said.  

Jrey is far more than a performer. As the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Philstagers and a Bachelor of Library and Information Science graduate, he balances artistry with organizational leadership. “I don’t know how I manage,” he laughed. “Maybe it’s my course — learning how to manage time well and delegate work to other people.”

The pandemic’s upheaval made him Philstagers’ lifeline—earning a living through livestreaming on Kumu. He paid for utilities and helped pivot the theater company into Philstagers Films and Philstagers Digitals, producing the Boys’ Love series that reached millions of online viewers.

Through it all, he remains grounded. “My mindset is always to just be the best version of myself. I only ever want to compete against myself,” he said. His goal is never to outshine others — only to outdo himself.

Together, Philstagers and its co-founder, Atty. Vince Tañada has built a lasting legacy rooted in education, art, and innovation.

Guided by the belief that the arts can educate, entertain, and uplift, Jrey grew Phistagers into a mobile theater company known for its community outreach and bold, socially resonant productions.

Their projects "Katips," "Ako si Ninoy," and "Hero Z" reached hundreds of performances nationwide. “These musicals didn’t just entertain—they provoked thought, exploring heroism and social issues.”

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Jrey Rivas Paulit-ulit Philstagers Atty Vince Tanada Katips Ang Bangkay
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