When people enter adulthood, dreams often take a backseat to responsibilities. The demands of work, financial stability, and everyday life can make creative pursuits feel out of reach. But for AJ Sison, a social media content producer at Manila Bulletin and an active theater actor, building a career and pursuing a passion do not have to be mutually exclusive.

In the coming months, AJ will appear in two theater productions, Tagay Para Sa Ex and The Art of Breaking Up, while continuing his work in the fast-paced world of digital media. Balancing both roles can be exhausting, but for him, it is a challenge worth embracing.

“There’s definitely burnout. There are moments when I find myself staring at a wall, wondering why I’ve put myself in such a demanding situation, especially when deadlines, rehearsals, performances, and work responsibilities all pile up at once,” he says. “Balancing a career I spent years studying for and a passion that constantly demands my time and energy isn’t always easy.”

Still, AJ sees value in the exhaustion. “But I’ve come to realize that there’s a unique kind of privilege in that exhaustion. Most people burn out from doing things they have to do. I burn out from doing the things I love,” he shares. “At the end of the day, even when I’m tired, I know I’m spending my energy on things that give me purpose, and that makes all the difference.”

When asked if theater is the dream since he was young, AJ openly admitted that it is not. Growing up, he imagined a future in architecture or medicine. He also described himself as a shy child. Thanks to the encouragement of his parents, he was given the freedom to explore different interests, from singing and writing to drawing and sports.

“I fell in love with theater when I participated in a short musical production in high school. There was something magical about storytelling and connecting with an audience through a character. Suddenly, performing felt more natural than being myself,” he recalls.

That fascination with storytelling eventually influenced the direction of his professional life. When choosing a college course, he gravitated toward communications, a field that allowed him to continue connecting with people through stories and shared experiences.

Today, AJ finds that his work in social media and theater complement one another. While social media has taught him how to understand audiences and craft narratives, theater has strengthened qualities that prove valuable in communications work.

“Theater has taught me presence, discipline, and emotional honesty. These are things that I bring into my work in communications. Being on stage requires you to be fully aware, responsive, and authentic even under pressure, which translates into how I manage campaigns and content under tight deadlines,” he explains. “Both roles, at their core, are about connection: one through digital platforms, and the other through live human experience.”

His upcoming productions, “Tagay Para Sa Ex” by Boxstage Manila and FEU Center for the Arts, and “The Art of Breaking Up” by Teatro Kapamilya and PETA Plus, both explore themes of love and relationships.

“What excites me most is how relatable the characters are. Each one grapples with life, love, and relationships in their own way, reflecting experiences that many people have gone through or are currently facing,” he says. “At a time when our understanding of love continues to evolve, these stories examine how our perceptions change over time while reminding us that the search for connection remains a timeless and deeply human experience.”

Preparing for multiple productions at once has also tested him as an actor. According to AJ, the biggest challenge is ensuring that every role feels distinct and authentic. “Probably the most challenging part is studying the material and finding ways to clearly distinguish one character from another. When you’re working on multiple productions, it’s important to ensure that each role has its own voice, motivations, and emotional journey.”

For young people who are trying to find the balance between career and passion, AJ gives an honest answer. “For those who feel pressured to choose between a stable career and a creative passion, my advice is not to think of it as an either-or decision. Early in your journey, it’s okay to pursue stability while continuing to invest time and energy into what you love. Building a creative career often takes patience, persistence, and a willingness to grow over time,” he says. “Most importantly, don’t let fear make the decision for you. If you’re passionate about something, give yourself the opportunity to explore it in whatever way is accessible to you, whether that means taking small steps, pursuing it part-time, or simply keeping it alive alongside other responsibilities.”

Looking ahead, AJ hopes to continue growing in both media and theater. Rather than choosing one over the other, he envisions a future where both passions remain part of his life.

“In the next five years, I see myself still doing both media and theater, but hopefully with a clearer sense of balance and intention. Right now, I’m still learning how to navigate both worlds, and I don’t think I want to let go of either one. They’ve both shaped me in very different but meaningful ways.”