Cover AKTOR’s board of directors: Cherry Pie Picache, Iza Calzado, Dong Dantes, Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Mylene Dizon, Piolo Pascual and Agot Isidro
AKTOR’s board of directors: Cherry Pie Picache, Iza Calzado, Dong Dantes, Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Mylene Dizon, Piolo Pascual and Agot Isidro
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Envisioning a vibrant community of actors by 2030, AKTOR aims to elevate the local entertainment industry and foster solidarity among peers in the Philippines
It all began with one big question: “What problem are we trying to solve?” Seasoned actor Dong Dantes starts to relate the story of AKTOR, of which he serves as its chairman. This relatively young organisation is dedicated to elevating the Philippine entertainment sphere with initiatives centred on nurturing professionalism, contributing to nation-building, promoting cultural excellence and safeguarding the welfare of the community. Behind it is a league of Filipino actors led by Dantes, along with other prominent names in the industry.
“When AKTOR was born in May 2020, the world—and the industry—was in crisis. The pandemic had shut down productions, venues and opportunities. Our industry was on pause, but our needs weren’t,” Dantes starts. It then became clear to him and his fellow actors what the industry lacked: an organised support system that could speak up, respond swiftly and provide structure in times of uncertainty. “We asked ourselves, ‘Who do we turn to when the work stops? When our safety is at risk? When we’re unsure about the future of our craft?’” he says, recalling the Zoom meeting that started it all with the 26 actors who were just as concerned.
Above One of AKTOR’s advisors, Vilma Santos-Recto
One of AKTOR’s advisors, Vilma Santos-Recto
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Bound by fear and uncertainties of the future of their work and, more importantly, of their dreams, they asked themselves: What kind of future do they want to build for their industry—and for the generations after them? “That was the night we decided to formalise our community and form a guild. Perhaps others had come before us, but the needs of actors evolve with the times. We knew we had to respond to this moment—with agility, clarity and purpose,” Dantes says. And there and then, AKTOR came to life.
More than a response to the pandemic, AKTOR was born out of the need to fill a long-standing gap: the lack of representation. In the Philippines, actors are neither employees nor hired talents with collective benefits, mandated protections, or a central platform to support their rights or amplify their voices. The collective was created to address these concerns and help solve the fundamental issues that affect the actors’ craft, character and community, identified by the group as the Three Cs. “We believe that empowering the actor means strengthening the work [craft], the person [character] and the collective [community]. That’s why we created a home where these three can be protected and nurtured,” the AKTOR chairman explains.
Above One of AKTOR’s advisors, Christopher de Leon
One of AKTOR’s advisors, Christopher de Leon
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The establishment of the guild was met with mixed reactions, especially in the early days. “Some thought we were a political movement—possibly because we spoke out on labour conditions and network shutdowns. Others saw us as bold or even revolutionary. But among our peers, we were widely recognised as a reformist organisation—a group driven by the desire to improve, not divide,” Dantes says. This general suspicion brought about AKTOR’s biggest challenge in the beginning: building trust. As with any new initiative or organisation, it had to prove itself and the causes it advocates. They did just that by staying consistent with their programmes, remaining grounded in their mission and showing up for the industry again and again. “Today, more people understand who we are and why we exist because our work has spoken for us,” Dantes confirms.
The group has a long list of programmes that revolve around the Three Cs. To improve Craft, the guild has established the ACE Learning Hub, which offers workshops, masterclasses and upskilling opportunities. These programmes aim to deepen the actor’s mastery of performance, storytelling and professionalism. “Strengthening craft means investing in both the art and the discipline of acting,” says Dantes.
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Above One of AKTOR’s advisors, Boots Anson-Rodrigo
One of AKTOR’s advisors, Boots Anson-Rodrigo
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Welfare programmes include access to affordable health insurance, mental health support, legal aid and workplace protection. “These tools fortify the individual—physically, mentally and emotionally—so they can thrive in and beyond their roles,” he says, reiterating that beyond their performance, the actors’ health and well-being are vital. “Actors rely on their bodies and minds as their most important tools. Without proper health and wellness support, it becomes harder to sustain a career, much less perform at one’s best.” With this in mind, the organisation also partnered with platforms like Booky for everyday lifestyle support and the GRIN Method for fitness and sports. “Wellness is not just a service—it’s an act of care, protection and sustainability for every storyteller,” Dantes emphasises.
At the core of AKTOR is the goal to foster a sense of community through collaboration, solidarity and mutual support. “We build bridges among artists, networks, producers and guilds, creating a shared space for belonging and progress in the storytelling ecosystem,” he says. In line with this, AKTOR has created a centralised database that showcases Filipino artists and their body of work through a digital platform. Members of the guild can personalise and edit their profiles like a digital calling card that features professional headshots, credentials and career highlights. For industry professionals, this platform serves as a verified directory that simplifies the search for actors across generations, categories and skill sets, which can be very useful for casting, research and recognition. Furthermore, the AKTOR database is a living archive, a resource that reflects the diversity, professionalism and evolution of Filipino talent. “This platform empowers actors with visibility and control and empowers the industry with accessibility and structure,” Dantes says.
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Above One of AKTOR’s advisors, Tirso Cruz III
One of AKTOR’s advisors, Tirso Cruz III
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In five years since its inception, AKTOR has reached significant milestones, many of which were historic for the Philippine entertainment industry. Besides being an important turning point for the community in 2020, the founding of the organisation, according to Dantes, was “a unified move to claim space, protect our own and reimagine our role in the industry”. Institutional partnerships with the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) and the Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP) also solidified AKTOR’s seat at the table in national discussions on film, arts and labour. “We mobilised fundraising drives in disaster-prone areas, raising substantial support and partnering with trusted NGOs to ensure direct aid reached those in need. We also played an active role in the creation and shaping of the Eddie Garcia Bill—a landmark legislation that safeguards the rights and welfare of workers in our field. AKTOR was invited to roundtable discussions and is now part of the Tripartite Council overseeing its implementation and IRR development,” Dantes says with a sense of pride. “This is more than participation—it’s a sign that our voices are now part of the national conversation. And while the law is still evolving, the dialogue it created between artists, employers and government is a powerful start.”
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Above One of AKTOR’s advisors, Charo Santos-Concio
One of AKTOR’s advisors, Charo Santos-Concio
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With over 300 active members as of the time of writing, AKTOR aims to grow the community to at least 400 engaged and empowered members by 2028. On its board of directors are prolific actors such as Agot Isidro, Iza Calzado, Piolo Pascual, Cherry Pie Picache, Mylene Dizon and Jasmine Curtis-Smith, guided by an advisory board composed of Boots Anson-Rodrigo, Batangas Governor Vilma Santos-Recto, Charo Santos-Concio, Tirso Cruz III and Christopher de Leon.
“In the next ten years, we see AKTOR as a defining force in Philippine entertainment—one that not only protects its members but helps transform the industry itself,” says Dantes. To achieve this, the guild commits to continue working on initiatives guided by their Big Four Vision of being a Paragon of Professionalism, setting the standard in work ethic, integrity and excellence; a Cultural Champion through advocating for Filipino stories and storytellers in the local and global arena; a Protector of Community by being a safety net and support system for every actor; and a Nation Builder by using their collective craft to shape culture, civic consciousness and national progress. “All these efforts contribute to our greater mission, which is ‘To cultivate a community of proud and empowered Filipino actors by 2030—unified, future-ready and deeply rooted in purpose’. It’s not an easy task, but it is a necessary one. And with a clear vision and each other—we know we’ll get there,” Dantes concludes.
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Whether on assignment or not, Maritess is always on the lookout for off-the-beaten-path destinations as well as the yummiest finds in the Philippines and abroad. In 2020, she plunged into the black hole of Korean la la land. Follow her escapades at @matetreyes.
