In that of Bicol’s ever-growing theatric industry, one name recently shone brighter than others: Maila Rediang.
Better known as “Tita Mai,” Rediang is a theater artist based in Legazpi City, Albay. By day, she’s a single mom juggling freelance gigs as an ESL tutor and virtual assistant. But when the sun sets, she steps onto the stage, bringing characters to life in a way that captivates everyone.
Tita Mai’s journey into theater was not, in any way, planned. With a degree in Economics, she never imagined herself in the spotlight. But fate had other plans when her friend Al Jang encouraged her to audition for the “Higit sa Pag-ibig, the Musical.”
To everyone’s surprise, she landed the major role of “Tià Beth” and stole the show.
Said hit musical, in which Tita Mai was a part of, was performed in different parts of Bicol, and at the Pasinaya 2024 last February 3–5 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, the highlight of their run.
From there, Tita Mai’s career took off. She starred in “Repeater si Peter,” a short film directed by John Pistol Carmen for the PureGold Cinepanalo Film Festival. Her incredible performance as “Perla” earned her the Best Supporting Actress award at the aforementioned festival held at Gateway Cineplex 18, Araneta City, on March 15–19, 2024.
For Tita Mai, it was the theater arts that gave her voice—the power to speak up and be heard. With each role she takes on, like her portrayal of Perla, she becomes a voice for those whose stories need to be heard.
She stressed that her characters might be fictional for her, but somewhere out there, they are someone’s reality. And that she treasures that thought immensely, holding onto it with the utmost reverence and responsibility.
With unyielding resolve, Tita Mai wholly embraced her career in support of Bikolano artists, fueling her drive as a vessel of change in the industry. Her advice for those aspiring to pursue theater: “When the curtain calls, go for it!”
She emphasized the importance of parental support, noting how a child’s passion flourishes when nurtured with love and encouragement.
As a woman who assumed the role of breadwinner at a young age, pushing through the challenges of single parenthood while pursuing her passion, Tita Mai’s story truly is one with many.
As she continues to stride forward, her journey as a Bikolana theater artist promises to be nothing short of a blockbuster, captivating audiences with every performance and inspiring generations to come. I Leif Dionn Martin, Kian Kirby Florano