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By Henrylito D. Tacio
Photos courtesy of Jojo Adlawan

For many dreamers from the Philippine provinces, the path to success often feels like a steep climb—one marked by distance, limited opportunities, and the constant reminder that the world beyond their hometown is far bigger and far more competitive. Yet every so often, someone emerges to prove that geography is never destiny.

One such figure is Jojo Adlawan—known internationally as Jojo dela Cerna—whose phenomenal voice, unwavering persistence, and refusal to be defined by limitations carried him from the quiet town of Bansalan, Davao del Sur, to the grand stages of London’s West End.

His story is not merely about talent. It is about grit. It is about the courage to leave home, the discipline to keep improving, and the resilience to withstand the loneliness and hardships of living abroad. It is also about the light moments—the laughter backstage, the friendships formed, the thrill of performing—that make the journey worthwhile. Above all, it is a testament to how persistence, determination, and hard work can transform a provincial boy into an international stage actor.

A Dream That Began in Bansalan

Long before he became Thuy in Miss Saigon, Adlawan was simply Jojo from Bansalan—a young man with a powerful voice and a dream bigger than the town he grew up in. He joined singing competitions across Mindanao, eventually emerging champion in the Belter of the Year category of National Panasonic’s Quest for the Best in 1993.

He represented the Philippines in the Third International Laser Competition in Bangkok, where he also won.

But even with these achievements, the entertainment industry in Manila was a gamble. “I regarded it as a risk,” he recalled of his decision to leave Davao between 1991 and 1994. Like many provincial artists, he knew that talent alone would not be enough. Manila demanded more—discipline, connections, and relentless effort. Still, he persisted.

The Long Audition Lines of Miss Saigon

In 1995, Adlawan joined the long queue of aspirants hoping to be cast in Miss Saigon. Thousands auditioned. Many were already seasoned performers. Yet he kept returning, kept singing, kept pushing.

“I was consistently recalled, yet I never had the fortune to advance to the finals,” he said. “It was incredibly frustrating. I suspected it was due to my accent or perhaps my perceived inadequacy.”

But persistence is often the bridge between frustration and breakthrough.

He initially auditioned for the ensemble, but his vocal strength kept pushing him forward. Eventually, he tried for the role of Thuy—Kim’s cousin and fiancé. The casting notes described Thuy as “strong willed, aggressive, militaristic… with strong vocal and dramatic ability.” The role matched his voice, his presence, and his intensity.

Then came the moment that changed his life.

“I was offered the contract to perform Thuy in London’s West End while in Manila,” he said. “By the end of the week my batch was on the flight to London. No time for goodbyes with my family in Davao.”

Just like that, Jojo Adlawan became Jojo dela Cerna of Miss Saigon.

Life on the West End: Hard Work Beyond the Spotlight

Performing in London was a dream—but it was also a test of endurance. Rehearsals were strict, schedules were demanding, and tardiness was never tolerated. “I was performing the role of Thuy for a year,” he said. “Due to restructuring, I also did the Ensemble for almost a year, then went back to performing Thuy for the next two years.”

The work was relentless. Touring was exhausting. The weather was unforgiving. And being Asian in a predominantly white industry meant fewer roles and tougher competition.

“You are lucky to be chosen among the top of every agent already experienced and well-connected,” he admitted. His height was sometimes a hindrance, but he laughed about how height-increasing shoes helped him secure roles.

Yet despite the challenges, he thrived. He performed alongside legendary artists—Jason Scott Lee, Stefanie Powers, Elaine Paige, Brian Conley. He took on roles in The King and I, Pacific Overtures, and other major productions. He wore intricate costumes, shaved his head, and even performed nearly naked for authenticity. He embraced every challenge as part of the craft.

The Other Side of Fame

Success abroad often comes with sacrifices. For Adlawan, the hardest part was being away from family. “There was no time for goodbyes,” he remembered of his sudden departure for London. The distance, the longing, and the inability to be present during important family moments weighed heavily.

He also missed the simple joys of home—Filipino food, familiar conversations, the warmth of community. Living abroad meant adapting to a new culture, navigating loneliness, and constantly proving his worth.

“Experience makes you even more confident despite the hurdles,” he said. But confidence does not erase homesickness. It only helps you survive it.

Light Moments That Made the Journey Bearable

Despite the hardships, there were unforgettable moments of joy. Backstage, the GI Joe actors would ask him for Tagalog words to use onstage—usually the naughty ones. Rehearsals were filled with laughter, improvisations, and cultural exchanges. He enjoyed learning choreography, bonding with acrobats and martial artists, and discovering the quirks of performers from around the world.

Playing Thuy was intense—he died onstage every night—but being part of the chorus was pure fun. “The fun was just endless,” he said.

One of the most memorable moments of his career was the final reprise of Miss Saigon in 1999. “I felt in my bones to be truly part of this historic musical event,” he said. Lea Salonga, Jonathan Pryce, Cameron Mackintosh—all were present. It was the closing of an era, and he was part of it.

Beyond the Stage: Reinventing Himself

After years of performing, Adlawan released his album Trust the Wind. He performed in cabarets across London and at private functions within the Filipino community. But he also knew that stability mattered. Asian roles were limited, and he needed to secure his future.

“I never wasted time to jump start for stability,” he said. In 2005, he diversified his career, proving that reinvention is also a form of persistence.

He embraced social integration in the UK, recognizing the importance of adapting to a multicultural society. Eventually, he earned British citizenship in 2000—a milestone that marked not just professional success but personal resilience.

A Journey That Inspires

From Bansalan to London, from singing competitions to the West End, from ensemble roles to unforgettable characters—Jojo Adlawan’s journey is a powerful reminder that being from the province is not a hindrance. It is simply a starting point.

Talent opened doors for him, but it was persistence that kept him walking through them. Determination pushed him forward when frustration threatened to stop him. Hard work sustained him once he reached the top, reminding him that success is not a destination but a continuous climb.

His story echoes the truth lived by many Filipino artists: dreams require sacrifice, courage, and unwavering commitment. And when these are present, even the most remote beginnings can lead to global stages.

The Power of Persistence

Lea Salonga gained global acclaim for her portrayal of Kim in Miss Saigon. But another Filipino stood on that same stage—Jojo dela Cerna, the boy from Bansalan who became Thuy in London’s West End.

His journey proves that persistence, determination, and hard work can make all the difference. They can carry you across oceans, through hardships, and into opportunities you once thought impossible. They can turn a provincial dreamer into an international performer.

Jojo Adlawan’s story is not just a biography. It is a testament to what is possible when you refuse to give up. It is a reminder that success is not reserved for the privileged—it is earned by those who persist, those who work, and those who dare to dream beyond the borders of where they began.