MANILA – Filipino theater actor Christian Rey “Chuck” Marbella is excited to work with new talents as he returns as the Engineer in the upcoming tour of “Miss Saigon” in the United Kingdom.

He will be alternating for the role with fellow Filipino Red Concepcion.

Other Pinoys in the UK tour set in July include Gerald Santos (Thuy), Joreen Bautista (Kim alternate) and Aynrand Ferrer (Kim understudy).

• WATCH: Gerald Santos sings 'Miss Saigon' audition piece

“I am ecstatic and very grateful at the same time to have been asked to do the part of the Engineer again, and to share the stage with this new generation of talents who I’m sure will bring in a fresh approach to the show,” Marbella told ABS-CBN News in an e-mail interview.

“The Engineer is a multi-faceted character that is fun to explore as an actor. And with a new cast, most definitely, new things will be discovered in the process. I’m looking forward to it and we shall see what the outcome will be,” he added.

Marbella began his journey with “Miss Saigon” in 2000, taking part in a month-long audition that involved more than 1,000 applicants.

After 10 callbacks, he was able to earn a spot in the show, along with five others.

“That one chance opened more doors for me in the field of musical theater, one show after another. I mean, it was pretty clear after that this is what I want to do and I had no chance at all to think about it too much. It’s going well at the moment and I can only work hard and hope for the best in the future,” he said.

When asked about the most memorable moments in his career, Marbella replied: “It would have to be the 25th anniversary celebration of ‘Miss Saigon’ London in 2014. To be part of the revival cast and meeting the original London cast like Jonathan Pryce who originated the role of the Engineer was such a treat for me.”

He continued: “The energy that night was powerful as well as the overwhelming response of the audience really made it unforgettable and made me proud as an actor and as a Filipino. Discovering my passion in performing and acting coupled with the creative team and producers’ approval and trust in you is another thing that is so encouraging and fulfilling.”

“I’ve had my fair share of rejections in the process, such as life and love… but I just somehow moved on from it, learn and work harder.”

To aspiring theater actors in the country, he gave this message: “Theater is a never-ending learning process. I’m a firm believer in working hard, staying focused and doing my absolute best in everything that I do, big and small. Learn from your mistakes. Be open to try new things. And if you know what you want, go for it and pursue it.”

“Prayer is another powerful tool for me and I also believe in God’s perfect timing, so I don’t need to get stressed so much about life,” he ended.