As early as age nine, Maita Ponce has already been delighting theater audiences since she first played the role of Wendy in a workshop production of Peter Pan. Her mentors? Chari Arespacochaga and RV Guevarra. Since then, she has essayed iconic roles like Zafira in Dulaang UP’s hit musical Orosman at Zafira, ang again in the the show’s third run fresh from her stint with Hong Kong Disneyland. She was also part of the recent Rizal X, an original Dexter Santos musical which blew everyone’s brains out, mine included.

With her sweet sounding and melodic voice, you wouldn’t expect the soul of a warrior as evident in her roles of late, and even in her choice of a Disney Princess. “Mulan because she’s so badass,” she relates. Yep, Maita Ponce is definitely badass. And though she has since rejoined the cast of Hong Kong Disneyland, THEATERATI gets the lowdown from one of today’s most sought after leading ladies, whether here or abroad.

THEATERATI: Tell us something about yourself.
Maita Ponce: I’m Maita Ponce, 26, and I’ve been performing since I was 9. I haven’t stopped since. I’ve been exploring other media aside from performing on staget like acting on film and doing lots of drawing and painting. I’m always very passionate about learning and I won’t stop even if I’m already 90.

When did the theater bug first bite you?
My mom brought me to a Repertory Philippines summer workshop when I was 9. I was in the class of Chari Arespacochaga and RV Guevarra. We did Peter Pan and they cast me as Wendy. The rest was history. 

You played the role of Zafira in Dexter Santos’ Orosman at Zafira. Talk about that role.
Zafira is a daughter of a pacha (leader of a tribe), Mahamud. Her father was killed by another pacha, Boulasem, because of Boulasem’s desire to conquer all tribes. Apparently, Boulasem also happens to be the father of Orosman, whom Zafira meets randomly in a garden and (like the typical Romeo and Juliet) whom she falls in love with. She doesn’t know this until it is too late though. She then vows to take revenge and leads her tribe in battle. The original story is a lot more complex but basically, that’s the gist of the whole story. 

You then had a star turn in Rizal X. What was the experience like?
I’d consider it a breakthrough for me and I’d give a lot of credit to Dexter M. Santos for giving me the chance to do this role. I think it’s the best experience I’ve had on stage. I was so used to doing golden girl roles but OZ gave me the chance to break free from that mold. Sir Dex pushed us all to the edge in terms of acting, singing and dancing. Suddenly I could sing world music and do contemporary dance. Suddenly I was doing capoeira and other stunts I didn’t think I could do. The experience was liberating

You’re a proud alumnus of the Ateneo Blue Repertory. How has the org honed your passion for performing?
Yes I am! The org fueled my desire to pursue theater after college. Back in Ateneo where almost everyone was pressured to make it big in corporate or become leaders, Bluerep encouraged me to choose otherwise. I don’t regret it.

I remember you gave Atlantis’ Director Chari Arespacochaga a pair of Avenue Q sneaks once. And you’ve been known to design footwear on occasion. How did that hobby come about?
You know what, now that I think about it, I cannot remember how that idea came about. Maybe I saw the idea online and tried it myself. I do remember that it was a popular thing before - drawing on sneakers. Whenever a crazy DIY project comes to mind, I’m always game to give it a try. Not just painting. Recently, I had a crazy idea of making half gloves and I did. 

You worked at Hong Kong Disneyland, flew back to Manila, only to fly back in again. Why’d you return?
Yep I did! I won’t start lying at this point. I came back because other priorities came into the picture. Aside from that, I missed Disney, the people, the routine and the job. I missed the independence too. 

Who’s your favorite Disney princess and why?
Mulan because she’s so badass. She knows her strength and weakness and found a way to just make it work. I love her because she’s got balls. She’s afraid but she’d do it anyway. I especially love the part where the emperor bowed to her for saving China and everyone started bowing. That specific scene on film pulled it off first! So eat that, Lord of the Rings!!!

Did you know that your name rearranged is “Maniac Poet?”
Wow never really thought about that. Is that supposed to be a good thing??

Finally, what’s the one Disney song that best describes who you are?
When you wish upon a star,
Makes no difference who you are
Anything your heart desires will come to you
If your heart is in your dream
No request is too extreme 
When you wish upon a star
As dreamers do.