2 Filipinos star in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides

Posted by Sai

Mermaids in Pirates of the Caribbean

Two Filipino-American actors join Johnny Depp in his quest for the Fountain of Youth in Walt Disney Pictures’ “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.” They are Daphne Joy and Michael Rosales, who play a mermaid and a pirate on the Queen Anne’s Revenge, respectively.

Produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and directed by Rob Marshall, “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” captures the fun, adventure and humor that ignited the hit franchise—this time in Disney Digital 3D™. Crossing paths with the enigmatic Angelica (Penélope Cruz), Jack Sparrow (Depp) is not sure if it’s love—or if she’s a ruthless con artist who’s using him to find the fabled Fountain of Youth. When she forces him aboard the “Queen Anne’s Revenge,” the ship of the legendary pirate Blackbeard (Ian McShane), Jack finds himself on an unexpected adventure in which he doesn’t know whom to fear more: Blackbeard or Angelica.

A multicultural actor/rap artist/performer, Michael Ilano Rosales was chosen to play a “pirate from the Philippines” from a pool of over 4,000 aspirants. It was also his first-ever acting audition. His Hollywood journey would take him from his home of Hawaii, across 11,000 kilometers to London, where his scenes in “On Stranger Tides” were shot.

Michael Rosales in Pirates of the Caribbean

As a musician, Rosales transforms into Mic3—Mic (Mike), short for Michael, 3 for the third child, and the 3 for the main islands of the Philippines. His goal is to reconstruct today’s hip-hop landscape, to bring it back to its artistic foundation and roots and provide a meaningful message to the listener. In 2008, Rosales released his first full-length album, “Respect My Pride.” The album features English and Filipino language music that inspires an appreciation of the Filipino culture and heritage. A feature video, “Balikbayan,” was filmed in the Philppines, reinforcing the cultural messages found in his music behind a backdrop of historical Philippine landmarks. Rosales has shared the stage with several notable performers, including Damian Marley and Busta Rhymes.

Daphne Joy in Pirates of the Caribbean

Counting the recent hit “Just Go With It” and such popular TV shows as “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” “Criminal Minds” and “Curb Your Enthusiasm” to her credits, Daphne Joy was born and raised in the heart of Olongapo, Philippines. Although her family relocated to Los Angeles when she was just 8 years old, she was able to retain her Filipino culture and upbringing. Despite the language barriers and overall culture shock, Daphne was able to completely readjust to her new surroundings, and with her natural beauty, easygoing personality and wit she made friends and was able to adapt to the American way of life.

Intrigued by her new country’s pop culture, Daphne became interested in entertainment, becoming involved in dance groups, choir, cheerleading and talent shows. At the age of 18 she transferred that interest to acting, and was soon working in front of the camera. She was also featured in several A-list recording artists’ music videos, along with commercials, national print campaigns, magazine covers and features.

Opening across the Philippines on May 2011, “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures International through Columbia Pictures.