By Evelyn Diao
Unlike many public officials who transitioned from successful showbiz careers to politics, Malolos City Mayor Christian Natividad never considered himself part of that league. While he did have a brief brush with acting in his younger years, he was content playing minor roles rather than pursuing stardom.
The mayor fondly recalled appearing as an extra in several films, portraying characters such as a soldier in El Presidente and an NBI officer participating in raid and buy-bust operation scenes in movies starring Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. Despite encouragement from friends to try his luck in the entertainment industry, Natividad believed acting was not his calling.
“I didn’t think I was qualified,” he humbly admitted.
His exposure to acting, however, did not come entirely out of nowhere. During his high school years, he actively participated in stage plays, making his later appearances as a movie extra a familiar experience.
In a recent interview, Mayor Natividad shared stories of his colorful and often challenging journey before entering public service.
“I was a survivor. I had so many struggles that I could no longer count them,” he said. “In many ways, I could compare my life story to that of former Senator Juan Ponce Enrile.”
Asked who he would want to portray him if his life story were made into a film, the mayor named actors Joko Diaz and Jomari Yllana, whom he considers his lookalike, particularly for a movie highlighting his life’s hardships and triumphs.
Mayor Natividad’s struggles began early. He lost his father while studying at the University of Santo Tomas (UST), forcing him, as the eldest child, to help support his family. To make ends meet, he worked as a waiter, sold encyclopedias, and became an insurance agent.
Music also became a source of livelihood. Gifted with musical talent, he joined a band called Green Leafy Vegetables as lead and bass guitarist, performing regularly in Malate’s vibrant music scene, particularly at the iconic Hobbit House.
“My gigs supported my daily allowance while I was in college,” he recalled.
Despite financial challenges, Natividad completed his degree in Public Administration before pursuing law studies at Far Eastern University (FEU).
His passion for public service emerged at a young age. At just 19 years old, he became chairman of the Sangguniang Kabataan in Malolos. From there, he steadily climbed the political ladder, serving as councilor, board member, and eventually mayor of Malolos City.
Before becoming mayor, Natividad also headed the Optical Media Board (OMB) during the pandemic period. He proudly noted that under his leadership, the agency recorded unprecedented accomplishments in revenue generation and collections from confiscated materials.
According to him, the agency was able to generate in just three months what amounted to the combined collections achieved during the OMB’s previous ten years of operation—an accomplishment highlighted during Senate budget hearings.
Beyond governance, Mayor Natividad has also championed arts and culture.
One of his most notable initiatives was the creation of Cine Republica, a film festival for students that coincided with celebrations of the First Philippine Republic.
“If you would recall, Malolos was the site of the First Philippine Republic and the first republic in Asia,” he explained. “We wanted to raise awareness among the younger generation by using the arts as a medium, particularly film and acting, because these can effectively communicate important messages.”
The program included workshops for aspiring filmmakers and production teams, culminating in the creation of short films that were screened in major cinemas.
The initiative produced encouraging results. One of the participating films even earned a slot in an international film festival competition.
“Our awards nights were attended by former President Joseph Estrada and several respected personalities from the film industry,” he proudly recalled.
The provincial film festival was gaining momentum until the COVID-19 pandemic forced its suspension. Today, Mayor Natividad is considering reviving the project, this time focusing on contemporary youth concerns such as mental health, teenage pregnancy, and other social issues affecting students.
He envisions relaunching the festival as a student-centered platform that may eventually involve young actors and actresses while continuing to serve as a vehicle for education and social awareness.
On infrastructure concerns, Mayor Natividad revealed that his report to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) is currently being utilized in ongoing investigations related to flood-control projects.
He stressed that flood-control funding should not be discontinued, warning that ordinary citizens—particularly marginalized communities—would bear the consequences, especially with the rainy season approaching.
Looking ahead, political observers have begun mentioning Mayor Natividad as a possible contender for the Bulacan governorship in future elections. However, with current Vice Governor Alex Castro also being viewed as a potential successor to Governor Daniel Fernando, the mayor maintained that such plans are not on his immediate agenda.
“That has not entered my mind yet,” he said.
For now, Natividad remains focused on governance and advocacy. He is preparing for a trip to Singapore, where he is scheduled to speak on nature-based solutions for flood control—an approach he hopes can eventually be adopted in the Philippines.
The mayor disclosed that proposals related to the project have already been submitted to the Senate, expressing hope that lawmakers will prioritize the initiative and include it in the country’s legislative agenda in the near future.
From movie extra and struggling student to musician, government executive, and city mayor, Atty. Christian Natividad’s story is one of perseverance, resilience, and a lifelong commitment to public service.
