How Michael Sager, Southeast Asia’s Next Leading Man, Embraces His Identity With Pride
Michael’s journey is a celebration of his Filipino roots, where art, community, and the embrace of cultural differences shape his identity and passion for storytelling

A heritage that inspires
For Michael Sager, his Filipino heritage is a guiding force that shapes every aspect of his life.
“What I value the most about my Filipino heritage is our deep-rooted love and appreciation for the arts.” Growing up surrounded by diverse talents, he found inspiration in the rich artistic expressions that define Filipino culture.
His artistic lean toward exuberance and optimism ignited his passion for storytelling—emphasizing the importance of community and the celebration of life itself.
Michael moved to Canada at the tender age of three, where he was exposed to a melting pot of cultures. Growing up in Vancouver, he experienced both the advantages and challenges of being a Filipino-Canadian.
“Despite coming from humble beginnings, my parents worked hard to let me explore different activities,” he shares. It allowed him to dabble in various interests—from sports to dancing and design—and helped him discover his passions and pave the way for personal growth.
The diversity he encountered abroad taught him compassion and respect for different cultures, which nurtured a strong sense of self while deepening his connection to his Filipino roots.
Canada’s multiculturalism is one of the things Michael appreciates most about living there. However, when he was in elementary school, he found himself in a classroom where his classmates were predominantly Canadian, and there was an initial gap in understanding, especially when it came to food.
His classmates weren’t familiar with the flavors and dishes that were a big part of his Filipino heritage, which led to some awkward moments. But over time, Michael began to embrace the differences and saw them as opportunities for connection rather than division.
Eventually, he proudly shared his family’s delicious home-cooked meals with his classmates, who were eager to try something new and different. What started as a source of hesitation turned into a bridge that helped him share a piece of his culture and gain confidence in his identity.
“Being surrounded by many Filipinos instilled in me the values and love for the community that were pivotal in developing who I am today,” he explains. Yet, despite the enriching experiences abroad, Michael acknowledges the irreplaceable warmth he feels when back in Asia—a comforting reminder of his roots and the energy of his heritage.
The call of the screen
His journey into the world of acting was paved by the powerful narratives of Asian cinema. Despite being raised in Canada, he and his family immersed themselves in Filipino and broader Asian media, seeking stories that resonated with them.
Michael’s early foray into that field came through background roles in Hollywood productions filmed in Vancouver, including Disney’s Descendants. While those were small beginnings, they laid the groundwork for his understanding of the industry and nurtured his appreciation for big-scale productions.
“I grew up watching classic Jackie Chan and Bruce Lee movies, but I was also deeply moved by the performances of Dolphy and Christopher De Leon (two of the most legendary actors who have graced Philippine cinema),” he recalls.
These cinematic icons inspired him and provided a reflection of his own identity. Understanding the stories of those who looked like him fostered a realization that he, too, could tell these stories to the world.
“There’s something magical about watching a story unfold with your family—it’s those moments that inspired me to dream of telling stories to the world.”
While Michael initially pursued architecture during his senior year of high school, the pandemic presented an unexpected pivot point. He discovered a love for performing through online live streams and connecting with Filipino audiences despite the time difference.
“It became clear to me that entertaining and connecting with people brought me a sense of joy and purpose that architecture couldn’t,” he shared. It motivated him to take a leap of faith, moving to the Philippines with no guarantees but a strong desire to chase his dreams.
Most recently, Michael played Euan in the Korean drama adaptation of Shining Inheritance. The character, intricately involved in themes of family loyalty and personal growth, resonated deeply with him.
“Euan had a lot of growing up to do, facing the responsibilities of adulthood,” which mirrored his own experiences on legacy and commitment and allowed him to inhabit the character with authenticity and depth.

However, like any journey, his path has not been without challenges. Moving back to the Philippines and tackling a new reality away from family was daunting. “It requires a lot of learning and adapting,” he admits.
These obstacles taught him resilience and the importance of feedback in honing his craft. Through every challenge, he learned that perseverance is key to achieving his dreams—a powerful lesson he hopes to pass on to future generations of actors.
A canvas for self-expression
Fashion has also always allowed Michael to express his personality and boost his confidence. Growing up with a style-conscious sister and a family who always dressed sharply, he developed an appreciation for being well-groomed.
“For me, fashion is a way to feel comfortable with whatever task I’m facing that day. I keep it simple and clean, but I like to experiment with trends and add my unique touch.”
Whether donning an “old-money” style or embracing the classics, Michael believes that the best outfits come from wearing what you love without fear of judgment.
His grooming routine is equally important, particularly in his line of work. From learning makeup techniques to maintaining a polished appearance, he views these efforts as essential to his craft, noting, ”Taking care of myself helps me perform better. It’s not just about looking good; it’s about feeling prepared.”
As he rises in his career, Michael is acutely aware of the significance of representing a new wave of Asian male talent. “I feel like I’m standing on the shoulders of giants,” he reflects, expressing admiration for those who paved the way before him.
He hopes to exemplify the values of determination and dedication, while at the same time encouraging young actors to embrace their uniqueness and strive toward their goals.
Embracing the future

With aspirations that push him beyond his comfort zone, he is excited about the future. He desires to explore roles that challenge and allow him to delve into narratives that differ greatly from his own experiences.
“There’s something about building an intricate narrative that intrigues me,” he shares, eager to portray characters that offer fresh perspectives and engage diverse audiences.
In his journey as an actor, Michael continues to celebrate the richness of his Filipino-Canadian heritage, embracing the complexities of identity and storytelling.
His path serves as a reminder of the power of representation and the important role it plays in shaping cultural narratives.
As he forges ahead, Michael is not only carving his place in the entertainment industry but also lighting the way for others, inspiring a new generation of storytellers to share their voices with the world.
Cover photo suit Acne Studios and jacket Maison Margiela from UNIVERS d’homme et femme / Eyewear Celine / Rings Sane & Co. Jewelry, COVENSTEADPH, Maria Black, Otiumberg from Adora / Necklaces Homura
Photography Belg Belgica
Creative direction Patrick Ty
Art direction Mike Miguel
Fashion Gee Jocson
Digital imaging Vince Canlapan
Retouching Summer Untalan
Grooming Hernan Soriano
Lighting Jyllan Bitalac
Photography assistant Hallvard Cano
Fashion associate Jason Mago
Fashion assistant Andie Dautil and Gio Manlangit
Special thanks Erickson Raymundo, Jeff Vadillo, Ina Agabe, Shaira Aquino of Cornerstone Entertainment and Sparkle GMA Artist Center
On location Espacio Creativo Escolta