The pivot
Picture a young boy, barely four years old, playing football with his dad and dreaming of becoming a world-class athlete. Fast forward to 2024, and that same boy is now on stage and television, captivating audiences with his boyish charm. This is the story of Kobie Brown, a rising star in the Philippine entertainment industry who’s as comfortable on camera as he is on the pitch.
Born into a family where football was practically a religion, Kobie’s childhood was marked by grass-stained knees and the clacking of cleats on leather. “My whole family from my dad’s side are super big on football,” he reminisces. “It molded me into the person I am today.” Little did he know that those early days would lay the foundation for a career that would take him far from the football field. The Filipino-British actor’s journey took a sharp turn when he decided to audition for a Philippine reality TV show in 2020. Like a true sportsman, Kobie tackled this challenge head-on, channeling the discipline and resilience he learned through sport into his newfound passion for acting.
“The shift was hard,” he confesses. “I had no idea about [show business] before I entered [the reality show].” But true to his athletic spirit, Kobie didn’t let this setback keep him down. He dove head first into workshops, honing his craft with the same dedication he once applied to perfecting free kicks. Kobie’s eyes lit up as he explained that it was like learning a new sport. He found that every day brought new challenges, but also new opportunities to grow. Eventually, Kobie’s perseverance paid off—becoming a fan favorite known for his genuine personality and unwavering determination.
New playbook
Kobie is all about teamwork when it comes to his creative process. “I think it’s all about collaboration,” he says. “I always make sure to prepare before anything. I make sure to read the script a hundred times.” Kobie’s dedication extends beyond acting, as evidenced by his participation in his talent agency’s fitness program which showcased the results of his intense three-month body transformation journey.
But Kobie goes another mile further. His eyes light up when he talks about his recent foray into theater. “I didn’t have experience in theater or anything like that,” he admits with a grin. “[But] I’m glad that I pushed through it and performed on that stage.” It’s this willingness to step out of his comfort zone that sets Kobie apart in an industry often plagued by typecasting. This adventurous spirit has led him to become one of the main cast members in a theater play set to run from November to December this year.
Kobie is also a part of the Rockoustic Heartthrobs, a boy group segment that appears on a Philippine noontime television show, where he showcases his musical talents alongside his charismatic presence. And true to his athletic roots, Kobie continues to stay active as a member of the Shooting Stars basketball team.
As our interview wrapped up, he took a moment to express his gratitude, acknowledging that he wouldn’t be where he is today without the trust and guidance of his talent management agency, Star Magic. It’s clear that Kobie’s success is not just a result of his hard work and talent; he also has a strong support system behind him.
Looking ahead, Kobie’s future seems as bright as the stadium lights he once played under, what with a movie in the works and a newfound love for theater. With his ability to charm audiences on and off screen, one thing’s for certain: this former footballer is scoring big in the game of life, and we can’t wait to see what goal he’ll shoot for next.
This story appears in the pages of VMAN SEA 01: now available for purchase!
Photography Paolo Pineda
Art direction Mike Miguel
Fashion Rex Atienza and Ryuji Shiomitsu
Grooming Mycke Arcano
Photography assistants DJ Magbanua and Cesar Salve
Fashion assistant Nichole Anne Pura
Special thanks Captain Luz Bagalacsa
