My Story
from Philippine Theatre to Hollywood North
Hey there! I am Affy Varona—actor, proud Ravenclaw, and doting cat auntie to an orange tabby named Biscuit. I'm both an artist and a scientist, and ever since I was a kid, I've been fascinated by imagination, mystery, and stories. I greatly enjoy all sorts of creative activities—writing, dancing, singing, drawing, painting—but acting is what I’m most deeply in love with.
My Story in Three Acts
Caught In The Act
I took the leap not fully realizing how big my dreams were. I'm thankful for that and for my younger self—my friends called me "Bravesoul”—because that courage got me here.
The Unforeseen Prelude
Prologue
Growing up, I enjoyed many different activities like dancing and drawing. At one point, I even dreamt of becoming a singer, inspired by Christina Aguilera. But in high school, a new passion found me while making a short film for my Filipino class. Initially focused on writing the script and directing my friends, I jumped in as an actor when we needed one. Little did I know, this spontaneous decision would mark a new chapter in my life!
Act I: A Spark Ignited
Discovering the Stage
In the year following that short film class assignment, an experienced director visited our school to conduct a series of acting workshops. These workshops were set to culminate in a big production about the founding of our schools around the world. Eager to try as many activities as I could, I signed up.
​
I could tell the director initially doubted my potential. However, I pressed on. I wanted to have fun! Then, on a day of impromptu monologues, something about acting clicked for me in a way it never had before. When it was finally time to cast the play, the same director who once doubted me changed their mind! I ended up landing the lead role.
Act II: The Path of Conviction
A Struggle Between Duty and Passion
After high school, I followed the expected path to university, aiming to become a doctor. However, my passion for acting kept calling me back. I found myself more captivated by Stanislavsky than my textbooks and eagerly enrolled in every theatre or film class I could find.
​
Ultimately, as my classmates pursued further studies in medical school, I realized I had to honour what stirred my soul: acting. I made my family happy by earning credits to graduate as a medical laboratory scientist, and I was happy too, as I no longer had to push myself to be the doctor everyone expected.​
Act III: An Unconventional Turn of Events
Finding Fulfillment Beyond Expectations
I often wished I had attended a conservatoire instead of university, but I’m much more thankful now. My healthcare experience as a med tech was enriching. My patients and their loved ones deepened my understanding of humanity, while the doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals working with me deepened my understanding of service. I still carry the memories of my patients, especially one incredibly kind woman who showed me compassion despite her pain.
To Be Continued...
Looking Ahead with Hope and Aspiration
Fast forward to today, I have the opportunity to build characters and honour stories that bring healing, joy, comfort, and strength to people. As a true Ravenclaw, I still aspire to earn an MFA someday no matter what level I reach in my acting career. My unconventional path has shaped me into the person and actor I am today, and I embrace every step of the journey. Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue growing as an artist, taking on roles that challenge and inspire me—always learning, always evolving, and always striving to bring more light into the world through my work.
​
Thank you for joining me.
“Don’t ask yourself what the world needs; ask yourself what makes you come alive. And then go and do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”
~ Howard Thurman