Karylle Tatlonghari is a Filipino singer and actress who rose to fame in the early 2000s. A longtime host on the noontime show It’s Showtime, she’s recognized for her work in musical theater and her contributions to original Filipino music (OPM) beyond TV.
Victoria’s Secret models usually depend on healthy snacks that are high in fat such as nuts and avocados to maintain their energy without bloating, while K-Pop superstars such as Blackpink turn to instant ramen to recuperate and recover from an adrenaline-pumped show. As for TV show host and singer Karylle, she counts on well, practically anything that she craves for at that very moment.
From Asian chicken to Italian pasta
Her hankering has been so varied. “Whenever I have an out-of-town show, I usually get Hainanese chicken and bolognese since this are what’s always available in the hotels we stay in,” she says.
When she performed in musical productions at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, the most of recent of which was Isang Gabi ng Sarsuwela in 2023, she often walked across the theater to Pancake House where she enjoyed a bowl of pasta with meat ragu.
During the staging of Carousel at the CCP Black Box Theater where she played Julie Jordan in the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic, she even brought a coffee machine with her starting from rehearsals until the last show.
Then when she played the lead role in Rama Hari, she often ordered sisig from Nid’s Balot ’n Bilao as her contribution to the cast and crew’s feast.
Back in July 2024, when she did Little Shop of Horrors at the Maybank Performing Arts Theater, a role that won her the Best Lead Actress in a Musical award at the 37th Aliw Awards, she rewarded herself with chicken krapow served in a Thai restaurant just walking distance away.
What she avoids before hitting the stage
She confesses that one thing she keeps her hands—and mouth—off is cheese and dairy as it accumulates clear mucus which can be a distraction when performing.
If there’s anything staple in her cravings, it’s a bag of healthy chips. “When I get stressed, that’s what gives me relief,” she says. “And water because being hydrated is a must. So there had been plays where I had tumblers in every corner of the theater.”
Karylle does know her priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Unlike strict regimens, Karylle relies on eating whatever she is craving at the moment to keep her happy and energized. She believes her own happiness is the best preparation for a high-stakes stage performance.
She strictly avoids cheese and dairy before a show. According to the actress, dairy causes mucus buildup, which can become a major distraction and hindrance when singing and performing.
Her cravings vary by production: she enjoyed bolognese at Pancake House during Isang Gabi ng Sarsuwela, chicken krapow during Little Shop of Horrors, and frequently orders Hainanese chicken when staying in hotels for out-of-town shows.
She keeps bags of healthy chips on hand to provide relief during stressful rehearsals. For hydration, she is known to place water tumblers in every corner of the theater to ensure she stays hydrated throughout the play.
During her rehearsals and show run for Carousel at the CCP Black Box Theater, she actually brought her own coffee machine to the venue to stay caffeinated and ready for her role as Julie Jordan.
