By The Editorial Team
“UNLIMITED. Together we’re unlimited,” says a familiar line in Stephen Schwartz’s song from the renowned musical Wicked. For Minay Capile, the Entertainment Director of one of the most prestigious cruise lines in the world, and her cast and crew onboard, this is a truth she has lived by.
With almost a decade in the cruise entertainment sector, Capile, who was once a budding film and theater director, has not only set her sails but has also paved the way for many other Filipinos in the theater and production industry—allowing them to bring their skills and talent to the international stage, with a twist… at sea!
A graduate of AB Communications from De La Salle – Dasmariñas, Capile never imagined that her family’s seafaring legacy—rooted in her grandfather, a cargo ship electrician—would continue with her. She started her career as a theatre freelancer at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Her Eureka moment came one afternoon while stuck in traffic with a companion who made her realized how little those in her field earned locally. This prompted her to seek an opportunity to elevate her craft. As the daughter of two hardworking parents who supported her ambitions, Capile knew that a better life for them would be harder to find on land.
“It was a light bulb moment for me, and from then on, I never stopped seeking opportunities in this industry,” she shares.
In 2014, she got her big break into the maritime scene as an Entertainment Production Manager for Norwegian Cruise Line. There, she took charge of the entire entertainment program onboard—planning and executing production shows with a cast of about 30 members and technicians, as well as leading backstage tours for guests.
Minay’s favorite part of her job is watching her performers grow and evolve throughout the rehearsal process. 
Gearing up for the inaugural of Oceania Vista at Norwegian Creative Studios in Tampa, Florida in March 2023. 
Onboard the Carnival Radiance, Minay inspecting the Rock Revolution set before the house opened.
“When I first started, the challenge was mostly about navigating the complex culture onboard and the dynamics among my fellow Filipinos,” she recalls. She overcame these adversities by “staying true” to her goals and maintaining an enduring work ethic.
About a decade later, after holding several roles in the cruise entertainment industry, Capile finally joined Carnival Cruise Lines as its first-ever Filipino Entertainment Director—a position that is the culmination of her hard work and passion for what she does, both personally and professionally.
Professionally, she sees her journey toward this achievement as a triumph not just for herself but for other Filipinos in her field.
“This achievement has also opened doors for other Filipino stage managers in the industry. I’m grateful that I’ve been able to set the sails for other Filipino talents, and I genuinely hope that the exposure I receive serves as an inspiration to many more,” Capile shares, admitting that she still finds it surreal when people acknowledge her for this accomplishment
Onboard the Carnival Magic: A farewell dinner with the Hotel Senior Management Team and their wonderful friends from the restaurant 
With Christine Duffy, President of Carnival Cruise Line, during her first visit to the Philippines. 
From colleagues to family – one of the most rewarding moments of her career.
True to her craft and passion, Capile finds joy and fulfillment in bringing her Filipino ingenuity to creating new entertainment productions and shows onboard, as well as in witnessing the growth of her team.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to see a performer evolve from the first day of rehearsals to opening night.”
On a personal level, her joys and frustrations are not too different from those of many seafaring professionals.
“I’m proud that I’ve been able to support my family’s needs and take my parents to places they’ve always dreamed of visiting. And of course, I love the travel! My role has taken me to places I never imagined I would visit,” she adds, recalling the countless screensaver moments—times when she pauses to soak in the breathtaking beauty of destinations she once only saw in desktop wallpapers.
“Entertainment is what I love the most. My work in the theater truly fills my soul, and I’m incredibly grateful that this job allows me to pursue other aspirations, such as traveling, providing for my parents, and living a comfortable life.”
Now at the top of the management chain, Capile longs for more Sundays—wishing for long, quiet mornings, coffee, and strolls with her loved ones. “At this point in my life, what I miss most is having Sundays. I long for a day to recharge and just be me, like everyone else. Seafarers work every single day, seven days a week, and while we typically get months off, it doesn’t quite make up for the lack of a proper Sunday,” she shares, identifying herself as an introvert.
Beyond the limelight, the 35-year-old still keeps her theater-girl American dream close to her heart.
“I’ve always wanted to be in New York, and I still do. There’s something about the city that makes me feel truly alive. I used to dream of working on Broadway and Off-Broadway, but that passion isn’t as intense as it once was. Now, more than anything, I just want to be part of any creative process—whether that’s overseas or in the Philippines.”
When asked if there’s a production she identifies with—a story of empowerment with no regard for gender—her response was quite Wicked (pun intended). She shares her favorite lines from a song in the musical she adores:
“‘I’m through accepting limits
‘Cause someone says they’re so.
Some things I cannot change;
But ’til I try, I’ll never know.’”“I’ve always adored Wicked. I saved up all my paychecks from a production during my days at CCP just to be able to see the touring cast in Singapore back in 2012. Defying Gravity always brings me to tears—I can’t help but feel like, in my own way, I’ve defied gravity too.”
FAS Maritime 
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