From acclaimed actor to filmmaker to nurse—and now back again—Carlos Morales is proving that passion never fades.
Known in real life as Carl M. Woodruff Jr., Morales first made his mark in the early 2000s through daring roles in films such as Laro sa Baga, which earned him a Gawad Urian Best Actor nomination and a PMPC Star Awards Best Actor win. His early filmography includes notable works like Babaeng Putik, Red Diaries, and Bigasan, showcasing his versatility and intensity as an actor.
But in 2015, Morales shifted gears and took the director’s seat for Piring, which won Best Screenplay and Second Best Picture at the 2nd World Premieres Film Festival. His passion for storytelling led him to the New York Film Academy in 2016 to study filmmaking, and in 2017, he bagged a Best Actor award at the 7th International Film Festival Manhattan (IFFM).
However, the onset of the pandemic in 2020 prompted Morales to temporarily leave showbiz and pursue a more stable path in the U.S.
“Feeling ko kasi nothing is certain that time,” he recalled. “Hindi natin alam kung ano ‘yung extent nung COVID na ‘yun, so pumunta ako sa States, ‘tapos nag-exam ako. Fortunately, I passed.”
As a nursing graduate from Olivares College in Parañaque, Morales aced the U.S. licensure exam and began working in healthcare. But even amid personal struggles—including the loss of his mother—his passion for film never waned.
“Siyempre, passion ko na rin ang filmmaking pati na ang showbiz. So kung may projects, I will just, you know, come back and forth,” he shared.
Now, Morales is back with a bang through his “dream project,” the upcoming dance-centric movie “Wild Boys”, which is eyeing a July or August playdate.
“It’s a dream project for me,” he said. “Noong teenage years ko, I was a dancer, at gusto ko talagang gumawa ng film na puwede kong maipakita ‘yung other side ko, which is dancing.”
Before becoming an actor, Morales was a member of Exclusive Dancers, the resident group in That’s Entertainment, and even worked as a hip-hop dance instructor at Slimmers World. He also won the fitness center’s Great Bodies competition—proof of his long-standing love for dance and performance.
“Passion ko talaga ang pagsasayaw,” he emphasized.
More than just showcasing movement, Wild Boys also features original tracks conceptualized by Morales himself, created in collaboration with beat makers and artists.
“Through the movie, I was able to incorporate my passion for music. Lahat ng tracks sa film, original. Binusisi talaga namin ‘yung pagkaka-conceptualize ng music,” he said.
With a storyline likened to a mashup of Magic Mike, Step Up, and Stomp the Yard, Morales promises that Wild Boys will deliver an energetic and empowering experience.
“Saludo ako sa cast and crew ko. They are very professional and collaborative. During the shoot, we made sure to set aside our egos to focus on the film,” he shared.
“Wild Boys is a unique blend of genres. It’s one-of-a-kind, and we’re confident it will bring joy, excitement, and inspiration to our audience.”
Starring a powerhouse cast led by Aljur Abrenica, Vin Abrenica, Martin Escudero, and more, Wild Boys also features real-life athletes and performers like Arwind Santos and Hashtag Jimboy Martin. The film’s supporting cast includes industry veterans and fresh faces such as Rolando Inocencio, Krista Miller, Ina Alegre, Atak Arana, Inday Garutay, and many more.
Apart from Wild Boys, Morales has also completed “Rolyo”, a film he plans to submit to international film festivals, and is currently in production for “Latay”, a movie tackling hazing, starring Paul Salas, Buboy Villar, and Lance Serrano.
