Joy Lazo is an award-winning singer, actor and voice coach who continues to make waves in her 70s within Canada’s
creative industries.
Along with being a big part of Winnipeg’s theatre community –– where she’s trained several singers who have gone on to work across the globe, and just co-starred in the world premiere of Ma-Buhay! on Rainbow Stage –– Joy is also a cherished member of the city’s large, influential and welcoming Filipino community.
Since coming here in 1988 from Manila, Joy has been able to chase her dream of being on stage –– which she has regularly done with Rainbow Stage –– and has since inspired many in the city’s Filipino community to find their spotlight, including coaching Broadway’s Andrea Macasaet who headlined Ma-Buhay! as Celina.
We caught up with Joy during the production of Ma-Buhay!, to see what keeps her in Winnipeg and why this city is such a special place to literally find your voice in the creative industries.
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Joy Lazo
What do you love about living in Winnipeg?
We chose to move here because we believe Winnipeg is a great place for raising young families. The community here feels like the close-knit environment of the Philippines. With most places just 30 minutes away from home or work, everything is conveniently close, allowing us to spend more time with our loved ones. This strong sense of community makes me feel as though I haven't really left the Philippines after all.
Joy you moved here in the late 80s after already being a professional singer in the Philippines. What's the Winnipeg performance community like?
When I first arrived in Winnipeg, I auditioned at a local hotel and landed a singing gig that lasted nearly a year. However, with three kids to support and the challenges of settling into a new city, I felt that wasn’t enough. Eventually, I found an opportunity to work with one of the city's most prominent theatre companies [Rainbow Stage].
Do you have friends or family that ask you about life here? What do you tell them?
I tell them to come and experience what Winnipeg offers because you never know, you might want to live here one day.
What are your favourite places in Winnipeg?
My favourite spots in Winnipeg are Assiniboine Park, Kildonan Park, and The Forks because they’re great for walking around. I also appreciate the churches in the city for their role in fostering community and personal growth. These aspects make these places special to me.
What’s next for Joy?
We are currently finishing a cast album that is set to be released soon! Performing at Ma-Buhay! made me realize that I am never too old to pursue my passion for theatre. I am back volunteering as a board member at Rainbow Stage, where I am helping to plan the next big spotlight for Ma-Buhay! I am also an active member of Pinays Manitoba Inc. [Pinays Manitoba Inc. is a non-profit organization established in 2016 that supports and empowers Filipino women in Manitoba]. I plan to take some much-deserved time to visit my family in and outside of Canada after the successful world premiere musical production of Ma-Buhay!
*This interview has been edited for length and clarity
Learn more about why Winnipeg is Canada’s #1 place to raise kids here.