
Chai Fonacier
Actress, Activist, Musician
CCAD CONVOCATION GUEST SPEAKER
Born in Cagayan de Oro city, Chai Fonacier certainly made her name in the film and television industry. Her recent work as the lead role, where she played Yeye in the movie “Manilennials”.
Chai, back in her teens, moved to Cebu to finish her degree of BA Mass Communication at the University of the Philippines Cebu. Prior to her stint as an actress, she was known in Cebu art circles as vocalist and songwriter for indie band Balde ni Allan and for the trip-hop trio, Womb and as a performer in several pocket plays.
Chai has won Several acting awards such as best supporting actress in the Sinulog Film Festival 2015 for Ara Chawdhurry's short film, Operation: Prutas. The same year, she also won best supporting actress for her role in Chawdhury's entry to Cinema One Originals Film Festival, Miss Bulalacao. She was also chosen as Luna Best Supporting Actress Award for her performance as a trans man in another Cebuano film, Patay na si Hesus.
In 2015, Chai co-founded Sutukil Sauce, a group best known for their "Chismis sa mga Saop ni Diniris" viral videos. To cap it off, Chai’s songwriting skills proved her prowess as she also won the Vispop Songwriting Competition with her original composition, "Kung Di Pa Lang Ko Buang".