Apayao singer breaks into mainstream TV with role in ‘My Husband Is a Mafia Boss’

Conner, Apayao – A singer from Caglayan, Conner, Apayao has made history after landing a role in a mainstream television series, becoming the first from the province to do so, as he joins the cast of the live-action adaptation of the popular Wattpad story My Husband Is a Mafia Boss.

The story is one of the bestselling novels on the online reading platform Wattpad—a sensation published in 2012 that has amassed over 218 million reads. It was written by the late author Diana Marie Serrato Maranan, widely known by her pseudonym Yanalovesyouu.

The yApayao talent

Born and raised in Conner, Sandex Bayaua Nunag, better known as Sandex Gavin, marks a milestone not only in his personal career but also for Apayao, bringing provincial talent into the national entertainment spotlight.

Before venturing into acting, Sandex first gained public attention as a singer and became the first yApayao contestant to compete on It’s Showtime’s Tawag ng Tanghalan. He later appeared on GMA Network’s variety show TiktoClock, further building his experience on national television.

After joining a Baguio-based talent agency that trains and manages aspiring Cordilleran artists, Sandex’s career took a significant turn when he was scouted by Viva Artists Agency and was officially signed in 2024.

In addition to his growing achievements, the singer-actor also composed and performed the official Miss Baguio Theme Song in September 2025.

His role in My Husband Is a Mafia Boss

In the live-action adaptation, the yApayao actor takes on the role of Phoenix Strife, marking his first full television series appearance. In the original story, Phoenix dies early—a plot point often discussed by readers.

In the live adaptation, however, the storyline may change. This was hinted at when Sandex commented on a post from the series’ official page on January 9, 2026, responding to a remark about his character’s death with, “Phoenix Strife is alive,” stirring speculation about possible plot twists.

The project represents a major breakthrough for the Apayao native, who also took to social media to invite viewers to anticipate his role, saying: “Abangan niyo po ako bilang si Phoenix Strife. Be part of the gang in My Husband Is a Mafia Boss, written by Yanalovesyouu and directed by Fifth Solomon.”

Meanwhile, Sandex’s achievement is being celebrated by fellow Cordillerans and Apayao residents as a source of pride, symbolizing the growing presence of provincial artists in mainstream Philippine entertainment and highlighting the untapped talents from the country’s far-flung regions.