Finding Balance Through Voice: Khrishtel Mallorca’s Journey in Dubbing

 

Khrishtel Mallorca shares her journey of growth, balance, and passion in the evolving world of dubbing and voice acting

Khrishtel Mallorca, also known as Kris, began her journey in voice acting without fully knowing what dubbing really involved. Like many aspiring voice artists, she grew up watching cartoons such as Sarah and Sedi, never imagining that one day she would be stepping inside a recording booth herself. Her entry into the industry happened unexpectedly when her aunt informed her about an audition at ABS-CBN. At the time, the audition was for cartoons, including Astro Boy, and despite feeling overwhelmed and unprepared, she decided to give it a try.

Inside the booth, Khrishtel faced the reality of dubbing for the first time. There was no practice, no rehearsal only a script and a running scene that required her to deliver lines instantly. Back then, dubbing was done through block recording, meaning actors had to perform together in real time. Being surrounded by seasoned voice actors made the experience intimidating, especially since any delay could affect the entire group. Despite the embarrassment and pressure, this became her foundation as a dubber.

One of her early roles included voicing Yuko, the secretary of Dr. Elephant in Astro Boy. For this character, she used her natural voice, adjusting it slightly to fit the role. As time passed, her opportunities expanded to Korean novelas, where she met Direk Bross, one of her most influential mentors. Along with Kuya Choi, Direk Lani, and Mandia, Direk Bross helped guide her growth in the dubbing world, teaching her discipline, flexibility, and professionalism.

Kuya Choi played a significant role in opening new possibilities for Khrishtel. Through his mentorship, she discovered that dubbing was not limited to cartoons and Korean dramas it also included commercials, voiceovers, podcasts, and even video games. This broadened her understanding of the industry and showed her that even famous personalities could be dubbed, as long as the project required it. These experiences allowed her to see voice acting as a versatile and evolving craft.

Beyond the technical skills, what Khrishtel valued most was the sense of family she found in dubbing. Long recording nights that stretched until midnight or even early morning became moments of bonding with colleagues who eventually became her closest friends. For her, the dubbing studio was not just a workplace but a space where relationships were built and memories were made.

As time went on, Khrishtel faced the challenge of balancing passion with practicality. She explored other fields, including office work and entrepreneurship, while continuing to dub whenever possible. There were times when she had to pause her dubbing career to focus on financial stability, supporting her family, and pursuing further studies. However, she never fully left voice acting, choosing instead to integrate it into her life whenever opportunities allowed.

Looking toward the future, Khrishtel is amazed at how technology has transformed the dubbing industry. The possibility of dubbing from home has opened doors for many talented individuals who previously lacked access to studios or mentorship. She believes that with proper guidance and support, more aspiring voice artists can discover and develop their talents without risking their safety or stability.

For those who dream of becoming dubbers but feel hesitant or afraid, Khrishtel offers a simple message: do not be afraid to try. Voice acting is something fun and fulfilling, and passion can always find its way, even alongside other careers. With the right mentors, openness to learning, and courage to start, anyone can explore the world of dubbing and find their own voice.