1986

Congressman Christopher “Toff” V.P. de Venecia was born on October 27, 1986. He is the son of former House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. and Gina de Venecia.

1993

He made his acting debut as "Bongbong" in the Andrew E. and Janno Gibbs film "Pretty Boy."

1993

In his first leading role, he played "Billy" in the film "Billy Bilyonaryo."

1994

He continued his child acting career by playing one of Bonggoy's adopted children in Robin Padilla's film “Oo na sige na.”

2004

He graduated high school at Ateneo De Manila University.

2008

He graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Political Science from the Ateneo de Manila University.

2011

He directed Ateneo Blue Repertory's 20th anniversary production of Little Shop of Horrors, a horror-comedy rock musical about a meek florist who cultivates a man-eating plant with a taste for human blood. The production explored the themes of ambition, morality, and the struggle between good and evil. This also earned him the nomination in the BroadwayWorld Philippines Awards 2011 as Best Director.

2011 - 2012

He took to the stage as "Linus" in a production of "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown."

2012

He directed “13: A New Musical,” the story of a 13-year-old Evan Goldman as he moves from New York City to Appleton, Indiana, and his dilemma when the move conflicts with celebrating his Bar Mitzvah.

2014

He directed The Sandbox Collective's inaugural production of Dani Girl, a poignant and whimsical musical about a young girl's battle with leukemia and her imaginative journey to reclaim her hair. This critically acclaimed production marked a significant milestone for the company, establishing its commitment to showcasing new and thought-provoking works.

2014

Shortly after “Dani Girl,” he also became one of the curators of Sandbox Collective's "Imaginarium: A Multi-Arts Festival of the Absurd." This groundbreaking event brought together diverse artistic disciplines, including film, fashion, dance, visual arts, and theater, to create a genuinely immersive and unconventional experience. This festival showcased his passion for pushing creative boundaries and fostering collaboration across art forms.

2015

Congressman Toff also directed "No Filter," a contemporary and insightful series of monologues written by millennials, for millennials, and about millennials. This acclaimed production, which delves into the complexities of modern life and the challenges faced by young adults, was later adapted into a book by Summit Publishing due to its popularity.

2016

Although his background is deeply rooted in politics and entertainment, he carved his path in the theater world, co-founding 9 Works Theatrical and The Sandbox Collective. He directed and produced numerous acclaimed productions, including "Dani Girl," "Little Shop of Horrors," and "No Filter," before ultimately heeding the call of public service and winning a seat in the Philippine House of Representatives in 2016.

2019

He directed the staging of "Dani Girl," marking his second time at the helm of this moving and imaginative musical that explores a young girl's journey with cancer. This production, lauded for its solid performances and inventive staging, garnered critical acclaim for its sensitive portrayal of a challenging topic and its ability to uplift audiences despite its somber theme.

2019

Congressman Toff De Venecia was re-elected to his second term as Pangasinan Fourth District Representative, securing a resounding victory with 80% of the votes cast

2019

He convened the Arts, Culture and Creative Industries Bloc of the 18th Congress (ACCIB)--an informal and non-partisan alliance of legislators dedicated to championing legislation and policies concerning arts and culture and the creative industries.

2019

He also pursued public leadership courses at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.

2020

He sat as Deputy Majority Leader and Chairman of the Special Committee of Creative Industry and Performing Arts in the 18th Congress.

2020

In the same year, he staunchly advocated for freedom of the press and the crucial role of media in a democratic society. He was among the 11 lawmakers who voted to renew ABS-CBN's franchise, recognizing the network's significant contribution to Philippine broadcasting and its impact on Filipino viewers.

2022

During his third and final term in Congress, Representative Toff De Venecia won by a mile again, garnering about 80% of his district’s total votes.

2022

Building on his success in the country’s creative industry, he championed and authored Republic Act 11904, or the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act. This landmark legislation is designed to foster economic growth and nation-building through the power of creativity.

2024

In his early 20s, Congressman Toff De Venecia, a board director for 9 Works Theatrical, pushed for the production of "Rent." While others had doubts, he firmly believed the musical would connect with audiences. His conviction paid off, as "Rent" became a huge success, breathing new life into the company and leading to multiple encore performances. Today, thanks to his vision, it's a beloved classic in their repertoire.

2024

Cong. Toff de Venecia once again directed The Sandbox Collective's "Little Shop of Horrors," a production deeply personal to him. His fascination with the musical began in 2004, but its darkly comedic themes resonated more profoundly after a family tragedy—the loss of his younger sister. This experience, he shared, shaped his artistic vision and the kind of productions he and The Sandbox Collective pursue.