1988–1996: theatre debut and early television work
Arcilla was a member of Dulang University in the Philippines from 1988 to 1989 and was trained by stage director and National Artist for Theatre Tony Mabesa. From 1989 to 1990, Arcilla worked as a casting director for Foote, Cone & Belding.
From 1991 to 1997, Arcilla was a resident actor and senior member of the Tanghalang Pilipino Actor Company, the resident theatre of the Cultural Center of the Philippines. At the Cultural Center, he played lead roles in productions including Orosman and Zafira, Walang Sugat, and Ryan Cayabyab’s Rizal musical trilogy: El filibusterismo (1993), Noli Me Tángere (1995), and Illustrado (1996). Arcilla was also part of the main cast of Rama at Sita, a 1999 Filipino musical adapted from the Indian epic Ramayana. In 2000, he appeared with Repertory Philippines as Valentin in Kiss of the Spider Woman.
Arcilla also appeared in television commercials for brands including Tide, Gold Eagle, the National Steel Corporation, and the Development Bank of the Philippines. He appeared in a 1994 commercial for Pure Foods with the slogan "Coffee na lang, dear" ("Just coffee, dear"), which lead to more opportunities in narrative television. In 1987, he appeared in television programs including the variety show Goin' Bananas and the drama anthologies Lovingly Yours, Helen and Star Drama Theatre Presents.
From 1992 on, he acted in a number of films, including Mulanay (1996). In 1997, he appeared in Ligaya ang Itawag Mo sa Akin.
