ABS-CBN and its talent agency Star Magic have launched a new set of promising and talented artists during its contract-signing event dubbed as “Black Pen Day” on June 19.
Alongside established stars, and talents from ABS-CBN’s reality shows and contests, ABS-CBN subsidiaries, and other talent agencies outside ABS-CBN, the Kapamilya network also welcomed fresh and relatively new faces in the industry.
Let’s get to know them with these few random questions.
Arabella Davao
Who do you want to work with now that you’re with Star Magic?
I wanted to work with Joshua Garcia. I really think he’s a very good actor.
Arabella is the daughter of Jackie Lou Blanco and Ricky Davao. She already knew that comparisons between her and her parents may arise along the way in her career journey but she said she’s now ready as her family taught her how to handle pressure to her advantage.
Kaila Estrada
You started your career as a model, why jump to acting?
I reach a point in my life that I wanted to get out of my comfort zone and explore.
Also from a family of showbiz personalities (John Estrada and Janice de Belen), Kaila started modeling when she was about 17. She will be part of the upcoming soap “Viral.”
Mary Joy Apostol
Why did you choose Star Magic to be your home?
I wanted to improve my acting skills. I chose Star Magic because yung support nila is both on and off cam and you are not alone here.
Mary Joy or Majoy has been with different talent management agencies ever since her debut in the business when she was 13-years-old. She rose to fame after her iconic performance in the award-winning indie film “Birdshot.”
Zabel Lamberth
What’s the best advice you received as an artist?
Always be yourself wag gumaya (don’t try to be somebody you are not). Only draw inspiration from your idols.”
Zabel started her journey when she was 16 years old. While she’s currently waiting to land her first project as a Star Magic artist, Zabel keeps herself busy pursuing her degree in communication at the Saint Louis University Baguio.
Rans Rifol
What’s your memorable project so far?
It is definitely the film I did with Ms. Charo Santos and I wish to work with her again.
Rans from the all-girl group MNL48 has been taking acting and voice workshops to expand and develop her skills. She is part of the indie film starring Charo Santos and Daniel Padilla called 'Kun Maupay Man It Panahon (Whether the Weather is Fine).’ The film was chosen as the Philippines’ representative in the prestigious Locarno Film Festival which will run from August 1-14.
Vance Larena
How do you feel now that you are part of Star Magic?
Finally! Ilang beses na akong nag audition and I'm grateful now that I’m officially a Star Magic artist now.
This young actor already had a list of successful films and soaps under his belt.
He was first seen in the indie film “Bar Boys,” but Vance’s experience in acting can be traced back to the theater scene. He was also recognized with his notable performances in ‘Bakwit Boys’ and ‘Dead Kids.’ He also became part of Kapamilya soaps “Nang Ngumiti Ang Langit” and “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano.” Vance is also set to star in the upcoming teleserye "Viral."
Maureen Wrob
What do you want to tell all your fans about this recent move?
That I am more than a pretty face. I have shown to the world what I got in Asia’s Next Top Model. Now, I wanted to do the same in acting.
Maureen has put the Philippines on the map by being the winner of the fifth season of Asia’s Next Top Model. As a model and host, Maureen wants to explore and hone more her skills, this time in acting. She enrolled herself in several workshops recently which helped her in doing a film under Reality Entertainment, which is slated to be released this year. When asked if she’s willing to join beauty pageants like Miss Universe Philippines, Maureen said it is not a farfetched idea but she wanted to come ready.
Paolo Gumabao
What did your father tell you when you entered showbiz?
My dad always tells me to always be an empty cup, when you go to taping or shooting, he said, it is very important to be willing to learn.
From the famed Gumabao clan as the son of former actor Dennis Roldan, Paolo shares that he’s happy as he is slowly making his dream come true. He first tried acting in 2016 when he was casted as part of the series “Oh My G!” And more recently, Paolo can be seen n the Kapamilya primetime show “Huwag Ka Nang Mangamba.” He is also slated to star in an upcoming BL film by Joel Lamangan titled “Lockdown.”
Luis Vera-Perez
What’s your desired career direction?
I want to be known in drama, and maybe try some horror-themed projects. I am also open to doing love teams if needed.
Despite hailing from a family of entertainment personalities composed of movie producers and actors known as the Vera Perez clan, Luis decided to start his career from the ground up by taking on various workshops, becoming an artist trainee, and eventually attending some masterclass. Luis’ debut project in the Kapamilya network will be the upcoming soap “Marry Me, Marry You.”
Sela
What do you think is the secret to achieving longevity in the entertainment industry?
You should know how to deal with the people you work with nicely and professionally in order for you to survive longer in the industry.
Also part of the girl group MNL48, Sela made a hard decision to leave the group to pursue acting. However, this young talent still has a heart for performing as she continues to improve her singing skills for her future plans.
Migo Manikan
What did your father tell you before you signed up for showbiz?
He said that I should always be prepared. Anything can happen in a set. He also told me to always sharpen my skills even after tapings.
Migo initially thought of pursuing law school but his father’s - seasoned actor, the late Spanky Manikan’s, last few words while battling lung cancer struck him so hard that he eventually took on acting workshops and finally came out of his shell and ended up signing a contract with Star Magic. Migo is also the son of bankable character actress Susan Africa
Vitto Neri
What kind of projects do you look forward to as a Star Magic artist?
I want to try action just like my father. My father initially didn't want me to enter showbiz but I was persistent.
Unlike his batchmates, Vitto is not just here to solely learn acting but to also get a closer view of how the actor’s mind works. He said learning the ins and outs of acting is essential in order to become a good director someday.
Jake Ejercito
Are you open to do love triangles with some of the established love teams in the country?
It is surely challenging especially with their fans, they might hate me, but yes, I'll take it as a challenge.
Jake’s a familiar name to many as he is the son of former president and actor Joseph Estrada and former actress Laarni Enriquez. His journey to fatherhood is also something many Filipinos know about. With this new phase in his career life, Jake is excited to enjoy his journey as an artist by honing his talents under Star Magic. He hopes to do more teleseryes, films, and even try hosting a history or a travel show. He will also be part of the much-awaited project “Marry You, Marry Me.”