THEY’RE considered superstars-in-waiting—showbiz personalities who have achieved milestones in their respective careers this past year and are expected to reach greater heights in the coming year.
Here are 12 promising stars whom we expect to shine brightest in 2009 and land major roles, juicy entertainment projects, public accolade and industry approbation in the coming months.
1. Aljur Abrenica
Aljur Abrenica, 18, rose to prominence as the first “Ultimate Hunk” of the reality-based talent search “StarStruck” in 2006. He continued to draw attention with appearances in the teen drama “Boys Nxt Door” and regular performances in the Sunday noontime show “SOP.” His first major television role came in 2007 when GMA-7 tapped him to play the “Red Zaido” and Cervano, one of the three lead characters in the primetime fantasy series “Zaido: Pulis Pangkalawakan” opposite Dennis Trillo and the late Marky Cielo.
His inclusion in the top rating “Dyesebel” further exposed him to a broader audience. Aljur also had roles in successful box office hits “I.T.A.L.Y.” and “Loving You.”
Presently, he is part of the ensemble cast of the top rating fantasy series “Luna Mystika” as the tikbalang Libado.
Though Aljur is currently cast in mere supporting roles, a major lead role in a movie or television show could most certainly come next year.
2. Jon Avila
Who’s that guy on the billboard? Female motorists can’t help but notice his eye-catching, libido-pushing images along the Metro’s major thoroughfares. But this attention getter did not stop there. Like Sam Milby before him, this professional model made the big plunge into show business when he made the cut as a housemate in “Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Edition 2.”
The Irish Filipino Jon Avila, 21, who was born and raised in the United Kingdom, is now a household name. Dubbed the “English Outcast,” Jon was unceremoniously evicted from the reality-based TV show because of a controversy, but that did not discourage him from pursuing an acting career.
ABS-CBN picked Jon to play a fumbling superhero in the Mars Ravelo classic “Kapitan Boom” in the network’s “Komiks” anthology this year. The show generated a big following in its Saturday airing, as viewers started getting enamored with Jon’s boyish charms. He did not disappoint them. Apart from television appearances in “ASAP 08” as part of the Cover Boys and the dance program “Shall We Dance” on TV5, this young talent is embarking on a movie career, starting with the indie film “Nars” and the Star Cinema movie “When Love Begins.” Jon is filming his first major role opposite Rufa Mae Quinto in “Civil Status: Single,” a comedy scheduled for an early 2009 release.
3. Valerie Concepcion
Call it a blessing in disguise, but Valerie Concepcion’s abrupt exit from showbiz in 2004 due to her pregnancy worked wonders for her. It showed that life’s challenges can make one stronger, wiser, and in Valerie’s case, a topnotch actress-TV host.
When Valerie transferred to ABS-CBN after a respectable career in GMA-7 (which started with the 2002 youth-oriented series “Click” and ended with the 2007 fantasy series “Fantastic Man”), the spotlight focused on another aspect of her talent: TV hosting. Valerie received the 2008 PMPC Star Award for Best Female Variety Show Host for her efforts in the noontime show “Wowowee.”
That continuing stint provided her the needed exposure for subsequent projects, including product endorsements and guestings in the network’s youth oriented shows and drama anthologies. Valerie is now a regular in ABS-CBN’s “Banana Split,” further showcasing her acting talent, particularly in comedy.
Valerie has also crossed over to the movies with a role that departs from her usual girl-next-door portrayals. She stars in Octo Arts Films’ sex comedy “One Night Only,” opposite Diana Zubiri, Katrina Halili, Jennylyn Mercado and Alessandra de Rossi.
Next year is expected to be a banner one for Valerie, who will play the role Mexican singer-actress Thalia made popular in the 1990s—Maria Mercedes, set to become an ABS-CBN primetime offering.
4. Jake Cuenca
Considered one of the top hunks of ABS-CBN, Jake Cuenca, 21, was actually a former Kapuso and graduate of GMA-7’s teen drama “Click” in 2003. Jake indeed made such a big impact in his “Click” stint that GMA-7 herded him into their major television offerings. He landed plum roles in “Hanggang Kailan,” “Forever In My Heart,” “Encantadia,” and the Angel Locsin-starrer “Majika.”
Jake’s 2006 transfer to the Kapamilya network proved to be a good decision. Not only did he bag juicy TV roles, he also got a sizeable movie deal with Star Cinema for several projects. From late 2006 to 2007, Jake appeared in 14 ABS-CBN shows, from the fantasy series “Komiks Presents: Si Pedro Penduko at ang mga Engkanto” to the superhero classic “Mars Ravelo’s Lastikman.”
Jake grabbed his biggest role in the remake earlier this year of the Bernard Bonnin 1960s starrer “Palos,” in which he shared lead credits with Cesar Montano.
But the guy got more attention on the sidelines when he made tabloid headlines bannering his romance and eventual breakup with fellow ABS-CBN star Roxanne Guinoo. He also courted controversy when he got linked to another Kapamilya star, Bea Alonzo, which triggered Roxanne’s reported confrontation with Bea during a show abroad.
Amid all the talk, Jake is making heads turn as part of the ASAP Cover Boys, a group in the tradition of the Hunks that propelled the careers of Piolo Pascual, Diether Ocampo, Jericho Rosales, Bernard Palanca and Carlos Agassi. This is definitely a sign of more good things to come for this good-looking and sexy actor.
5. Will Devaughn
Will Devaughn, 25, captured the limelight immediately after landing fourth place in the “Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Edition 2” reality TV show. His stunning Filipino-African-American-German looks made him a natural choice for many product endorsements.
Will’s “Pinoy Big Brother” victory endeared him to a growing number of fans and led to appearances in ABS-CBN dramas such as “Love Spell” with fellow PBB alumna and Second Big Placer Rizza Santos, and “Komiks Presents: Da Adventures of Pedro Penduko.”
Will is also be part of the ensemble cast of the back-to-back Metro Manila Film Festival entry “Desperadas.”
2009 is definitely expected to be Will’s banner year with his involvement in two huge ABS-CBN projects—two comeback shows for two of the country’s most acclaimed and revered actors.
Will is included in Judy Ann Santos’ upcoming ABS-CBN teleserye, “Humingi Ako Sa Langit” and is part of Comedy King Dolphy’s most-awaited first teleserye, “Utoy.” This could be his biggest break yet.
6. Robi Domingo
Ateneo student Robi Domingo, 18, made his mark as the Second Big Winner of the “Pinoy Big Brother: Teen Edition Plus” series this year.
Since his big finish in ABS-CBN’s talent launchpad that started the careers of Sam Milby, Gerald Anderson and Kim Chiu, Robi has been aspiring to make it big in the biz without abandoning his studies. He had appeared in a number of ABS-CBN youth-oriented shows, including “Your Song” and “Love Spell,” but the acting bug has yet to bite, it seems.
Joining the video jock search in ABS-CBN’s music channel Myx proved to be his biggest breakthrough this year, which was enough to convince voters in the Philippine Movie Press Club to name him as this year’s Star Awardee for Best New Male TV Personality.
The award will surely open doors for this actor-TV host who has proved himself a role model among young fans. A comparison with Rico Yan further motivated him to pursue the late actor’s accomplishments in the biz.
Continuing his impressive Myx VJ stint, Robi appears headed for still grander things in 2009. A major TV or movie role seems to be within reach.
7. Sheena Halili
When people first saw Sheena Halili, they never thought she would have reached this far in the biz.
An early dropout in the initial 2003 “StarStruck” search, Sheena may have had second thoughts about joining the reality-based talent search. Although she signed a GMA-7 contract right after the show ended as one of the StarStruck Avengers, the group of contestants who failed to reach the competition’s Final Four, Sheena was not able to sustain the popularity she gained from the contest. This led to her exit from the limelight when her contract expired.
But when a casting call came for the Philippine adaptation of the Mexican series “MariMar,” Sheena, now 21, grabbed the opportunity and landed the supporting role of Monica, the sprightly best friend and collaborator of Katrina Halili’s character Angelica. That became her biggest break. As “MariMar” became the most watched television show in the Philippines during its six-month run and made its lead stars Marian Rivera, Dingdong Dantes and Katrina the biggest names in showbiz, Sheena was also rewarded with a revitalized acting career.
After “MariMar,” Sheena’s bubbly nature again filled the airwaves as one of the main antagonists in the Regine Velasquez-starrer “Ako si Kim Samsoon.” She is also cast in the successful worldwide telenovela franchise “La Lola,” and appears as one of the on location hosts of the Manny Pacquiao show “Pinoy Records.”
2009 will be no different from Sheena’s successful 2008 run as GMA-7 continues to line up projects for this young actress, who is enjoying her second wind.
8. Karylle
Who would have expected that a controversial break-up with her boyfriend of three years would eventually lead to this singer’s radical bid for showbiz superstardom? Now 27, Karylle is enjoying her time as a new talent of ABS-CBN and artist of EMI Music after months of despair and personal anguish.
Not to simplify what she went through, but Karylle emerged a winner from it all. The controversy and the media circus that played on her personal life indeed made her stronger and more driven as an artist and person. Karylle has opted for a clean slate since her split from Dingdong—a new management outfit, record label, film studio and television network. Who knows? A shift in image as well, as showbiz talks speculate on a possible cover for a popular men’s magazine.
Karylle is appearing in “ASAP ’08” after several years of performing in rival “SOP.” Her newly signed ABS-CBN contract shows that she is set to appear in several Kapamilya shows and Star Cinema films.
A banner year in 2009? That seems to be an understatement, what with several potential top raters lined up for Karylle. Reports have it that this singer is being cast in three major ABS-CBN projects, including a remake of the Susan Roces film “Maruja,” and two hit Koreanovela adaptations, “Lovers in Paris” and “Princess Hours.”
9. Lovi Poe
Her famous family name may have helped a bit, but definitely, Lovi Poe, 19, is a class on her own.
Lovi’s string of successes on television didn’t come overnight. Initially billed as a singer, Lovi proved that striking good looks are always an asset that television show producers can’t just ignore. As a 17-year-old Colegio de San Agustin junior, this young star started her showbiz career opposite GMA-7’s returning male lead Cogie Domingo in the 2006 “Love to Love: Jazz Got Lucky.”
After her initial stint, Lovi embarked on the turning point in her showbiz career, portraying Kristal in the highest rating TV show in 2007, “Bakekang.” As televiewers adored her pretty face and enthralling voice, Regal Films also took notice of her talent, casting her in 2007’s “Shake Rattle and Roll 9,” a performance that earned her a Star Award for Best New Movie Actress from the Philippine Movie Press Club.
She also became a hot subject on showbiz talk shows after Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr.’s son Jolo openly admitted that he was courting her. Though both deny any serious involvement, partly because of an alleged rift between Jolo and Lovi’s mom Rowena Moran, the young stars used the hype to the hilt with their appearance as a couple in the sine-novela “Kaputol ng Isang Awit” with Glaiza de Castro and the late Marky Cielo.
Lovi also juggles her acting career with her recording duties under Sony BMG, which released her second album, “Bloom” this year, a follow-up of her “Best of My Heart” CD that turned gold in 2006. She also held her first major concert, “Bloom,” at the Music Museum last October.
Lovi is currently involved with the GMA-7 adaptation of Latin American telenovela craze “La Lola.” With all these projects under her belt, Lovi seems all set for a more fruitful year ahead.
10. Cristine Reyes
Like her sister Ara Mina who accomplished a lot in the last decade, Cristine Reyes, 19, is fast becoming tinseltown’s next vixen.
Not only is this “StarStruck” alumna poised to achieve stellar status with her new, daring persona, she’ll do anything to achieve it, even leave the network that discovered and nurtured her career from Day One.
But Cristine has no regrets. She considers ABS-CBN more than accommodating for giving her a plum role in the Jericho Rosales-Carmen Soo drama “Kahit Isang Saglit,” a portrayal that even impressed multi-awarded actor Christopher de Leon. The network then cast her in the role of her dreams—in “Eva Fonda, 16” a sexy role popularized by Alma Moreno.
Though controversial, as the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board had reprimanded ABS-CBN for some scenes, the series is bound to get televiewers to notice Cristine’s acting talent and spellbinding appeal.
Indeed, 2009 will prove to be another big year for Cristine as she makes TV screens sizzle with an adaptation of Vilma Santos’ 1970s classic “Burlesk Queen.”
11. Rhian Ramos
The bubbly and perky teen star recently got her biggest break in the popular guy-turned-girl Latin American franchise “La Lola,” currently airing weekdays on primetime TV. Rhian’s breakthrough performance had led to top ratings for the show in its initial weeks.
But Rhian Ramos, 18, did not come from nowhere.
After appearing in TV commercials, Rhian was cast in the top rating 2006 fantasy series “Mars Ravelo’s Captain Barbell,” landing a supporting role to Richard Gutierrez that immediately made an impact on televiewers. Noticing this, the GMA 7 bigwigs included her in another Richard Gutierrez project, “Lupin,” playing the prominent Avril. As her celebrity flourished on and off cam, Rhian became a regular fixture in showbiz talk shows as controversies surfaced on alleged altercations with a fellow actress, some revealing Internet photos and hate blog entries. But these have not dampened Rhian’s young spirit as she became a favorite in most Kapuso shows, including the sine-novela “My Only Love,” “Pinoy Idol Extra,” and “Codename: Asero,” where she made a brief appearance with Richard.
Apart from her television projects, Rhian also appeared in several GMA Films projects, such as “The Promise,” “Ouija,” “I.T.A.L.Y.,” and “My Monster Mom,” as the young Annabelle Rama.
Her “La Lola” success would definitely lead to bigger things. A hardworker, Rhian is dead serious about staying in the industry for a long long time.
12. JC de Vera
JC de Vera, 22, has become the leading male actor of choice in GMA-7 dramas. He is in fact described as the network’s “Drama Prince” after good ratings from his performances in the sine-novelas “Pati Ba Pintig ng Puso,” “Pasan Ko Ang Daigdig,” and “Babangon Ako’t Dudurugin Kita”—opposite his erstwhile screen partner Yasmien Kurdi.
JC is also a 2004 “Click” graduate, who impressed his directors with deep and sensitive acting. He subsequently appeared on top rating GMA 7 shows “Sugo” and “Captain Barbell,” and the “Now and Forever” series where he was paired with the industry’s top actors.
But his recent dedicated anthology “Obra Presents JC De Vera” has proven that he can now be counted among the country’s top young actors.
As the male lead in the Latin American telenovela franchise “La Lola” and with his memorable performances in the movies “My Bestfriend’s Girlfriend,” “My Monster Mom,” “Loving You,” and the Metro Manila Film Festival entry, “Shake, Rattle, and Roll X,” and with his upcoming film “Sundo,” one can say for sure that JC has arrived and will continue to make his mark in the industry.
(Published in the 28 Dec 2008 issue of the Sunday Inquirer Magazine)
January 14th, 2009 at 3:00 pm
I go for Karylle. She’s a role model. With so many unwed mothers now, we need role models who are intelligent, who conduct themselves with dignity, who are socially conscious and talented. Karylle has it all. I hope that she will be given good projects that will allow her real talents to surface. Stage is one medium for her. We need to harness real singing talents, not only beautiful faces.
January 13th, 2009 at 10:38 pm
karylle is definitely the type of girl that every man looks for. she’s a woman of substance. i hope and pray that she will soon gets what she deserves:)
January 9th, 2009 at 3:59 am
When describing a pretty girl, most Filipinos wouls say,” puedeng puedeng mag-artista.” The tendency for many producers is to offer a movie role to anybody deemed pretty by Philippine standards. In this regards, pretty is having mestisa features. But if you blacken the faces of these meztisas, they are not a pretty sight to behold. Remove their make-ups and you will not see much difference between the girl next door and the actress.
One of the greatest beauties is Hilda Koronel. What made her stardom endure was not her beauty, but her talent.
If we look at the current crop of actresses , they are all the product of cosmetic surgeries ; in spite of the facial enhancements, they look ordinary when they remove their make-ups. Some of them are also just photogenic or telegenic.
It is not difficult to be a movie star/starlet. There are various ways to achieve stardom. Some are:
- Sleeping with a gay benefactor or a movie producer, director or politician or even an owner of a beauty clinic (JC,HK)
- Sleeping with your co-actors/actresses (RMQ)
- Having a sex video (KH)
- creating a scandal -fighting the ex-girlfriend of your boyfriend (cr)
- Bribery (having paid entertainment writers) and gifts ( GB, DD)
- doing daring bold sex scenes
- winning a national singing contest
- being the daughter or son of a powerful talent manager or movie star (KC and RG)
etc.
But lately, Karylle has unintentionally been the recipient of a new path to stardom: setting a new standard for behaviour. This is laudable.
At the end of the day, stardom can be achieved easily. The real issue is- can these starlets/stars sustain it?
Unfortunately, even beauty and talents are not enough. Hilda Koronel , one of the best actresses and beauties, is hardly seen in cinema.
Perhaps, it is about time that someone starts a real acting school,which will give a real degree. An ethical board should also be established banning entertainment columnists from serving as pr or talent managers since objectivity has been compromised.
One thing I am proud of the Inquirer because none of their entertainment columnists act as pr managers or talent managers compared to other dailies.
January 8th, 2009 at 11:22 pm
Yes, Karylle will definitely be one of the stars to watch in 2009.
I totally disagree with Jasmag’s reasoning.
The length of years in showbiz has nothing to do with stardom. Cherry Pie Pichache is one of the best actresses, but she has never been a star. Dingdong Dantes has been in Showbiz for a number of years until he got the big break to star in Miramar.
To become a star involves a number of variables.
Some become stars because of their names .Look at Kris Aquino. She was a pain to watch in the movies and it took years before she could finally act.
Some become overnight stars because they have gay benefactors or a producer/director benefactors. Others becasue they are good in disrobing before the cameras. Fortunately, without acting talents, they vanish just as fast as they rose to stardom.
I do not know Karylle , but I must say she has been very visible on television since she moved to ABS-CBN. If you read the various columns in the local newspapers, her name always pops up in a positive way.
Indeed, she has been in showbiz for the last 4 years, and it is only this year that her name is creating a big buzz. Of course, it was primarily due to the DD’s two timing . This brouhaha made the public notice her .She gained a large base of followers and she earned the respect of the public. Even showbiz folks have kind words for her. My point is this, some come to attention of the public due to some unexpected circumstances.
GMA knew she had potentials after she was seen in a theatre play. Unfortunately , GMA does not know how to exploit the potentials of their artists , but would rather focus on building others who would rake money for them until their popularity wanes (but this is expected because GMA is a profit making company).
Karylle needs more voice training , confidence and right project.exposure, she’ll have greater confidence.
There is a time for everything. 2009 is Karylle’s time. She can choose to climb higher by more training and ABS-CBN can assist by choosing the right materials. Judging by her performance ín West Side Story, she can act. She needs the right script, though.
While her instant popularity has been due to the break-up with DD, the current interest in her is primarily due to the admiration of the public for her positive character traits. It is not because she is riding on DD’s popularity.This is a false dichotomy. Yes, then (2 months ago), but not now.
Regarding Rhian, I belive she’ll be a big star. She has the right handlers and the support of her aunt , who’ll make sure she gets the right break.
JC Vera will also be a major star.
Even though I do not have respect for Jake Cuenca or Christine Reyes, I have to admit that they will be big names in 2009 because the studios will give them prominent roles. Cuenca is reported to have a gay benefactor(s) who will ensure his success. Christine Reyes can sell her sensuality and is able to generate scandals all the time plus she is also reported to have a number of benefactors.
Will they be stars? I guess so- but their staying power will depend ultimately on their talents and favour with the public.
January 7th, 2009 at 11:14 pm
I agree that GMA has an eye for talent but they do fail at developing those talents. Most of their supposedly ’sikat’ actors still couldn’t act to save their lives.
Karylle is not pretty as Gerry pointed out. In this business though, good looks is never a guarantee for success, talent still counts. It is the reason why John Lloyd Cruz is one of ABC-CBN’s most bankable leading men despite the fact that most of their male stars look better than him.