Stars 23: Who will stardom bless?

MANILA, Philippines - Dozens and dozens are discovered year in and year out but, sob and sigh, only a few are chosen; only the truly talented stay long in the race.

On the occasion of The STAR’s 23rd anniversary, we drew up a list of the 23 probables out of the hundreds waiting on the wings. Who will stardom bless?


Paulo Avelino — Living up to his title as StarStruck Avenger, the tall, chinito Paulo has proven that he is destined to be a star; that showbiz is not only a playing field for winners but also for runners-up like him. He has shown his acting chops in Dapat Ka Bang Mahalin as good boy-turned-deranged lover of Kris Bernal and now in All My Life as her model admirer. With his arresting oriental looks, Paulo can play lead roles and be the face of brands for men.

Dominic (right) and Felix Roco — They are two peas in a pod. Dad Bembol Roco has passed on his acting genes to his twins, Dominic and Felix. They started in ABS-CBN’s youth-oriented TV series Qpids and crossed over to GMA 7 with Fantastikids. The Roco brothers can do light romance, comedy and drama. Felix has tried his hand in indie films, playing a teen who wants to pass the University of the Philippines College Admission Test in UPCAT and someone escaping a dictator mayor in Cinemalaya’s Engkwentro. Dominic, on the other hand, is part of Chito Roño’s masterpiece Dagaw.

Chris Cayzer — He is a dead ringer of Francis Magalona. Chris wowed everyone with his John Mayer vocals and acoustic music few years back. Besides performing in S.O.P., Chris acts in All My Life where he plays Aljur Abrenica’s musician-friend. Before that, he guested on Kapuso shows like Dear Friend opposite Ryza Cenon. His mestizo looks and thick Australian accent make him ideal as Prince Charming in Cinderella-inspired stories.

Ejay Falcon — The Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition Big Winner has won the sympathy of the public with his heart-wrenching life story as a boy growing up in the care of his adoptive parents. The hardships and struggles Ejay experienced at a young age will hopefully bring out the emotional, sentimental side of his character in the TV remake Katorse where he stars with Erich Gonzales.

JC Tiuseco — Being in the limelight is not new to this San Sebastian student, he used to walk the ramp and bare his to-die-for bod in fashion shows before the showbiz bug bit him. Survivor Philippines was his passport to the entertainment scene. After becoming the Sole Survivor, televiewers have seen the tall, dark and handsome JC in shows such as Unang Hirit and Kung Aagawin Mo Ang Lahat sa Akin. With his first acting foray in Kung Aagawin, one can say that there’s more to JC’s gorgeous face.

Enchong Dee — He is RP swimming team’s loss but local tinseltown’s gain. His moreno color and tip-top shape will tell everyone that he was the country’s representative to sports competitions like SEA Games and Asian Games. He still has the endurance, discipline and competitive stance of a swimmer. It is not surprising why Enchong remains visible on TV via My Girl, My Only Hope and Boystown. Enchong can also give Vhong Navarro a run for his money in hip-hop and contemporary dancing.

Carlo Guevara — He caught the attention of the viewing public via the model search Be Bench. Although he has a well-defined body, his irresistible smile and amiable mien make you adore him and want to bring him to mom. Carlo has shown his knack for acting in Ligaw na Bulaklak, My Only Hope and Lipgloss.

Gab Valenciano — He is a spitting image of his talented father Gary Valenciano. Like Gary V., Gab dances and choreographs (moves) well. This is shown in S.O.P. and Shall We Dance?

Joem Bascon — In some angles, he can be mistaken for Piolo Pascual. But when you give him a juicy role like the jobless seaman in Sanglaan (Pawnshop), what you see is a dedicated actor giving his all for a convincing performance. Joem is seen weekdays in Precious Hearts Romances Presents Bud Brothers.

Victor Aliwalas — His American accent makes everyone think that he is half-Pinoy. The truth is Victor is Pinoy at heart. He just migrated to the US. His hunky image and acting talent will make him a good leading man. Victor recently starred in SRO Cinemaserye with Jennylyn Mercado, Nadine Samonte and Yasmien Kurdi.

Matteo Guidicelli — He is a champion kart racer used to driving his way on the fast lane. Racing, however, is not the only thing Matteo knows. He can sing. It must be the Cebuano in him. We see Matteo host and perform in S.O.P. To further his talent in performing, Matteo studies musical theater.

Kevin Santos — Like Paulo Avelino, Kevin is a StarStruck Avenger. His early exit in the artista search didn’t dampen his spirits to pursue a career in showbiz. He has guested on GMA 7 programs and shown his acting mettle in Maynila. Kevin is a potential character actor. He will soon be seen in Darna and Show Me the Manny.

Erich Gonzales — In the almost four years after she clinched the Star Circle Quest 2 top spot, Erich has displayed the qualities of a good actress in film or on TV. She initially appeared in ABS-CBN’s teen-oriented show Abt Ur Luv. The Kapamilya network also allows her to appear in the episodes of TV5’s Midnight DJ and GMA 7’s Maynila. Erich will shine more as televiewers get to see a different side of her soon in Katorse, a remake of the ‘80s film which starred Dina Bonnevie.

Alex Gonzaga — Be it fantasy, comedy or drama, expect Alex to get anyone’s attention as she delivers, scene after scene. That’s why she changed her name from Cathy to Alex after leaving a mark as a fashionista in the now defunct Let’s Go on ABS-CBN. She also starred with Kim Chiu in My Girl. Like her sister Toni, Alex gets to sit down with celebrity guests as host of TV5’s Juicy and perks up afternoon TV viewing with showbiz buzz.

Regine Angeles — After being named Be Bench female grand winner, there’s no stopping Regine from showing what she’s got in the acting department. She caught televiewers’ interest in shows like Palos with Jake Cuenca, My Girl and My Only Hope. Her short acting stint in Tayong Dalawa was as impressive as that of lead stars Kim Chiu and Alessandra de Rossi. She is currently in the cast of TV5’s Lipgloss.

Megan Young — Who would ever think she can veer away from the sweet image when she played Ruffa Gutierrez’s aggressive sister in I Love Betty La Fea? Megan played Marcella so naturally, one wouldn’t think she initially had a hard time doing the role — the total opposite of her personality. Her classy aura also makes her an ideal host of Studio 23’s lifestyle show Us Girls.

Queenie Padilla — Her action scenes don’t come as a surprise anymore, since she’s Robin Padilla’s daughter. Like her dad, Queenie is into martial arts and can beat the bad guys. What’s also amazing is she pulled off her role in Totoy Bato, her first acting assignment, without any hitch.

Jackie Rice — Given her acting talent, Jackie could have been earning much more these days hadn’t she become pasaway after winning in the artista search. But things are different now. Jackie seriously has been buckling down to work since GMA 7 gave her another chance. She stars in Kung Aagawin Mo ang Lahat sa Akin. Her beauty, whistle-bait figure and milky complexion landed her on the cover of Maxim’s July issue.

Sheena Halili — GMA 7’s StarStruck found a gem in her as she can do whatever the role calls for. She may be Katrina Halili’s scheming friend in Marimar, but Sheena can also be kikay as segment host of Pinoy Records and Carla Abellana’s best friend in Rosalinda. Sheena can also be emotional as she has proven in one of the episodes of Maynila. Could Sheena do action scenes? What if GMA gives her a solo show? Let’s wait and see.

Stef Prescott — The StarStruck Avenger has proven her right to be in showbiz through her acting in various TV shows. She has also starred in two movies. She also graced the covers and pages of fashion magazines. She is currently seen in All My Life.

Ryza Cenon — While her acting affects everyone, her moves on the dance floor also make everyone groove to the beat as well. Definitely, she is a talent on the rise.


Robi Domingo — He is a model to the youth as he juggles showbusiness and studies. On TV, the Pinoy Big Brother Second Placer is VJ Robi playing everyone’s favorite songs and videos and counting down the Top 10 hits. He is a pre-Med student off-cam religiously attending lectures and beating school deadlines. Boystown shed Robi’s good boy image by casting him as a spoiled, rich brat.

CREDITS TO: 2009.07.28_Phil. Star (B. Glorioso & J. Donato)