MOST people in the world of glitz and glamour are waiting for their big break. Some work hard to make sure that when the right project comes along, they will be more than ready and equipped. Others, they go with the flow, accepting every project that is offered to them, hoping that each new assignment can make them better models, actors, or singers.      

Those who are bent on making it big really plan and strategize, some even use people to cut the chase and the long waiting, believing that everything can be achieved the easy way.

That is why, over the years, we have seen many starlets get launched in forgettable B-movies. All they needed was to bare and moan and go out with their producers. On the other hand, their male counterparts agree to show more than skin in the mostly low-budgeted gay-themed flicks that continue to transform moneyed gay men into instant film producers and inexperienced directors into horrible filmmakers.

We know a few male starlets and fashion models that have agreed to become lovers of gay directors, producers and designers so that they can be assured projects. Some become mainstays of every project of their gay lovers, while others exit faster without getting their 15 minutes of faux fame.

There are those who chose to come in by way of reality shows like Pinoy Big Brother or Survivor Philippines. Others fall in line for days just to get a chance to be on talent-search programs like Starstruck or Showtime.

More than luck

Like Jennylyn Mercado, who was the first grand winner of GMA’s Starstruck.  She also came out in lackluster shows, taking on forgettable roles, and handled by mediocre directors, but she proved that she’s got promise and a little talent by working harder with each new assignment.

We first took notice of Jennylyn’s promise a few years ago by way of the Joel Lamangan movie Blue Moon. Although very raw, she showed depth in her performance. She was given good roles on TV but she never became really phenomenal, unlike Kim Chiu or Sarah Geronimo.

After falling in love and becoming a mother without much plan and purpose, Jennylyn had been quietly hoping for another break, a second lease on her career.  Her prayers seem to have been answered when she was chosen to play the lead role in the much talked-about Manny Pangilinan-bankrolled movie Rosario, the lone drama entry for the coming Metro Manila Film Festival.

For the movie inspired by the story of Pangilinan’s real-life grandmother, Jennylyn was given three very competent leading men: Yul Servo, Sid Lucero and Dennis Trillo.

Rosario is Jennylyn’s ace and this early, there’s a buzz that Pangilinan and company will move heaven and earth to ensure a Best Picture win for the film, a Best Story trophy for Pangilinan, and a Best Actress win for Jennylyn come awards night. From its past list, this festival is certainly not one that can boast of credibility and integrity in naming its winners, so there’s a big chance lobbying will do wonders for any producer who has the money to spend and give away.

But whether the awards jury will give the Best Actress plum to her, Jennylyn has done her best and worked so hard to deserve this big break that has come her way.

New girl wonder

Five-year-old Jillian Ward does not even know her mathematics well but she is already being touted as the new girl wonder of Philippine show business.

From some TV commercials like Promil and Rebisco, Jillian jumped over the fence and was offered the role of Trudis Liit by GMA.  Since that big break, blessings have not stopped pouring into her life.

That afternoon show, where she starred with the likes of Ian Veneracion, Gina Alajar and Bella Flores, rated very high among the viewers and the think tank of GMA immediately signed this little girl into an exclusive contract.

Her next big project is titled Jillian: Namamasko Po, a daily drama for the Christmas season.  She plays a doll that comes to life to give blessings to those who need it the most. The series also stars Claudine Barretto and Wendell Ramos.

It will surely be a happy Christmas for her and her family since Jillian is also in the cast of Agimat ni Enteng, the movie of Vic Sotto and Bong Revilla for the December film festival.

A few weeks ago, Jillian moved into her new condo unit in Cubao.  “Masaya po ako kasi ang dami kong trabaho.  At pag madaming trabaho, madaming pera,” she told us unabashedly.

It’s been sometime since we had a child wonder after Niño Muhlach and Aiza Seguerra. We thought Zanjai Zarahnilla (more popularly known as Santino of ABS-CBN’s May Bukas Pa) would be the one but he seems to be growing up so fast. Jillian seems to be the ‘it’ child of the moment and she’s bringing more than good cheer to us this Christmas.

Waiting to exhale

Miguel Mendoza knows that patience is a virtue. Having experience the ups and downs of both the Philippine Idol and Pinoy Dream Academy, this actor-singer certainly is equipped with the courage to wait for the right time.

Miguel took runner-up honors in both singing competitions, and for someone who truly knows how to count his blessings, he told us that his experience in both shows helped him mature.  “I became more down-to-earth and I had a lot of realizations about myself, what I can do, and what will make me truly happy.”

Singing and performing are on top of the things that make him happy.  When he debuted as a theater actor in the Manila staging of Spring Awakening, Miguel also realized that performing in musical theater could widen one’s horizons further.  “That experience taught me a lot about discipline and focus, and I feel I can use that to grow more as a performer.”

Miguel admits that frustration and rejection are part of being in show business. “You don’t always get what you want, but you can always work on what you hope for,” he intoned.

At the moment, Miguel does a lot of performances in bars and lounges, and he is also a favorite in corporate shows and out-of-town events.  People opine that he is such a pleasant young man and very talented.  Miguel can accompany himself on the piano while he sings, and he can also play the guitar.

For 2011 he plans to do another CD and, hopefully, he gets more visible on television. “I am just waiting for that big break. I know it will come.”