Strength comes in numbers. This year, Star Magic’s strategic partnerships with Rise Artists Studio, Star Hunt, and the different production units of ABS-CBN, as well as the forging of co-management deals with various independent managers, among others, have made it possible to welcome some of the network’s most reliable actors, reality-show alumni, and promising new faces under its fold.
John Arcilla could very well be considered as one of the pillars of character acting of his generation. He has given life to countless roles that have stirred audiences here and abroad. Now that the FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano actor is joining Star Magic is fellow castmate Marc Solis.
Meanwhile, Angeline Quinto is continuing her ties with the Star Magic with a hopeful heart. She is seen nightly in Huwag Kang Mangamba. Sandino Martin is also signed with the agency and will soon be seen in The Broken Marriage Vow. Putting her international modeling dreams aside in the meantime is Lou Yanong, who was first introduced in Pinoy Big Brother. Lou joins other Pinoy Big Brother alums Kiara Takahashi and Ashley del Mundo, who is now seen in top-trending show He’s Into Her.
A number of fresh faces also inked a talent management contract with Star Magic and these include Tan Roncal, who dreams to work with Daniel Padilla; Richard Juan, who is now making waves as a model and host; Kobie Brown, who is half-British and into football but has recently opened his mind to acting; and Andi Abaya, a model and upcoming actress who booked her first gig in the upcoming movie Caught in the Act, intended for this year’s Metro Manila Filmfest.
Promising singer Jayda, the daughter of singer Jessa Zaragoza and balladeer Dingdong Avanzado, hopes Star Magic can help her hone her singing and songwriting skills even more. YouTube sensation Gigi de Lana, who is a product of Tawag ng Tanghalan, also joins Star Magic.
Star Magic is also putting their bets on young actresses Shanaia Gomez, Karina Bautista and Alyssa Muhlach. Meanwhile, future heartthrobs JC Alcantara (of Hello Stranger fame), Aljon Mendoza (of Hoy! Love You), Zach Castañeda (famed Kumu streamer) and Kiko Estrada (of recently concluded soap opera Bagong Umaga) also join the growing Star Magic family.
Their contract signing will be aired on July 18, 9:30 pm, on A2Z and Kapamilya Channel.
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A huge and unexpected but welcome check on her long bucket list.
This is how 17-year-old Francine Diaz summed up her feelings about the fact that her first-ever suspense thriller Tenement 66 will be participating in the 25th Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival (BIFAN), under the Bucheon Choice category.
“Napakalaking blessing, napakalaking opportunity,” Francine shared.
Francine takes on the role of the quiet but angsty Lea, costarring with Francis Magundayao and Noel Comia, in the second Rae Red-helmed flick.
Tenement 66 follows the story of three teens, Lea (Francine) and her neighbors (Francis and Noel), who execute a plan to rob the apartment of a man named Nando (Lou Veloso), whom she also caught stealing a large sum of money. But their plan goes awry and their lives are put in peril after they’re held hostage by the gruesome homeowner and his aid.
Having been in the business for only six years, Francine admits that she has a long list of dream projects and dream roles.
“Gusto kong ma-try ’yung role na secret agent ako or ako naman ’yung medyo ma-action. ’Yung parang si Al Pacino sa Scarface or si Angeline Jolie sa Salt,” she said.
Despite her tender age, Francine proves that she’s got what it takes to make it in this business that demands a lot of flexibility and passion.
Tenement 66 can be seen commercial-free and in high-definition on SKY Pay-Per-View until August 9.