On Tuesday, March 2, ABS-CBN’s Star Magic recently signed up 13 new artists to their roster.
Amid the TV station’s shutdown due to the non-renewal of its franchise, most of the stars have transferred from other networks.
Nevertheless, ABS-CBN has been resilient ever since the government tried to shut down the station. Though the Duterte administration managed to close the Network, it still came up with ways to serve the Filipino people.
Even if there’s an exodus of talents transferring from other stations, the Network still managed to sign up future stars.
Here are the 13 new up-and-coming stars of ABS-CBN.
Anji Salvacion.
Salvacion was a product of ABS-CBN’s singing competition, Idol Philippines. From Siargao Island and was still on cloud nine after she heard that the Network is about to sign her.
“Still can’t believe what’s happening here. Now, it still feels like it’s a dream. I feel so grateful and so blessed to be taking this next big step as an artist,” she shared.
Sam Cruz.
Next is the daughter of Sunshine Cruz and Cesar Montano. Cruz shared that she aimed to follow her mother towards stardom. It is because Sunshine inspires her to be an accomplished actress.
“I’m really inspired by mom. And I’d love to follow [in] her footsteps. She’s one of my biggest inspirations,” shared Sam.
Angela Ken.
Angela is all about passion. She is from Imus, Cavite who rose to fame because of her TikTok video which became viral. Also, this young talented artist is the only person in the event to sign two contracts: a management contract and a recording contract for Star Music.
“It’s all about passion din. Kasi kapag passionate din ako, magpapatuloy at magpapatuloy lahat ng biyaya,” said Angela.
Danica Ontengco.
Danica is from Muntinlupa City. She debuted in the series La Vida Lena as the sister of the antagonist. And with her finally inking her contract with Star Magic, she is excited for what’s to come.
“I feel humbled, blessed, grateful, and most of all, excited for what’s to come,” she said.
Angelica Lao.
Lao is from Valenzuela City who loves dancing. In her introductory video, Angelica said that she dreamt of being an actress ever since she was young. Finally, through ABS-CBN, she is about to fulfill her life-long dream.
And with that, Angelica said that she is happy and excited about the upcoming projects that the Network has in store for her.
“Napakasaya ko and I am very grateful na medyo kinakabahan and excited sa mga future projects na gagawin namin,” exclaimed Angelica.
Analain Salvador.
Analain is also related to Karla Estrada, Daniel Padilla, Philip Salvador, Marco Sison, and Alona Alegre. The pressure building up because of the names associated with her, she is certain that this is her time to shine.
“Masaya naman ako na nabigyan ako ng pagkakataon na ako naman ang magpakita ng kakayanan ko sa industriya bilang may dugong artista,” she said.
KD Estrada.
KD is from Parañaque and is part of the new breed of singers in ABS-CBN’s variety show, ASAP NATIN ‘TO! According to the young artist, he wants to take this opportunity to show the world that he is not just a musician, but an assortment of talents.
“I got into showbiz because gusto ko lang ipakita na hindi lang ako musician. I wanted to show that I can dance and I can also act,” he said.
Ashton Salvador.
This coming artist has a plethora of relatives from the showbiz industry. Ashton Salvador is related to Karla Estrada, Teen King Daniel Padilla, Philip Salvador, Marco Sison, and Alona Alegre.
Young Salvador admitted that he is indeed under a lot of pressure knowing he is related to many renowned artists in the industry. Still, he is up for the challenge as he aims to show that he can make a name for himself.
“Ang laki ng pressure. Pero at the same time, excited ako dahil mapapakita ko yung talento na hindi ko pa napapakita kahit kanino,” he confessed.
Renshi Rueso.
Renshi is part of the series La Vida Lena as Rambo Cabrera. He will also be seen in the upcoming Dreamscape series, Huwag Kang Mangamba. He is in the movie, Click Like & Share.
This young actor also loves playing games. Moreover, he is thankful that ABS-CBN for providing him the opportunity to pursue his passion.
“Sobrang happy ako dahil yung gusto kong ginagawa, napapagbigyan niyo ako. Maraming salamat sa inyong lahat.” Renshi said.
Raven Rigor.
Raven is a shy-type of person. But do not let his shyness fool you for he is also part of the upcoming teleserye under Dreamscape Entertainment called, Huwag Kang Mangamba.
Even with his weakness lingering inside him as he pursues his acting career, Raven is determined to not let this once-in-a-lifetime chance be wasted.
“Kahit takot ako and may doubt from time to time, alam ko it is a chance na hindi ko na dapat pakawalan,” Raven said.
Keann Johnson.
Keann was born in Chicago and pursued a modeling career. However, it’s as if fate has other plans for him, was pushed by his manager, who also discovered him, to have an acting career. He admitted that he did not see his self in the showbiz industry. But, he learned to enjoy it. That is why he is grateful to God for guiding him to the right path.
“I didn’t really see myself as being part of the industry. But the more I was pushed into it, the more I realize na, I start to enjoy it. Always thank God of course. If he hasn’t given me this wonderful path to my dream goal, again I wouldn’t be where I am,” shared Keann.
Nio Tria.
Nio is the son of actress Cherry Pie Picache. He started as a tennis player. But eventually, he also wants to follow in his mother’s footsteps. This young actor did not use his celebrity status to enter showbiz. ABS-CBN’s decision to give him a contract is a blessing in disguise; an opportunity which he will cherish.
“Hindi ko inakala na makakapasok ako sa film and television industry. It was a blessing in disguise. Sisiguraduhin ko na aalagaan ko ang blessing na ito,” he said.
Jimuel Pacquiao Jr.
Jinkee and boxing icon Manny Pacquiao’s eldest son has decided to enter showbiz. Still, with all the blessings that he and his family received, Jimuel’s parents gave him a piece of very useful advice—be humble.
“My parents always tell me to yun nga stay grounded all the time. Despite we are a blessed family. And always think God. Always have God in your life in everything you do para okay lahat,” he said.
This new breed of talents will also form the extension of the Gold Squad, called the Squad Plus, which was originally comprised of Andrea Brillantes, Francine Diaz, Kyle Echarri, and Seth Fedelin.
With ABS-CBN’s acquisition of these young and talented and promising stars, it’s as if they never lost any of their previous talents during their shutdown.
