In the fast-paced world of showbiz, a select few have risen to become the ultimate "Scene Stealers," they who captivate audiences with unexpected talent and unmatched charisma.
Their presence ignites new excitement, leaving audiences engaged and entertained.
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ANTHONY JENNINGS
Such is the case for Anthony Jennings, who has come to a measure of success since his debut as Alden Richards' brother in the 2019 blockbuster Hello, Love, Goodbye.
Recently, he may even be said to have touched stardom via the ABS-CBN primetime series Can't Buy Me Love, where he plays Snoop, the laid-back, funny friend of Donny Pangilinan's character, Andrei/Bingo.
Anthony's performance here is acknowledged by showbiz insiders as one of the secrets to the success of the series. His "kanal humor"—peppered with adlibs like "Mama mo!" and "Nakatapak ka ng jackpot!"—leaves viewers highly entertained.
Adding to the pot is the unmanufactured chemistry he has with Maris Racal, who portrays Irene.
The duo sparkles. The two blend "kanal humor" with "air-con humor." Coupled with their palpable on-screen spark, a new kind of charm has come to primetime television.
With social media amplifying his comedic moments on the show, Anthony, already coming in strong with talent and good looks, has also found luck on his side.
Can stardom be far behind?
Anthony Jennings
Full Name: Anthony Michael Jennings
Age: 23
Talent Management Company: Star Magic
Remarkable Projects: Love at First Stream (2021), Can’t Buy Me Love (2024)
Upcoming Project: TBA with Maris Racal
MICHELLE DEE
Much like Anthony, Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee has her showbiz career going on an upward trajectory that shows no sign of slowing down.
Taking after her mom, 1979 Miss International Melanie Marquez, Michelle is, moreover, a true fighter.
Following her Miss Universe Philippines win, a win met by doubters, she proved all skeptics wrong by clinching a spot in the Top 10 of the 2023 Miss Universe pageant.
Outside beauty pageants, Michelle also shows the special "it factor" perfect for showbiz.
Starting as a model in 2016, she has since dabbled in hosting and acting. She has also proven her range, from kicking butt in action scenes in Mga Lihim ni Urduja (2023) to charming audiences as guest host on It's Showtime.
There's definitely a lot to expect from Michelle as she wraps up her reign in May 2024.
Michelle Dee
Full Name: Michelle Daniela Marquez Dee
Age: 29
Talent Management Company: Sparkle GMA Artist Center
Remarkable Projects: Mga Lihim ni Urduja (2023), Black Rider (2023-2024)
Upcoming Project: Widow’s War
KAILA ESTRADA
People should keep an eye on Kaila Estrada.
Since making her acting debut in 2021, her every performance has gotten serious attention.
Her portrayals of Bettina in Can't Buy Me Love and Sylvia in the Prime Video series Linlang, although very different from each other, showcase her ability to take over a role.
In Linlang, her acting moments left netizens abuzz, even as she herself saw her role in it as a "breakthrough" and the "most challenging" in her career.
With every appearance, Kaila slowly solidifies her place in the industry. Not at all a shock to netizens because she is, after all, “ang anak ni Janice,” aka Janice de Belen; and also daughter of versatile, multi-awarded actor John Estrada.
Kaila Estrada
Full Name: Mikaela Ariana De Belen Estrada
Age: 28
Talent Management Company: Star Magic
Remarkable Projects: Viral Scandal (2021), Linlang (2023), Can’t Buy Me Love (2024)
Upcoming Projects: That Kind of Love and Fruit Cake (TBA)
HEAVEN PERALEJO
Viva has exciting plans for Heaven Peralejo, and rightly so, given her impressive track record in the primetime dramas The Iron Heart and Linlang.
No less than Veronique del Rosario, COO of Viva Artists Agency, recognizes Heaven's versatility.
So has the Film Academy of the Philippines, which named her 2023's Best Actress in a Leading Role, for her exceptional performance in the 2022 Metro Manila Film Festival movie Nanahimik ang Gabi.
She has also caught the attention of young audiences in her role as Luna Valeria in the TV adaptation of The Rain in España, which aired on Viva One in May 2023, drawing in fans of Wattpad stories.
From her beginnings in Pinoy Big Brother, Heaven has evolved as an actress, with the promise of more to come.
Heaven Peralejo
Full Name: Heaven Lyan Salvador Peralejo
Age: 24
Talent Management Company: Viva Artist Agency
Remarkable Projects:The Iron Heart (2023), Linlang (2023), Nanahimik ang Gabi (2022)
Upcoming Project: For the Love: Kahit Kailan (TBA)
ELIJAH CANLAS
Elijah Canlas has shown he is primed for stardom, with his readiness to embrace complex characters setting him apart.
One of his breakthrough roles came in 2019 with the film Kalel, 15, where critics said he was brilliant at the titular role. Indeed, the role secured him a rare total of seven Best Actor trophies at local and international film festivals.
His fans have trilled to his roles, whether as Cairo in the Boys Love series, Gameboys, or as Archie in Senior High/High Street.
Elijah has seamlessly transitioned from indie darling to mainstream sensation.
With each new role, he reaffirms his capacity as a versatile actor, leaving audiences eager to see what he will bring to the screen next.
Elijah Canlas.
Full Name: Elijah Luiz Madiclum Canlas
Age: 23
Talent Management Company: Cornerstone Entertainment
Remarkable Projects: Kalel, 15 (2019), He Who Is Without Sin (2020), Keys to the Heart (2023), GomBurZa (2023)
Upcoming Project: TBA
CHARLIE DIZON
Charlie Dizon has already proven she has acting chops.
Her talent was acknowledged with a Best Actress award for her role in the 2020 Metro Manila Film Festival movie, Fan Girl, which also starred Paulo Avelino.
Charlie showed versatility once more in the series Viral Scandal, in 2022, alongside Kaila Estrada.
She received a Best Actress nomination from the FAMAS in 2024 for her performance in Third World Romance.
As Charlie embarks on the next phase of her career, one thing is certain: much is expected from this gifted actress, and she's more than ready to exceed the expectations placed upon her.
Charlie Dizon
Full Name: April Rose Dizon Matienzo
Age: 28
Talent Management Company: Star Magic/Rise Artist Studio
Remarkable Projects: Fan Girl (2020), Four Sisters Before the Wedding (2020), The Bagman (2024)
Upcoming Project: TBA
ASHLEY ORTEGA
Ashley Ortega has been in showbiz for a decade, a reflection of her versatility and dedication.
Add to this, her performances as Jackie in Widow's Web (2022) and Ponggay in Hearts on Ice (2023) showcase her maturity as an actress.
The Cinemalaya 2023 film, As If It's True, where she played the role of a struggling social media influencer, also left many surprised.
Here she demonstrated the ability to convey emotions strongly without going over the top.
With ten years in the industry, Ashley Ortega continues to challenge herself with every new role.
Ashley Ortega
Full Name: Ashleigh Marguerretthe Krystalle Nordstrom Samson
Age: 25
Talent Management Company: Sparkle GMA Artist Center
Remarkable Projects: Widows' Web (2022), Hearts on Ice (2023), As If It's True (2023)
Upcoming Project: Pulang Araw
LIANNE VALENTIN AND FAITH DA SILVA
Sparkle GMA Artist Center boasts an impressive run of talents, among them Lianne Valentin and Faith da Silva, both of them outstanding as villains.
For those unfamiliar with her early career, Lianne began as a child star, appearing as an all bubbly host in 2009 for Tropang Potchi.
While she initially took on supporting or minor roles—such as in Kapag Nahati Ang Puso (2018), Dahil Sa Pa-ibig (2019), and Anak ni Waray vs Anak ni Biday (2020)— she eventually found her niche as a contravida.
Lianne's portrayal of Stella in Apoy sa Langit marked a breakthrough; she became the character you love to hate. Her role as Beatrice in Royal Blood sparked online buzz, further solidifying her talent and versatility with antagonistic roles.
Given her skill in portraying the villainess, there is every reason to expect Lianne to excel when she steps into the spotlight as leading lady.
Lianne Valentin
Full Name: Maria Leonor Valentino
Age: 22
Talent Management Company: Sparkle GMA Artist Center
Remarkable Projects: Royal Blood (2023), Lovers & Liars (2023)
Upcoming Project: TBA
Faith Da Silva's journey on Starstruck 2015 ended early with her elimination in the second round.
However, Sparkle GMA Artist Center, recognizing her potential, retained her in its roster. Starting with minor roles, Faith gradually carved her niche as a go-to kontrabida for the Kapuso network.
Her notable portrayals include Fareeda in Sahaya (2019), Agatha in Anak ni Waray vs. Anak ni Biday (2020), Scarlet Manansala/Carla Illustre in Las Hermanas (2021), and Carnation in Unica Hija (2022).
Netizens also took notice of Faith after she brought a campy twist to her Mongolian character Khatun Khublun in Mga Lihim ni Urduja.
Faith has fans excited after her announcement as Flamarra, one of the leads in the upcoming fantasy series Encantadia Chronicles: Sang'gre.
The excitement can only build up: Lianne and Faith are poised to become the Kapuso network's next "prima kontrabida."
Faith da Silva.
Full Name: Faith Daryl da Silva
Age: 23
Talent Management Company: Sparkle GMA Artist Center
Remarkable Projects: Maging Sino Ka Man (2023), Mga Lihim Ni Urduja (2023), Las Hermanas (2021)
Upcoming Project: Encantadia Chronicles: Sang’gre
KATE VALDEZ
There is much anticipation around Kate Valdez.
Kate has shown versatility in the bida-kontrabdida role of Mira in Encantadia (2016). She has been consistently good in subsequent projects: Onanay (2018), Sahaya (2019), and Anak ni Waray vs. Anak ni Biday (2020), among numerous others.
In Unica Hija (2022), her first titular role, Kate faced a significant test of her acting abilities. She surpassed expectations with flying colors!
Kate is set to star in some of the Kapuso network's biggest projects for 2024— taking on the lead role in the local adaptation of the K-drama series, Shining Inheritance; and reprising the role of Mira in Encantadia Chronicles: Sang'gre.
These projects are expected to propel her career to new heights.
Kate Valdez.
Full Name: Keith Eliana Habala Sisante
Age: 23
Talent Management Company: Sparkle GMA Artist Center
Remarkable Projects: Encantadia (2016), Unica Hija (2022)
Upcoming Projects: Shining Inheritance, Encantadia Chronicles: Sang’gre, and Dream Walker
LIEZEL LOPEZ
Praise is going the way of Liezel Lopez, whose portrayal of kontrabida roles has been compelling.
Lizel started in StarStruck's sixth season in 2015. She started her career with minor roles, in the series Magkaibang Mundo (2016), Alyas Robin Hood (2016), and My Love from the Star (2017).
Her recent portrayals as contravida are what have shone the spotlight on her the brightest.
Liezel was a standout as Zandra in Voltes V: Legacy and Shaira in Asawa ng Asawa Ko, and firmly establishes herself as a talent to watch in 2024.
Liezel Lopez.
Full Name: Liezel Marie Arintoc Lopez
Age: 26
Talent Management Company: Sparkle GMA Artist Center
Remarkable Projects: Asawa ng Asawa Ko (2024), Voltes V: Legacy (2023)
Upcoming Project: TBA
Get ready to witness the rise of these scene-stealing sensations as they carve out a niche in the world of showbiz.
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