There are hundreds of pretty faces in showbiz, male and female. Starmakers—producers, directors, talent managers, company bosses, publicists—will admit that a pretty face is the first thing that catches their eye.
Not only is a face the most obvious asset, they say unapologetically, they cannot ignore that show business operates to a high degree on visuals.
The would-be star's face must be attractive, handsome, riveting, beautiful.
That said, starmakers must explain why it is that in the end not every pretty face makes it in showbiz, and why the prettiest and the handsomest do not always make it to the top of the heap.
Read: PEP'S Best Bets for Stardom 2024 and the criteria for the PEP Editors' Choices
PEP BEST BETS 2024: A-LISTERS
The Showbiz A-Listers are on top. They are those who get the pick of the good roles, who are top of mind for big productions, who can even dictate who they co-star with, who command the highest pay checks, who are the center of expensive promotional and marketing strategies, and who go on to collect even bigger checks with endorsements.
Who becomes a Showbiz A-Lister?
Four major Starmakers—Laurenti Dyogi for Star Magic, Joy Marcelo for Sparkle, Veronique del Rosario for Viva, and Roselle Monteverde for Regal—share their theories and notes with PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) in separate interviews over the first quarter of 2024.
- Who are the Kapuso stars primed for stardom this 2024?
- Who are the Viva stars primed for stardom?
- Who are Regal Entertainment's Best Bets for Stardom?
- Who are the Star Magic Best Bets for 2024?
These Starmakers are the best resource persons in town, of course. Among them, they count more than 1,500 talents: 300 for Star Magic, 500 for Sparkle, 600 for Viva Artists Agency, and an unrevealed number for Regal Entertainment.
Unarguably, the talent-management companies they head are responsible for a big percentage of the biggest stars we can name today.
In addition to these interviews, The PEP Team goes into several huddles over several months. Having covered the showbiz scene for 17 years and running, its editors, reporters, contributors, and columnists are more than qualified to weigh in.
The question they tackle: If being beautiful and being handsome are not a guarantee of stardom, what is?
Put another way, who become the benchmark for newcomers wanting to make it big in showbiz? Who are taking over today? Who are the Showbiz A-Listers of 2024?
Here are PEP's BEST BETS FOR A-LISTERS OF 2024.
The PEP List you see here is ranked: Male A-Listers No. 1 to No. 5 and Female A-Listers No. 1 to No. 7.
NO. 1 JOSHUA GARCIA, TOP MALE A-LISTER
Ten years after his stint as teen housemate on Pinoy Big Brother: All In, Joshua Garcia has become a matinee idol who can go viral with a dance of less than 15 seconds on TikTok.
Yet he does not see himself as a content creator and has released only 14 TikTok videos in a span of two years. But all have gone viral, raking in 20M to 150M views per post in one day.
To give a measure of his celebrity, in 2022 the common utensils he used at a roadside Bulacan eatery became a trending topic and became the stuff of headlines after netizens went crazy bidding for them as souvenir items.
Maybe this should not be so surprising. After all, from his very first movie in 2016, Joshua has captivated fans. That was as the male lead opposite female lead Julia Barretto in that year's Metro Manila Film Fest entry, Vince, Kath, & James.
As early as then, he was dubbed the “next John Lloyd Cruz.” This meant that his boy-next-door looks did not go unnoticed, and his ability to nail awkward-but-cute moments, as much as tear-jerker scenes, worked well for him.
The movie gave birth to his onscreen loveteam with Julia Barretto, a loveteam tapped for three movies and one prime-time ABS-CBN series.
That Joshua can stand on his own as a serious actor is something he proved in The Good Son, a mystery family drama,
He owned the role of an illegitimate son who is blamed for his father's murder. In both intense confrontation scenes and heavy dramatic expositions, Joshua could get viewers feeling for his character.
In his next projects, he showed onscreen chemistry with various leading ladies, including Janella Salvador, Jodi Sta. Maria, and Gabbi Garcia.
That he is an endorser for Jollibee, a very popular Pinoy fastfood chain, plus other big brands like Rebisco, TNT, Oppo, and RC Cola, certainly shows he is trusted by big business and considered an influential celebrity.
Full Name: Joshua Espineli Garcia
Age: 26
Talent Management Company: Star Magic
Remarkable Projects: Unbreak My Heart, The Good Son, The Greatest Love, Vince & Kath & James, Love You To The Stars And Back
Upcoming Project: It's Okay To Not Be Okay PH version
No. 2 RURU MADRID
Ruru Madrid worked his way to becoming a performer who can hold his own in the company of stars.
He was cast in supporting roles in four GMA-7 TV series before being given the chance to headline teleseryes with various leading ladies.
He was teamed up with Gabbi Garcia in Let The Love Begin, Naku Boss Ko!, and Sherlock Jr.
Sherlock Jr. was Ruru's first title role. Here he appears more mature as he plays a detective determined to find the person behind his girlfriend's murder. His crying scene with Ai-Ai delas Alas makes it clear he's on his way to bigger projects.
The series also provides comic relief and romance, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
Ruru gained even more of a following when he played Ybarro in the 2016 remake of Encantadia.
Aside from his unexpected teamup with Kylie Padilla, the series gave him the chance to prove his talent as a serious actor and potential action star.
He finally proved his mettle as a solo star in the hit Kapuso prime-time series Lolong.
In a 2022 interview on PEP Live, he admitted that the project came at a time when he was almost ready to turn his back on showbiz.
In the end, he says the delays and difficulties the show went through at the height of the pandemic were worth the trouble when the audience received the show well.
The show also paved the way for Ruru to headline his ongoing prime-time series, Black Rider, which required him to go through mixed martial arts and motorcycle-riding training.
In an interview on Fast Talk With Boy Abunda, Ruru admitted that becoming an action star was his childhood dream.
It also set him up for a unique position among other male stars of his generation who typically go for the matinee-idol route.
The show briefly reunited him with Kylie, who did a special participation as Ruru's wife at the beginning of the series.
Although they are not a couple in real life, many of their fans still love how they look together onscreen, especially in the scenes where they stare at each other.
The part where he screams in terror when Kylie is killed in front of him, and how he later crawls toward her to reach for her hands, is one of the most unforgettable episodes in the series.
Most recently in Black Rider, the bloody and brutal attack against his loved ones, including his mother and best friends, showcased once more how good Ruru has become at handling dramatic and fight scenes.
Full Name: José Ezekiel Misa Madrid,
Age: 26
Talent Management Company: Sparkle
Remarkable Projects: Lolong, Encantadia 2016
Ongoing Project: Black Rider
no. 3 DAVID LICAUCO
David Licauco waited for his time to shine in the spotlight, and when it came, he positively glowed. Offers came from left and right.
He took viewers by surprise when he played his notable role as the arrogant but soft-hearted Fidel in Maria Clara at Ibarra.
His chemistry with Barbie Forteza paved the way for him to level up to main-character exposure in the top-rating Kapuso primetime series.
David turned on the charm in the scenes where he acts overly confident around Barbie’s character, who initially dislikes his superior attitude. Then, when he shows unexpected kindness, he eventually convinces her that he’s a gentleman at heart.
As the series progressed, the creators of the show gave David scenes that framed his acting range.
In the episode where he confessed his feelings for Klay, he was believable as an old-fashioned suitor professing his sincere intentions to a beloved.
Without breaking the seriousness in his tone, he threw a punchline about how lucky Klay was to land a wealthy and sought-after bachelor like him as suitor. Then he swept viewers’ off their feet again as he declared his intention to marry Klay.
Another episode where David captivated viewers was when his character shed tears in the middle of an argument with Klay. Just when she thought he was being selfish, he caught her by surprise when he tearfully delivered the line, “Dahil kung pati ikaw ay mawala, baka hindi ko na kayanin pa."
In the movie Without You, where he’s paired with Shaira Diaz, David was also convincing as a playboy who changes for the better as he realizes that he doesn’t want to lose the girl he loves.
It works to David's advantage that he has a poker face that can transform into the charming boy-next-door when he smiles. If he puts his mind to it, David can score more roles that will reveal his depth as an actor.
Full Name: David Alexander Sy Licauco
Age: 29
Talent Management Company: ALV Talent Circuit and Sparkle
Remarkable Projects: Maria Clara At Ibarra, Without You
Upcoming Project: Pulang Araw
no. 4 MIGUEL TANFELIX
Miguel Tanfelix is one fine dramatic actor who not only has the looks but the right attitude when it comes to work.
Off cam, he is quiet and unassuming. But once on the set, he consistently gives his all especially in heavy scenes.
One such example is his breakdown scene in Sahaya, where he confesses his real feelings for Sahaya (Bianca Umali) as well as his anger and jealousy of her love interest.
He starts off calm, and then lets his pent-up emotions build up through the heated conversation. Tears pool in his eyes, but he doesn’t let them fall until he finally admits, “Hindi ko kayang mawala ka sa akin.”
In Kambal, Karibal, he also had a viral confrontation scene with Marvin Agustin, whose sarcasm brought out intense emotions from Miguel. It required Miguel to deliver tears of anger over the murder of his grandfather.
He earned praise from viewers who noted how he held his own in a crucial scene with a veteran actor.
Miguel’s efforts to hone his craft paid off when GMA-7 trusted him to lead the ensemble cast of the megaseries Voltes V: Legacy, the first live action adaptation of the popular anime from the ‘90s.
The series also showcased Miguel's forte in drama. He does not overdo it, but his preparation for his character shows as he delivers just what is needed for the scene to work.
That he can elicit kilig from viewers is already tried and tested in his successful love team with Bianca, and most recently with Ysabel Ortega.
His love confession, when he believed Ysabel’s character in Voltes V was sleeping, thrilled fans. Close-ups of his handsome face certainly added to the kilig.
Full Name: Miguel Torrejos Tanfelix
Age: 25
Talent Management Company: Sparkle and Tyronne Escalante
Remarkable Projects: Voltes V: Legacy; Sahaya; Kambal, Karibal, Niño
Recent Project: Voltes V: Legacy
no. 5 KELVIN MIRANDA
Kelvin Miranda proves he has what it takes to be a matinee idol.
He has the looks and the talent to thrill fans no matter who the leading lady is, it seems.
It’s in the way he uses his soulful eyes to make his onscreen partner melt, coupled with the way he delivers lines in his deep, raspy voice that seems to say “I want to protect you."
That he also looks and sounds like Daniel Padilla doesn't hurt.
Kelvin’s first big break came when he was made to star opposite Mikee Quintos in 2018 in The Lost Recipe.
Created by GMA Public Affairs, the series aired on GMA News TV, the subsidiary free-TV channel of GMA-7, but the story material and its audience impact would have registered just as well in the main channel’s primetime block.
One of Kelvin’s shining moments in the series was when he lets tears fall down his face as he quietly listens to Mikee telling him about how she was hurt by his betrayal. It showed that he can deliver not just romance but also drama.
Seeing that he was ready for a bigger opportunity, GMA-7 paired him with Beauty Gonzalez in the hit May-December affair series, Loving Miss Bridgette.
Tackling a teacher-student love story, Kelvin played a persistent suitor to his guidance counselor, who tried to resist his charm but eventually fell for his genuine care for her. His chemistry with Beauty was so undeniable that they were later chosen to star in the film After All.
And yet Kelvin was also effective when he played Beauty’s younger brother in the sitcom Walang Matigas Na Pulis Sa Matinik Na Misis.
His reliability and bankability as an actor landed him the spot as one of four sang’gres in Encantadia Chronicles: Sang’gre, the spin-off from the successful fantaserye franchise of GMA-7.
He’s the only male among the lead cast that includes Bianca Umali, Angel Guardian, and Faith Da Silva.
Full Name: Kelvin Manalili Miranda
Age: 25
Talent Management Company: Sparkle
Remarkable Projects: Loving Miss Bridgette, The Lost Recipe
Recent Project: Chances Are, You and I
Upcoming Project: Encantadia Chronicles: Sang'gre
no. 1 BARBIE FORTEZA, TOP FEMALE A-LISTER
Time and again, Barbie Forteza gives notice that she is this Next Generation's bankable lead star from GMA-7.
She delivers—and delivers beyond expectations—in top-rating Kapuso primetime shows like Meant To Be (2017), Inday Will Always Love You (2018), Kara Mia (2019), and Anak Ni Biday vs. Anak Ni Wary (2020-2021).
What makes her stand out is that she can do anything—drama, romance, and comedy, and do them all really well.
In Meant To Be, she is an ordinary tour guide pursued by four good-looking men, played by Ken Chan, Ivan Dorschner, Jak Roberto, and Addy Raj. Her comic yet kilig interactions with them, plus the thrill of seeing who she would choose in the end, turned it into a fun series to watch.
Her girl-next-door charm also works in family dramas like Kara Mia, where she plays Kara, the loving sister of self-centered Mia, played by Mika dela Cruz. The two share one body but are eventually separated through the intervention of a mythical creature.
Her flair for drama and comedy earned her a reputation as the Maricel Soriano of her generation. Even respected starbuilder Johnny Manahan said so in his one-on-one interview with Alden Richards for GMA-7 in February 2023.
And so when Barbie co-headlined the TV adaptation of the movie Anak Ni Waray Vs. Anak Ni Biday (2020), it was only fitting that she got the part played by Maricel in 1984.
Barbie maintained, however, that she opted not to see the original version of the movie because she wanted to give the role her own take.
But, as she told PEP in a 2020 interview, “Pero, siyempre, wala naman pong makakatalo sa nag-iisang Maricel Soriano, so huwag na po nating i-achieve.
"Huwag na nating subukan pang i-achieve, di ba? Gawan na lang natin ng panibago... re-imagined version."
The dramatic scene where Barbie bravely confronts Dina Bonnevie who refuses to accept her as biological daughter was certainly feisty, just as Maricel would play it, but Barbie still owned it: she was resolute but did away with the taray factor.
Barbie again blew everyone away with her remarkable performance as Binibining Klay in Maria Clara at Ibarra.
Her comic timing was evident in her portrayal of a GenZ Filipina transported into the world of Noli Me Tangere.
Her love-hate relationship with the character of David Licauco gave birth to their unexpected teamup, now known as BarDa.
While much is correctly credited to the series creators, even they acknowledge Barbie's role in bringing life to a "multidimensional character."
In a 2022 interview with PEP, the show's creative consultant and head writer Suzette Doctolero described Barbie as someone who can lead a show by virtue of her acting prowess.
In her words, "Siya si Klay mismo. Siya si Klay na sa bawat eksena—kaya niyang umiyak, tumawa at patawanin ang audience, kaya niya yun."
Full Name: Barbara Ambas Forteza
Age: 26
Talent Management Company: Sparkle
Remarkable Projects: Maria Clara At Ibarra, Anak Ni Waray vs. Anak Ni Biday, Meant To Be, Kara Mia, The Half Sisters
Upcoming Project: Pulang Araw
no. 2 JULIE ANNE SAN JOSE
Best known as a talented singer-songwriter, it appears that Julie Anne San Jose is determined to live up to her moniker as GMA-7’s Limitless Star.
In 2022 to 2023, she wowed viewers when she owned the role of Maria Clara in the hit series Maria Clara at Ibarra.
Her Maria Clara goes from a sheltered, convent-bred girl easily discomfited by Klay’s (Barbie Forteza) quirky and modern behavior to one who develops the courage to stand her ground in a male-dominated world where a woman’s voice has no bearing.
The heavy dramatic scene where she confronts Padre Damaso (Tirso Cruz III) about siring her trended and earned her rave reviews.
Tirso shedding tears quietly complements Julie Anne’s fury about being betrayed by her parentage. Her last retort to Tirso, “Sumpain nawa tayong lahat ng Panginoon!,” was unforgettable.
The project showed another side to Julie, one that signalled she was fit to be seen in more acting roles.
Proving she is open to out-of-the-box roles, Julie starred in The Cheating Game, a romantic film with an unexpected twist about people involved in a video scandal. Partly shot in 2020 and 2023, parts of the movie showed how Julie Anne has become more comfortable acting opposite reel-and-real-life sweetheart Rayver Cruz.
In 2021, she headlined the Kapuso primetime series Heartful Cafe, which showed her openness to romantic comedies and her fresh teamup with David Licauco.
One of the series' highlights shows Julie Anne attempting to resist her attraction to David as he removes his shirt after she accidentally spills coffee on him.
Aside from her acting stints, Julie Anne makes time for her first love: music. Last March 2, 2024, she collaborated with Erik Santos for the concert Love Bound, held at the New Performing Arts Theater.
She also proved her A-game as co-host of Seasons 2 to 5 of The Clash, the popular reality singing competition of GMA-7.
Full Name: Julie Anne Peñaflorida San Jose
Age: 30
Talent Management Company: Sparkle
Remarkable Project: Maria Clara at Ibarra
Recent projects: The Cheating Game and The Clash
no. 3 MARIS RACAL
Whether or not she’s the lead star, Maris Racal leaves her mark.
She owned the role of a haughty rich girl in the hit Can’t Buy Me Love, a primetime TV series that also aired on Netflix.
Her line delivery could have been irritating and too maarte from someone else, but from her it was all good.
With the help of a good story arc, her clandestine meetings with Anthony Jennings so that he gets her regular stash of alcohol turned into kilig scenes that viewers trilled to. She knows how to turn on the charm with the right facial expression and body language, complementing Anthony’s funny antics during their encounters.
Maris also shows her acting range with Prime Video’s Simula Sa Gitna, where she plays a guardian trying to earn brownie points in purgatory in order to get to heaven. A flashback breakdown scene where she cusses at her ex for spreading a video of their intimate moments is in stark contrast to a present-day scene where she silently sheds tears over her dark past.
She can pull off funny roles, too, such as when she plays a TikTok influencer out to replace sex doctor-TV host Angelica Panganiban in the online series The Kangks Show, or the one where she plays an aspiring nun possessed by a gay pageant candidate in the movie Here Comes The Groom.
As singer-songwriter, Maris has composed hit songs arranged and produced by her boyfriend Rico Blanco, including “Ate Sandali” and “Asa Naman,” as well as “Not For Me” and “Abot Langit.”
In real life, she is open about being in a happy relationship with Rico, posing snaps with him on her Instagram feed.
They had already been a couple for two years when Maris confirmed in September 2021 that they were together. In Dr. Vicki Belo’s February 2024 vlog, Maris said Rico understands how much she loves her work in the same way that she supports his career.
The bubbly singer-actress added that there was “freedom” in being real about her personal life while enjoying success in her work life.
Full Name: Mariestella Cañedo Racal
Age: 26
Talent Management Company: Star Magic
Remarkable Projects: Can't Buy Me Love, Simula Sa Gitna, Here Comes The Groom, The Kangks Show
Recent Project: Can't Buy Me Love
no. 4 BIANCA UMALI
Bianca Umali made drama her forte from the very start.
Her first lead role was in Mga Basang Sisiw (2013), GMA-7’s adaptation of the 1981 movie of the same title headlined by Julie Vega, Janice de Belen, and Sheryl Cruz.
She was cast as the eldest daughter among a brood of five who are forced to live on the streets after their stepmother, taking advantage of their father’s amnesia, renders them homeless.
It was Bianca’s training ground for heavy drama scenes at the age of 13.
By the time she starred in Kambal Karibal (2015), Bianca had proven that she deserved her spot as a lead star.
She matched acting wits with top-notch performers Jean Garcia and Carmina Villarroel.
The scene where a fearful Bianca sobs as she explains to her boss (Carmina) the injustice done her by the boss’s daughter (Kyline Alcantara) shows Bianca in a touching, nuanced performance.
To top that, Bianca manages to look good while looking fearful and sobbing!
Bianca’s delivery of shock, anger, and joy when she discovers that her dead sister has possessed Cheska’s body (Kyline) is one of the most applauded scenes in the series.
GMA-7, recognizing Bianca’s strength as a dramatic actress, entrusts her with lead roles in such cultural and drama series as Sahaya and Legal Wives.
What's more, Bianca registers good chemistry with various leading men she works with, from Miguel Tanfelix, Migo Adecer, Dennis Trillo to Ruru Madrid.
When she worked with Dennis in Legal Wives, fans rooted for their teamup after they pulled off a light romance in a show marked with drama, conflict, and intrigue.
She and Miguel Tanfelix, meantime, proved to be pros as they worked together in Sahaya, which aired more than a year after they broke up.
Full Name: Maria Isadora Bianca Soler Umali
Age: 24
Talent Management Company: Sparkle
Remarkable Projects: Legal Wives, Sahaya, Kambal Karibal, Mga Basang Sisiw
Upcoming Project: Encantadia Chronicles: Sang'gre
NO. 5 GABBI GARCIA
Gabbi Garcia, who is marking her tenth year in show business, has bloomed into a serious actress.
She was 16 when she landed her first lead role via GMA-7’s afternoon romantic-drama series Let The Love Begin.
It was a big break for her loveteam with Ruru Madrid, whose love-hate relationship in the series drew kilig vibes from fans.
Her character’s family background also gave Gabbi the chance to show what she could do in dramatic scenes.
But it was in Pamilya Roces where she surprised viewers with the ability to handle a strong bida-kontrabida persona. In one confrontation scene where she and the battle-tested Katrina Halili exchange barbs in a public place, Gabbi holds her own.
Another memorable role for Gabbi was as Sang’gre Alena in the fantasy drama series Encantadia 2016.
Many fans of her teamup with Ruru felt her character’s heartbreak as she delivered the line: “iba ang minamahal sa iniibig.” It was the scene where she discovers that her one great love had fallen for her sister Amihan (Kylie Padilla). In the end, she chose to set Ruru free in a scene that was free of hysterics yet had viewers in tears.
In another scene, she cried quietly as she finds herself alone in the forest, showing how a breakdown scene doesn’t have to be loud in tone or grand in movement to make an impact.
Gabbi and Kylie also worked well as sisters in the drama fantasy series Mga Lihim Ni Urduja.
It also showed a different side to Gabbi, who owned her role as a girly girl, but was also believable as Kylie's ally in the combat against their enemies.
In Unbreak My Heart, Gabbi again held her own in intense scenes with the excellent Jodi Sta. Maria and Joshua Garcia.
These include the controversial wedding scene where Gabbi reveals Jodi and Joshua’s secret love affair, as well as the thrilling sequence where Gabbi and Jodi fight Joshua who attempts to kidnap Jodi.
Full Name: Gabriella Louise Ortega Lopez
Age: 25
Talent Management Company: Sparkle
Remarkable Projects: Unbreak My Heart, Mga Lihim Ni Urduja, Encantadia 2016
Upcoming Project: Encantadia Chronicles: Sang'gre
NO. 6 BEAUTY GONZALEZ
Beauty Gonzalez is proof that a female star can have a successful career even after marriage.
The 33-year-old Cebuana was married at the young age of 25, but went on to score more lead roles after.
Her role as Romina in the top-rating Kapamilya afternoon series, Kadenang Ginto, made her a household name. The series was a perfect venue for her to be bida-kontrabida, which is what viewers love to see in the afternoon block on TV.
Her feisty confrontation scenes with Dimples Romana always went viral, including the scene where Beauty unexpectedly attacks Dimples inside prison and when Beauty brings a demolition team to tear down the house where Dimples lives.
When she transferred to GMA-7, Beauty made waves with her fresh teamup with Kelvin Miranda, which was well-received by viewers. Despite their seven-year age gap, their tandem clicked because of their chemistry onscreen and their ability to deliver romantic-comedy feels.
She showed the same flair for rom-com in the 2014 comedy-drama series, Dream Dad (2014), where she teamed up with Zanjoe Marudo. In the series, she played an old-fashioned, devoted executive assistant to her boss, who gradually falls for her simplicity and kind heart.
The elevator scene where Zanjoe asks Beauty to fix his necktie, and another scene where he offers her the choice of a hug or his jacket, captivated viewers. The two came off relaxed and their light banter made their moments credible.
Both Beauty and Zanjoe also established rapport with then child star Jana Agoncillo, who kept joining Zanjoe because she believed he was her long-lost father.
Beauty’s role in Stolen Life proved to be another acting vehicle as she played a bida-kontrabida in a story about soul-switching.
The finale scene where Beauty's character’s exhibits the full measure of her mental instability—alternately crying, sounding gleeful, and feeling guilty about burying Carla alive—proves how she has grown into one fine actress.
Her openness, unassuming attitude, and ability to deliver what she is contracted to do seem to be the reasons why she always gets TV work.
In 2023, she also starred in the MMFF entry Kampon, and in another horror flick, In My Mother’s Skin.
Full Name: Christine Marie Gonzalez Crisologo
Age: 33
Talent Management Company: Aguila Entertainment
Remarkable Projects: Loving Miss Bridgette, Kadenang Ginto, Dream Dad
Recent Project: After All
NO. 7 JANELLA SALVADOR
Janella Salvador was dubbed a “triple threat” by star maker Johnny Manahan, aka Mr. M.
In a 2020 interview with PEP, Mr. M explained that Janella’s ability to sing, dance, and act gives her an edge among other female leads in her generation.
As an actress, she shone in the Kapuso prime-time series The Killer Bride (2019-2020).
In the series, Janella agreed to be Maja Salvador’s secret accomplice in the latter’s revenge plot against those responsible for her murder.
Janella earned praise for her perfect delivery of Maja’s character in convincing the townsfolk that she was possessed by Maja whom everyone believed was already dead.
She proved that shocking scenes don’t need to be executed in traditional loud fashion, and that nonverbal acting—or what is commonly called by netizens the “mata-mata acting”—works in conveying the right emotion.
One such scene was when Janella acted as if possessed by Maja at a party. From her character’s usually meek demeanor, she transforms into a possessed woman, widening her eyes and making her facial expression mirror Maja’s signature fierce look.
Janella also spiced up ABS-CBN’s remake of Mars Ravelo’s Darna when she played Valentina. It was a kontrabida role, but she won viewers’ hearts with her effective portrayal of a ruthless half-serpent half-human creature.
Her ability to establish chemistry with her co-stars was also seen in the way fans rooted for her and Jane even though they were each other’s nemesis in the show.
Regal Entertainment has a movie lined up for them, based on PEP’s January 2024 interview with the company CEO Roselle Monteverde.
Janella surprised fans when she co-headlined the romantic-comedy film Parallel Skies with Thai heartthrob Win Metawin early this year. She played the role of a receptionist in a Hong Kong hotel where she meets a wealthy Thai bachelor searching for his mom.
Not only did Janella work on her rapport with Win, she made her character more credible by putting on a strong Filipino accent when she spoke English. Her role required her to be bubbly and full of antics, in contrast to Win's serious demeanor.
Her versatility comes as no surprise as she was a reliable drama actress in her very first film, The Haunted Mansion, and in the thriller movie Bloody Crayons.
Full Name: Janella Maxine Desiderio Salvador
Age: 26
Talent Management Company: Star Magic
Remarkable Projects: The Killer Bride, Mars Ravelo's Darna, Bloody Crayons, Oh My G!, Born For You
Upcoming Project: The Heiress
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