by Nickie Wang
It is hard to penetrate showbiz and it is even harder to keep your star shining once you are able get in. But there are people who seem born to become the protagonists in television or movies. It’s in their names or actually it’s already in their genes.
Most showbiz scions have easy access to the world of entertainment. Instead of going through a lot of go-sees and tedious audition process, their surnames alone (and a referral from their parents and relatives) are their sure ticket to stardom. The following names are among the most visible talents in showbiz today, reason being, they all have what it takes to be in klieg lights.
Nipping at the heels of their parents and relatives in show business, these next generation stars are ready to take their turn to be in the spot light. And as they continuously explore their ability, it is likely they will find their real staying power in the world of entertainment.
Jennica Garcia
After getting a real start as Karen Manasala in Impostora, a drama series on GMA-7 that starred Sunshine Dizon and Iza Calzado, her biggest break came in when she was cast in Adik Sa ‘Yo opposite Dennis Trillo. Their onscreen tandem didn’t earn good reviews and so as the series but that didn’t stop Jennica to prove her worth. She once worked with her mother, Jean Garcia in Sine Novela Ina Kasusuklaman Ba Kita? and finally earned praises for her acting skills. Currently, she juggles her time between primetime series Bantatay and sitcom JejeMom. When the 20-year-old star shifted to comedy, she already made a statement that she can also be a versatile actress just like her mom.
Andi Eigenmann
This 20-year-old lass who belongs to the Eigenmann clan is something of a phenomenon. Perhaps the perfect blend of star factor and family connection made her one of the most recognizable showbiz scions today. Landing on a solid role in the top-rating Agua Bendita earned her the moniker “new primetime princess.” Though criticized for not being better than her mother, she was still able to leave an impression that millions of viewers will not forget. Until now, there are still few people that imitate her innocent portrayal of Agua.
Andi has recently signed a three-picture contract with Regal Films. Currently, she is honing her hosting skills by regularly appearing on Asap XV. Her parents Mark Gil and Jacklyn Jose must be very proud. She will soon star in a Sunday afternoon series.
Felix Roco
He was first seen as a kid making guest appearances in several TV programs together with his twin brother Dominic but it was only in 2005 that he got his first break when he became part of a reality love-team search called Qpids. After that he appeared on five TV projects in GMA-7 as a contract artist. In early 2010, his star only got brighter when he went back to ABS-CBN.
While Felix’s twin brother still plays bit roles in Kapuso network, the 21-one year-old actor is slowly creating a name and even become more recognizable for playing the snobbish brat who is the love interest of Empress Schuck in the afternoon soap Rosalka.
Elmo Magalona
He is practically a neophyte in showbiz so he still has plenty of time to hit superstardom. A lot of people are reminded by his late father every time he performs on the stage in Party Pilipinas. It is also the same venue where most of his fans get to see his pleasant charm.
A leading man and a record star in the making, Elmo already stole the hearts of many young girls who voted him as one of the top celebrity boys of 2010 in a poll spearheaded by a teen magazine. With his latest roles in Kaya ng Powers and Bantatay, 16-year-old Elmo is creating a bigger fan base compared to her other siblings who first took the shot in showbiz. He is also set to release an album before the year ends.
Bela Padilla
Being a distant relative to Robin Padilla is an advantage for her and she is proud to admit that. Bela, born Krista Sullivan, is rather known for playing an antagonist role in Endless Love, and actually became famous after having a reported rift with co-star Marian Rivera. But even before showing her villain side, Bela already had made a name for herself as a teenybopper star in ABS-CBN. She appeared on Star Magic Presents: Abt Ur Luv Ur Lyf 2 then hopped in two other stations for several projects. The statuesque 19-year-old beauty had her big screen debut in Maricel Soriano starrer Bahay Kubo, followed by BFF and You To Me Are Everything. She is set to continue her primetime television stint as one of the cast members of Captain Barbell remake.
VERY WANG 