Belle, Andrea, Francine, Jayda, Alexa, and Charlie talk about being in the spotlight while navigating a new era in show business
Related: Meet 5 Young And Stylish New Stars Of Social Media
Below is an excerpt from MEGA magazine’s June 2022 cover story.
The Big 30. This is no ordinary feat nor is it a mere celebration meant to only recognize existence. It carries more profoundness than just that. The commemoration is meant to honor the thousands of lives, billions of minutes, and immeasurable efforts that were dedicated to shaping the Star Magic of today.
During this momentous milestone, the entertainment behemoth puts their people in the limelight. And mind you, this is no unique gesture. Instead, it’s only standard practice for Star Magic. For three decades now, the agency has continually put their biggest assets in the forefront: their people.
“Of all the agencies available in the Philippines, why did you choose to join this one?” More often than not, talents who were asked this would have answers that carry a central theme: care and love for their talents.
“For me, ang dami ko na napanood na artistang talagang alaga ng Star Magic. At hanggang ngayon, kapag nakikita ko sila, masasabi mong inalagaan ’tong mga artista na ’to. ’Di sila pinabayaan,” shares Kadenang Ginto star, Francine Diaz, who’s been with the family for seven years now.
Should she describe her beloved agency in one word, Belle Mariano, a Star Magic talent for ten years now, picks “growth.” Her chosen modifier is rooted in how she views Star Magic: a space that propagates excellence and opportunities to reach one’s maximum potential.
With obvious reverence for the company that catapulted her into great heights, Belle expounds on why she’s part of the roster of talents. “What made me want to join Star Magic is that they always strive for excellence. Here, there are workshops na talagang bantay sila sa ’yo. Plus, the people within your environment also make you want to improve and learn. It’s just what I like.”
Truly, the talent agency arm of ABS-CBN has come a long way since its genesis in 1992. Its inception is all thanks to the creative genius of former ABS-CBN executive Freddie M. Garcia and former Star Magic head and resident director Johnny Manahan, or Mr. M, the moniker that he is fondly called. Star Magic’s success also wouldn’t have been possible without the virtuosity of former Star Magic head Mariole Alberto.
Previously coined as “Talent Center,” the agency’s present name only came to life 12 years after its birth. An apt title, its appellation came from the idea that stardom has no specific formula. With only a unique recipe for each talent and no exact measures to follow, it can only be concluded that this is not science. Instead, the combination of alchemy and magic is what is necessary to create a star. Hence, the name Star Magic was born by 2004.
Read more about Star Magic’s 30-year journey in MEGA’s June 2022 issue now available on Readly, Magzter, Press Reader and Zinio.
Photography JERICK SANCHEZ
Art direction NICOLE ALMERO
Fashion direction RYUJI SHIOMITSU
Beauty direction MIA CASTRO
Styling BEA GUERRERO, MIGUEL QUILANG and JOAQUIN RODRIGO (NEW COLLECTIVE STYLE) Makeup JAKE GALVEZ assisted by EFTEN EVARDOME (ALEXA, BELLE, and ANDREA), RB CHANCO assisted by KAITH TORRES (FRANCINE and CHARLIE), MICKEY SEE (JAYDA)
Hair RJ DELA CRUZ (ALEXA, BELLE, and ANDREA), JAY WEE (FRANCINE and CHARLIE), CHARLIE MANAPAT (JAYDA)
Sittings Editor JANN PASCUA
Photography Assistants CZAR ANDREI HERRERA, WILLIAM TAN, and BRAYAN BANAAG
Videography EXCEL PANLAQUE and JR RAMIREZ
Shoot coordination KZ FRANCISCO and MJ ALMERO
Shot on location SHERATON MANILA HOTEL
Special thanks to BELLE CAHULOGAN of SHERATON MANILA HOTEL, AJ JAVIER, BONITA PENARANDA, JOB DACON and RIAN FERNANDEZ
