Joaquin Arce, son of film producer Neil Arce, is stepping into the spotlight as one of ABS-CBN Star Magic’s newest artists and is doing so with the support of his stepmother, actress Angel Locsin.
At the launch of the latest batch of Star Magic talents, Joaquin shared his admiration for Angel, who has been on hiatus from showbiz and social media. Her surprise gesture of reposting his launch photo on Instagram stirred buzz online, marking her first public post in years.
The Instagram Story featured Joaquin’s photo with the message: “Me, your mom and your dad are very proud of you. Can’t wait to work with you.”
“She broke her silence for so long, especially on Instagram, just to repost my launch. I’m grateful. Even if, kahit step mom ko sya, fan din ako,” Joaquin said during the press conference last Friday at ELJ Restaurant.
Tall, athletic and good-looking, Joaquin is among ten new artists the network is betting on. Many of this year’s Star Magic launches come from showbiz families.
Among them are the Mitra sisters Ezri, Tasha and Julia, daughters of Raul and Cacai Mitra and nieces of “Asia’s Songbird” Regine Velasquez. The trio earned praise for their polish and musical talents, traits they inherited from both parents and their aunt.
“I’m very proud and I just wanna tell the girls one of these things will go away but this sisters were more important talaga, for me ha. ‘Wag kayong mag-away-away,” said Regine. “Kasi mahirap to work with family talaga. But again lahat ng ito mawawala pero ang kapatid mo will stay for you forever. I’m so proud of you girls!”
Cacai, who co-manages her daughters’ careers, reminded them to stay grounded. “Just enjoy the ride” and be “respectful, professional and never complain.” She added, “Kung magko-complain kayo, sa house lang.”
Angelina Cruz, the eldest daughter of ex-couple Cesar Montano and Sunshine Cruz, also joined the roster. She received support from her parents and sisters Samantha and Francheska. Angelina, who hopes to balance music with acting, plays the piano and ukulele and enjoys drawing.
“My heart and my love is there with you to celebrate with you. I‘ll see you soon. I love you. I can’t be more proud,” said Cesar in a recorded message.
“It fills me with immense pride to see you officially and finally become an artista. A dream you’ve held close for so long. Your dedication to self improvement has always inspired me and now that you achieved your college degree, just as I wish for you and your siblings, now you have my complete and unwavering support, 1001 % ‘yan anak,” said Sunshine.
Angelina is set to appear in the upcoming series “The Alibi” starring Kim Chiu and Paolo Avelino.
Twelve-year-old Michelle Garcia, daughter of Patrick Garcia and Nikka Martinez-Garcia, was the youngest of the group. Despite her age, she already has performance credits with P-pop group BINI at the Araneta Coliseum and Philippine Arena.
“Actually my dad didn’t influence me; it came from me. I would watch K-pop, P-pop, everything! So from watching that, I wanted to perform,” she said.
Carmella Ford, daughter of Karla Estrada and youngest sibling of Daniel Padilla, joined the event with her mother and co-manager. A standout in the recent Star Magic All-Star Games, Carmella was named to the Mythical Six and is eyeing action-packed roles.
“I hope to grow and to prove myself and to create my own path here in the industry,” she said.
Iñigo Jose, son of actor James Blanco, was introduced alongside his mother Tania Creighton and his brother.
“Time to Dance” grand champion Ice Almeria shared his gratitude. “From ‘Time to Dance’ to Star Magic, I am really beyond grateful. Siguro po nakita ni Lord how I started nine years ago. This is really what I’ve prayed for…Hindi pa rin ako bumibitaw sa munting pangarap na may mararating ang pagsasayaw,” he said.
Christof, a singer-songwriter and son of actress Gladys Reyes, reflected on the importance of authenticity. “Not only do we as celebrities have to keep ourselves authentic but in return, we also want to see authenticity in our audience,” he said.
Fitness coaches Jim and Toni Saret, long-time Star Magic collaborators, were also formally welcomed into the talent roster.
ABS-CBN COO Cory Vidanes and Star Magic head Laurenti Dyogi were present to welcome the new talents, all part of the “Shining Now” campaign.
