Former Star Magic artist Eduard Bañez has forged an inspiring path from Philippine showbiz to fast-paced opportunities of Los Angeles, USA.
A multi-talented individual — actor, model, host and music producer — Bañez’s story is one of resilience, creativity and a deep connection to his Filipino heritage, even as he has obviously built a new life abroad.
Bañez’s rise to stardom began in 2006 when he was discovered as part of Star Magic Batch 15, alongside Megan Young and Bela Padilla. His versatility readily led him to host MTV Asia and appear in the popular show “My Darling Aswang” with Vic Sotto.
As a co-host on TV5 and a news anchor for Net25, Bañez became a household name. But in 2015, he made the decision to leave his career in the Philippines to join his family in the US, driven by the promise of better opportunities.
Despite the move, Bañez remained deeply connected to his roots. “Manila is still my home,” he said, even as he embraced the realities of immigrant life — working jobs at Six Flags Magic Mountain and as a cashier to make ends meet.
Yet, Bañez’s passion for entertainment never dimmed. While juggling jobs, he continued to pursue his creative aspirations and is currently working on a digital comedy series about a group of friends navigating life from elementary school to college.
His experiences in the US have inspired many of his new projects, serving as material for his storytelling and music.
Music has always been central to Bañez’s life. Growing up in the Philippines, he was influenced by OPM icons such as Gary Valenciano, Martin Nievera and Regine Velasquez.
In the US, where Bañez admitted that “life is very lonely,” music became his lifeline. “Music really saves me,” he admitted, explaining how listening to Filipino songs keeps him connected to his homeland.
Now, he is working on a new song that captures the immigrant experience, especially the struggles of Filipinos living abroad. “They tried to beat me, but I am strong,” he said, reflecting on the theme of resilience in his music.
Bañez’s love for the Filipino music scene extends beyond his own work. He dreams of collaborating with Filipino groups like SB19, BGYO and BINI and hopes to bring such international stars as Sia and Ed Sheeran to the Philippines.
Having previously worked with Sia’s production team, Bañez is confident he can contribute to the growth of Filipino music on the global stage.
Bañez remains committed to giving back to his homeland. He has donated to causes supporting underprivileged children in Tondo, emphasizing the importance of community service.
“I invest blood, sweat and tears into realizing my dreams, but I also put a lot of love and passion into everything I believe in,” Bañez maintained. His generosity is not only financial. Through his work and music, he aims to inspire others, especially Filipinos, to chase their dreams and persevere.
Like many immigrants, Bañez has faced challenges, including instances of racism, particularly during the rise of anti-Asian hate. “Asian hate here is very widespread,” he revealed.
Despite these painful experiences, he finds comfort and strength in the Filipino community in the US and hopes Asians abroad will continue to be respected for their contributions.
Even with these struggles, Bañez remains hopeful, using adversity as fuel for his creative projects. His message to fellow Filipinos and immigrants is clear: success is achievable through hard work and resilience. “Being successful is a process of determination,” he said.
As he prepares for new projects, including his digital series and upcoming music, Bañez remains eager to return to the Philippines.
“Nami-miss ko na ang Pilipinas,” Bañez admitted, longing for the warmth of home. Yet, while his heart is in the Philippines, his dreams are global.
