VAA latest talents

It is known as the home of certified A-listers like Sarah Geronimo and Anne Curtis, but some of the most promising talents in showbiz are also part of Viva Artists Agency (VAA).

Among them are:

Nikki Bacolod. Although Nikki started out as a singer (she was the runner-up to Jerome Sala on ABS-CBN’s Search For the Star in a Million), it is as an actress that Nikki is making a name for herself, particularly as Diana on Dyosa. Nikki is in the cast of Viva’s Metro Manila Filmfest entry, Baler.

LJ Moreno. LJ makes an acting comeback via Joey Reyes’ Singles which stars Rufa Mae Quinto. Now a pre-school teacher, LJ plays the role of Rufa Mae’s super-conservative friend who is the first in their barkada to get married.

Mau Marcelo. The Philippine Idol returns to her original home. Mau is an alumna of Star For a Night and was Sarah’s co-finalist. She went by the name Maureen Marcelo then. American Idol Season Five winner Taylor Hicks, who performed with Mau during Asian Idol in 2007, described her voice as “big and booming.” VAA is prepared to put all its resources behind Mau now that she has come home.

Jao Mapa. He is also making a comeback. He made several movies (his first was Pare Ko), but eventually chose to pursue other activities and semi-retire from showbiz. But acting is his passion. So Jao signed up with VAA in preparation for his showbiz comeback. Jao is slated to start an indie film titled Medalya where he plays Capt. Efren Medrano and will also be part of Baler.

VAA head Veronique del Rosario says the company is excited over Jao’s comeback, Mau’s return to Viva, LJ’s return to showbiz and Nikki’s rise. “We are happy to welcome them into the VAA family,” she says.