Annabelle casts an eye for talent

MANILA, Philippines - It was the case of the messenger more than the message. Showbiz personality and talent manager, Annabelle Rama, confessed to finally saying yes to a weekly TV stint because of the strong convincing power of Perci Intalan (head of TV5’s Creative and Entertainment Production). “I have a high respect for Perci,” said Annabelle, “and I know that with him behind the upcoming talent search Star Factor on TV5 that the show would live up to the expectations of both its prospective talents and the audiences alike.”

Annabelle joins a high-powered panel of Star Factor judges composed of Audie Gemora, direk Joey Reyes, photographer Raymund Isaac and Prof. Ryan Cayabyab. Their group is tasked with the formidable challenge of discovering new faces with the greatest star potential as these showbiz hopefuls vie for lucrative prizes in the reality-based talent search. The TV5 network search will be screening prospective entrants aged 13-18 years old for the total package of good looks, exceptional talent and charm and the all-important star “mystique” that will enable Talent5 to hone them not only as the network’s biggest teen idols but propel them into the ranks of the hottest personalities in Philippine showbiz as well. 

For those who may not know her, Annabelle is the talent manager of more than 20 showbiz talents that include daughter Ruffa, sons Richard and Raymond, JC de Vera, Miriam Quiambao, Ehra Madrigal and TJ Trinidad among others.  From a homemaker who did not know anything about the business of managing talents, Annabelle is now considered one of the powerbrokers in the industry.  “I started managing Richard and Raymond when they were eight years old,” said Annabelle.  Then Ruffa was asked to be included in one of Carlo Caparas’ movies.  Since then, there was no more turning back for this mother of six who has now become a full-fledged manager and has successfully set up her own talent management office, Royal Era Talent and Management, Inc. 

Annabelle’s first talent outside her children was JC.  This was six years ago. “I saw the potential in JC. I knew he was going to get far.” If there was one minor problem in Annabelle’s desire to help chart the showbiz profession of the then young JC, it was that her children frowned on this idea. “Seloso ang mga anak ko, lalo na ang mga lalaki (my kids, especially the boys, are the jealous type).  Gusto nila sila lang ang inaalagaan ko,” she revealed. In fact, when Raymond found out that she would be one of the judges of Star Factor, he protested. “Ma, baka mawalan ka na ng time sa amin,” was Raymond’s complaint. 

When other talent-manager relationships go sour due to issues of finances, Annabelle says that she does not see herself being embroiled in such scenario primarily because she has set a very clear policy that the artist will personally receive his or her check from the contracting party.  Annabelle gets only her talent management fee.  She is also the type who does not meddle in her talents’ personal affairs for as long as it does not interfere in his or her work.  “I have always instilled in them a strong professional work attitude. It takes discipline to stay long in this industry,” she added.  And this is from one whose luminous presence has long been a staple of Philippine show business.

If there is one thing that makes this talent-manager proud, it is to see her alagas reach a certain stature in life and live comfortably because their hard work has paid off.  “It gives me a sense of joy to see some of them coming from nothing and are now enjoying the fruits of their labors,” Annabelle enthused.  

For someone whose acting career in her early years have not been as successful, but for which she has no regrets, Annabelle could take great pride on how she has successfully steered many of today’s top talents into the higher rungs of the entertainment industry.  Indeed she has a keen sense of eyeing who will make it big time and this now she casts on those aspiring young men and women out there who would be making their bid to get into Star Factor, the talent search that could well put them on top.

(Star Factor will hold its regional auditions in SM Davao on Aug. 1 and in SM Cebu on Aug. 7.)