A busy year for Star Magic artists

MANILA, Philippines - It’s shaping up to be a busy year for ABS-CBN Star Magic artists Jake Cuenca, Maja Salvador, Sam Milby, Maricar Reyes, Zanjoe Marudo, Melissa Ricks, Matt Evans, Shaina Magdayao, Enchong Dee, Erich Gonzales and Pokwang with new teleseryes, movies and endorsement deals.

For Jake, he knows he still has a lot to learn and with each new role he challenges himself to do better. His role on the teleserye Tayong Dalawa had made a mark on TV viewers worldwide and he hopes his next role on the drama Doha will also make the same impact. His performances in the movies In the Name of Love and My Neighbor’s Wife were also noticed by film critics. He continues to be an in-demand product endorser, with projects still for J1, The Bar, Master Eskinol, Bench, RBX food chain, Boardwalk, CDO Highland Corned Beef and SM accessories.

Jumpstarting her year right is Maja with two projects right away, the movie My Cactus Heart and the TV drama Lumayo Ka Man Sa Akin. After her successful partnership with Coco Martin in Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin in 2011, this 2012 in her teleserye, Maja hopes to rekindle her chemistry with Jason Abalos and start a new “kilig” with returning Kapamilya, Patrick Garcia. Maja also continues being a dance princess on ASAP, plus she still has her string of endorsements for Sun Cellular, Folded & Hung, Petit Monde, Bananapeel and Lewis and Pearl cologne. 

Sam, on the other hand, was so moved by the positive feedback he had received for his 2011 movie Forever And A Day that he is inspired to do more. “I can touch lives and influence people in a good way and I’m in the position to do those things.” It has made him realize that he wants to be recognized as an actor and with that, has decided on pursuing an acting career, too, in Hollywood. In fact, he has already left for the States, and while there, he will be managed by Jersh Agency. Sam, nevertheless, continues to be the face of Folded & Hung, Dermablend, Samsung mobile, Adidas, GAOC, Gold’s Gym and Freshlook.

Lauded for her performance in the high-rating teleserye Imortal and in the MMFF entry Shake, Rattle and Roll 13, Cinema One Originals Best Actress Maricar is set to take on the new challenge of her new soap opera, Nang Dahil Sa Pag-ibig where she stars opposite Piolo Pascual and Jericho Rosales. She continues to endorse top brands like Robinsons Department Store, Sansan cosmetics, Karat World jewelry, Contractubex scar cream and Met Tathione health products.

Zanjoe, for his part, is set to do several projects including a teleserye and a movie. He also hopes to get more unconventional roles like the one he did in the MMFF entry Shake, Rattle and Roll 13. He’s also part of a new campaign for Bench.

Fresh from the success of her first lead role in the teleserye Nasaan Ka Elisa?, Melissa immediately takes on a Primetime Bida role via the Coco Martin starrer Walang Hanggan. Melissa is the villain this time around in an effort to prove her versatility as an actress. A celebrity endorser for Petit Monde, So Fab! shoes, RDL fragrance, Skechers Time, Faces and Curves and Freshlook, Melissa is also the new face for beauty product Cosmo Skin. 

After his stint as a prince in Juanita Banana, Matt has returned to drama as the kontrabida in the afternoon soap Angelito. It’s been a challenge for the actor as he usually tackles boy-next-door roles. Still, it signals his willingness to do more complex characters. He is soon to appear in the indie movie, Corazon, with Derek Ramsay.

Her daring role in the teleserye Alynna last year proved to Philippine TV audiences that the child star they loved is now a woman. This year Shaina is set to appear in the teleserye Doha, as she depicts the plight of OFWs working in the Middle East opposite Jake. An ASAP regular, Shaina is still an endorser for Her Bench, Cose, Freshlook and Ystilo Salon.

The Maria La Del Barrio star is still high on the success of her teleserye and will soon be wrapping up the drama. After this, Erich will begin shooting for her much-awaited movie opposite Thai heartthrob Mario Maurer in Palawan in April and in Thailand by May. She will join the rest of her Star Magic co-artists for the annual Star Magic Tour in Hawaii. Erich is still the endorser for Careline, Mirubeni (condo), Freshlook, Pantene, Olay, Aficionado, Silka, Skechers, GAOC and So Fab! Shoes.

Like Erich, Enchong is very happy with the high-ratings of Maria La Del Barrio and he will also start filming the movie, The Reunion, under Star Cinema with Xian Lim, Megan Young, Enrique Gil and Julia Montes. Enchong admits that this year, he is ready to tackle mature characters on screen and do sexy roles. His 2012 endorsements include Jollibee, Convergys, Coke, Bench clothing, Nutrilite/Amway, Technopack and GAOC.

Following her dramatic turn in A Mother’s Story, Pokwang is ready than ever to accept more challenging acting projects. Aside from her regular sitcom Toda Max, the comedian is getting ready for a teleserye this year. Star Magic shows here and abroad, including one with K Brosas, Chokoleit and Pooh are also part of Pokwang’s busy schedule. Pokwang continues her endorsement duties for Nestle and Ultra Mega.