Looking back at her Star Magic days

MANILA, Philippines - Coming together on one stage in celebration of Star Magic’s 20 years feels like a grand family reunion for Maricel Morales, saying, “It’s nice to see old friends again. It was like being transported back to the days when we’re still working and having fun together. Then, we get to meet the new ones.” 

Maricel joined today’s young stars and other early batch members of Star Circle in showcasing how Star Magic had helped them develop their potential as artists in one production number in ASAP recently. Other performances displayed the artists’ vocal chops and dancing skills.

Although “it was way, way back,” as Maricel describes her days with Star Magic, she still vividly remembers how the ABS-CBN’s talent development arm became instrumental in shaping her as an actress. She was taken under its wing right after she won the Mutya ng Pilipinas crown in 1995. “It was one of the best times of my life,” Maricel says about her inclusion in the first batch of Star Circle with Jackie Manzano, Regine Tolentino, Victor Neri and Rico Yan as her contemporaries.

“One of the things I like about Star Magic is the foundation it lays on every artist. It would be impossible for its talents to be launched as artists without them undergoing the trainings and workshops,” Maricel says. “Once its talents come out on TV, people will automatically see the star material in them; kumbaga di ka ilalabas ng hilaw, pag ni-launch ng Star Magic full package na agad.”

Aside from honing one’s talent, Maricel can attest to the kind of discipline instilled in every artist. Good looks alone are not enough for one to be a star. The ability to sing and dance won’t do much either. It should be a combination of talent, looks, intelligence and confidence.

“Continuous education is a must. If my memory serves me right, they were not after a teenybopper na pa-cute lang. They wanted someone who can carry himself in an interview; that he can answer frankly and honestly. That’s one thing they taught me.”

With Star Magic talents numbering to 300 now, does she think every artist is given equal attention?

“Everyone got fair attention during my time and I think up to now ganun pa din. Actually, it also depends on the person because showbiz is not about play or fun, you should have the passion for you to enjoy what you’re doing. Yes they will give their attention but you have to do your part as well. It’s still up to you to decide what you really like.”

She, too, rules out favoritism. “The projects depend on how you maintain a fanbase. Of course, you can’t solely blame it on the station if you don’t have work. Since they develop and promote you, you have to do your share of maintaining your supporters.”

In Maricel’s case, she only became less visible on screen in the late ‘90s when she got married and started raising a family. “I enjoyed every single day that I had with ABS-CBN.”

And though it’s been quite some time since she last worked with the Kapamilya network, Maricel still bears what Star Magic instilled in her as an actress. She was recently-seen in the afternoon drama series of the other network.

Asked to describe Star Magic head Johnny Manahan, Maricel replies, “He’s passionate (about his work) and cool and composed the whole time yet his thoughts are brilliant. He can discern things better than anyone else. You see most of the talents he handled then are visible until now.”

Aside from acting, Maricel has also dabbled in politics, serving her constituents as a second-term councilor in Angeles City, Pampanga.

“It’s also nice to serve the public in a different perspective. As an artist we give some entertainment while in politics we give public service.”