PMPC plum motivates Gela Atayde to up game

MANILA, Philippines — Rising star Gela Atayde gained recognition from the Philippine Movie Press Club (PMPC) after earning the 37th PMPC Star Award for Television’s Best New Female Personality over the weekend. 

With the citation, the dance princess and “Senior High” actress vows to do better in her craft — from dancing and acting to hosting.

“This is crazy. I do not have anything prepared because I really did not expect this… I do not know what to say but thank you, thank you so much PMPC for this because ‘Senior High’ really means a lot to me,” Gela said after receiving her award at the VS Hotel Convention Center. 

PMPC feted Atayde for her acting debut in Senior High, a Philippine mystery drama TV series that ran from August 28, 2023, to January 19, 2024, under Dreamscape Entertainment and ABS-CBN. 

It was her first acting citation after a colorful dancing career as a member of 2023 Arizona World Hiphop Dance Champion Legit Status. She was also chosen to be one of the hosts of ABS-CBN’s dance reality show “Time to Dance” that aired from January 18 to April 12 this year.

The 23-year-old De La Salle University Arts Communication graduate recalled overcoming pressure early in her career.

“I was new in the industry, pressured by everything especially as a nepo baby. It was a lot of pressure, but I really want to thank everyone who believed in me. Dreamscape Entertainment, Sir Deo Endrinal, who believed in me since day one without [doubt],” Gela added.

“Until now, I do not know why but I am really thankful to him everyday. So I really owe this to Sir Deo of Dreamscape. And of course, ABS-CBN, thank you so much, Tita Cory (Vidanes), Direk Lauren (ti Dyogi) for believing in me.”

“Tito Monch, my manager, Ate Shar for always having my back. There is so many, so many people to thank but I do not want to take your time.”

For Gela — the youngest daughter of veteran actress Sylvia Sanchez-Atayde and Art Atayde, and sister of actor-politician Arjo Atayde, Ria and Xavi — being part of “Senior High” was one of her most unforgettable moments.

“Elijah (Canlas) also is one of my co-actors there. We were just talking about it a while ago how it was such a time in our lives. It was an amazing time in our lives because as a cast our friendship became solid. So I really owe this to you guys, my cast, my fellow cast members.”