Meet the women on GMA- Edsa’s showstopping billboard
Sparkle 10 is the network’s new generation of premier female stars
NORTHBOUND motorists along Quezon City’s Edsa-Timog intersection cannot be more grateful for the giant billboard that’s been hanging hot on GMA Network’s tallest tower whenever traffic turns into absolute turtle mode in the area.
The situation may be a painful gas-guzzler, but it certainly gives them the sweet time to take a closer look at 10 fabulous females clad in two-piece bikinis, sensually captured by the expert lens of top celebrity photographer Mark Nicdao for Sparkle GMA Artists Center.
Meet — in the order they pose on the billboard — Liezel Lopez (26), Shuvee Etrata (22), Faith Da Silva (22), Kate Valdez (22), Lexi Gonzales (22), Rabiya Mateo (27), Ashley Ortega (25), Angel Guardian (25), Elle Villanueva (27), and Lianne Valentin (22), who comprise the Sparkle 10.
Handpicked by an esteemed panel of entertainment experts from the network’s current crop of female talents, lawyer and GMA Senior Vice President and President and CEO of GMA Films Annette Gozon-Valdes, Sparkle Vice President Joy Marcelo, Senior Vice President and Head of Program Support Department Regie Bautista, and consultant for imaging and branding Lawrence Tan have determined the ravishing roster to be the media conglomerate’s new generation of premier leading ladies.
“We’re not packaging them as sexy stars moving forward like everyone thought at first,” Tan chuckled, sharing a moment with The Manila Times Entertainment while watching the girls with pride, sashaying on the catwalk. “What they already are are Sparkle’s top female artists across our various genres of programs at GMA, brought all together in this excellent women empowerment image. Isn’t it fabulous?”
Yes, it is, indeed — not just for the network executives nor the admiring public, but for the girls themselves.
Stopping for one-on-ones after the runway show, Liezel Lopez — whom veteran actress and director Laurice Guillen just singled out as a talent to watch out for in an interview on Boy Abunda’s show — humbly confessed she couldn’t believe she’s now considered to be among the premiere actresses of GMA.
“Almost 10 years ago, I started out as a contestant [on the network’s reality talent search] ‘Star Struck,’ and here I am today,” gushed the lovely face that’s become known for portraying “contrabida” (antagonistic) roles with her sultry charisma in “Kara Mia” and her ongoing series “Asawa ng Asawa Ko.”
“Being part of such a group of women I look up to just inspires me to do better in my work and even get out of my comfort zone.”
Liezel said she’d be up for any role that comes her way now and, if given a choice, would like to try a rom-com or an action series soon.
As for Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Rabiya Mateo — who seems to have truly found her niche in acting — she feels so fortunate that since shifting to showbiz with GMA, there has never been a lull in her schedule with the network assigning her project after project.
“I know that beauty queens are mostly given hosting stints, but I’ve really been allowed to explore what I can do with the various projects they’ve given me.”
Indeed, Rabiya has showcased her vibrant energy in the variety show “Tiktoclock,” while also readily taking on escalating degrees of acting from “First Lady” to “Agimat ng Agila,” and “Royal Blood” to “Makiling.”
Considered the de facto leader of Sparkle 10, from whom the rest of the girls seek advice on how to look and exude their best, Rabiya, deeply touched by her peers, promises to help them as much as she can.
“It’s the least I can do after all the network has done for me,” the beauty queen-turned-actress acknowledged. “And I really hope management will soon come up with a project that will have all 10 of us together.”
Rabiya further shared that Sparkle 10’s goal is to showcase a diverse group of women with the potential to inspire and empower their fellow females by embracing their individuality.
As Tan rounded up, “Sparkle’s commitment to initiating conversations and inspiring others led to the spotlighting of these women who are unafraid to take up space and shine in their own right.”
Happy Women’s Month from these bright and beautiful women of Sparkle 10.