Beloved child st rs then and now
Philippine show business will not be complete without those cute, funny, witty and adorable kid actors
Ryzza Mae Dizon is celebrating her sixth anniversary in show business. She turned 13 recently but while she’s already a teenager, it will take time before people see past her child star beginnings.
Ryzza Mae shot to stardom by winning “Eat Bulaga’s!” “Little Miss Philippines” segment in 2012. Since then, she has entertained dabarkads with her wit, charm, and humor.
She also became the youngest TV host in the country with her eponymous talk show, “The Ryzza Mae Show,” which ran from 2013 to 2015 on GMA.
Here’s the thing: Ryzza Mae is just one of many child wonders in the country who continue to prove age doesn’t hinder them from pursuing their dreams. In line with this, Bulletin Entertainment lists down names of talented tykes who might just be our future superstars.
Before she was cast in the Manila revival of “Annie” in 2016, Krystal Brimner, 11, starred in the 2015 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry “Honor Thy Father” alongside John Lloyd Cruz.
For the movie, she shaved her curls in one scene, and she gamely followed through.
Krystal won Best Child Performer in that festival. She is currently one of the contestants on ABS-CBN’s “Your Face Sounds Familiar Kids” season two.
Krystal’s “YFSF” contender Esang de Torres is also a star in the making.
Known as Lea Salonga’s “mini-me,” the 11-year-old thespian stunned the audiences and judges on “The Voice Kids” season 2. She also became an alternate for Little Cosette in “Les Miserables” Manila and played the same role in the Singapore production.
Remember the child star who played “Trudis Liit” on GMA? She is all grown up now.
Jillian Ward was five years old when she officially entered showbiz. Since then, she has played the young characters of leading ladies such as Bianca King on “Luna Blanca,” Rhian Ramos on “Genesis” and Sanya Lopez on “Haplos,” among others.
She turned 13 February this year and many has taken note of her stunning looks.
Coming from a family of actors, many believe Alonzo Muhlach will make it big in the industry.
Alonzo, 8, is the son of former child wonder Niño Muhlach. He has been tagged as the “Bibong Child Wonder” of his generation as he pulls off his own charming and witty antics.
Then there’s Zaijian Jaranilla, who is best known for his role as Santino on ABS-CBN’s “May Bukas Pa.”
From being the “Miracle Boy,” Zaijian is now a grown-up man at 16. And he looks so dashing that he could capture lots of hearts.
Today, the actor is part of “Bagani” as Liksi. He hopes to do an indie film in the future.
Now 14, Elha Nympha gained huge notice after she won the second season “The Voice Kids” in 2015. She then blew away American audiences with her soaring rendition of Sia’s “Chandelier” on the kiddie talent show “Little Big Shots” in UK.
In fact, no less than the show’s master of ceremonies, Steve Harvey, was impressed with Elha’s performance. “This little girl can sing!,” he exclaimed.
Perhaps, one of the most indemand child stars today is Awra Briguela.
From being an online sensation, Awra gained recognition when he starred as MakMak in “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano” then followed by a blockbuster hit movie “The Super Parental Guardians” alongside Vice Ganda and Coco Martin.
Awra also proved he is a versatile actor and that he could do well in drama scenes when his life story was presented in “Maalaala Mo Kaya.” More, he became the first grand champion of “Your Face Sounds Familiar Kids” last year.
Here are former child stars who still are active in show business:
Camille Prats is a product of the ’90s youth variety show “Ang TV.” She is also known for her portrayal of Sarah in the hit movie “Sarah... Ang Munting Prinsesa.”
Now, the 33-year-old actress is doing hosting stints and also stars on some teleseryes with GMA.
Another “Ang TV” alum, Angelica Panganiban’s most memorable roles when she was still a child were on “Sarah..., Ang Munting Prinsesa” (where she played Becky) and on “Ang Pulubi At Ang Prinsesa.”
Now all grown up, Angelica, 31, is still as visible in the entertainment scene, appearing in TV shows and movies – whether it be drama or comedy. She is also a mainstay of Kapamilya’s gag show “Banana Sundae.”
Miguel Tanfelix is a product of “StarStruck” kids. He was also given the cute role of Pagaspas in the original casting of “Mulawin” in 2004. Now, Miguel, 19, is one of GMA’s teen heartthrobs. He is paired with Bianca Umali on the teleserye “Kambal, Karibal.”
Ice Seguerra, formerly known as Aiza Seguerra, was “Eat Bulaga’s” first “baby” from “Little Miss Philippines.” He was only three years old back then.
Now, Ice, 34, is one of the country’s talented musicians.
Judy Ann Santos was also a child dramatic actress. She was known for her portrayal in the hit ’90s teleserye “Mara Clara.” Now, Judy Ann at 40 is considered one of the country’s best actresses. She also hosted some game shows and cooking shows.
Gladys Reyes is Juday’s counterpart on the longestrunning series “Mara Clara.” She is still happily married to her co-star also from “Mara Clara” Christopher Roxas. Gladys is also active in hosting lifestyle shows at 39.
The host of “Your Face Sounds Familiar Kids” is, himself, a child star having started on “That’s Entertainment.” He is no other than Billy Crawford. When his family moved to the US, his international singing career took off, and he released albums in America, Europe, and Asia.
When he came back to the country, his resumé got longer, as he not only sings but also acts at 36.