Another batch of The Squad Plus talents to watch out for
Heeding the call of show business seems natural to the four new members of Kapamilya Network’s The Squad Plus. Nio Tria, 18, is Cherry Pie Picache’s only son. Siblings Analain and Ashton Salvador (18 and 17, respectively) are Karla Estrada’s niece and nephew and Daniel Padilla’s cousins. Alyanna Angeles, 15, is Angel Locsin’s niece. They were all recently launched as the new faces and talents to watch out for.
“I was surprised,” replied Nio when asked about his initial reaction being tapped as a welcome addition to The Squad Plus, which was initially started by Andrea Brillantes, Seth Fedelin, Francine Diaz and Kyle Echarri, in a virtual media call. “I never thought that I would be part of my mom’s world, the showbiz industry, and become a Kapamilya.” Prior to this, he was planning to pursue a scholarship in the US but lockdowns prevented him. Nio has competed in tennis tournaments and attended trainings.
As for Analain, she was excited to join The Squad Plus family. “I got happier when I learned that me and my brother were (both going to enter) showbiz. It feels overwhelming, of course, nakakataba ng puso that I’m a Kapamilya now.” Brother Ashton was nervous and speechless when told about his inclusion in The Squad Plus because “I never imagined of entering showbiz,” he said.
Alyanna was very thankful that she and fellow young stars have been given this chance to be members of the group. “I’m really excited for what’s to come,” she shared.
Aside from venturing into dancing, singing and hosting, the four will have their share of acting.
“I have passion for acting,” said Analain. “Actually, I want to be good at it.”
“Kahit anong ibigay na trabaho sa akin, handa ako (kasi) siyempre baguhan ako (Since I’m a newbie, I’m ready to take on any roles and assignments given to me),” said Ashton.
The Salvador siblings also look forward to sharing the stage or scenes with their celebrity family members and Kapamilya loveteams like Daniel and Kathryn Bernardo and Enrique Gil and Liza Soberano. According to Analain, she will be seen in a teleserye soon.
Among them, it’s Alyanna who has started to flex her acting muscles. She plays the halfsister of Francine’s character in the inspirational series titled Huwag Kang Mangamba.
“I really look up to Tita Angel for all her strengths and advocacies,” she said. “Like what they say, she’s like a real-life hero. Gusto ko ring marating siyempre yung magaling na pag-acting
niya. I don’t really look at her as someone I want to copy, but (I consider her as) an inspiration.”
Nio’s acting is something the showbiz landia would love to see. “Ever since my mom is very supportive of my tennis career and my acting career,” he said. “She is hands-on despite her hectic schedule. I feel grateful and blessed to have her as my mom.”
Although they are already in the path to pursue a promising showbiz career, they know the importance of education.
“(Kuya DJ/Daniel) wants us to finish school first,” recalled Analain. “(We had a talk) and we also want to finish college and high school. We promised to Tita Karla, Kuya DJ and my mom, that on top of our busy schedule in the future, we will finish our studies.”
The Squad Plus team also shares the following tidbits about Nio, Analain, Ashton and Alyanna:
Nio wishes to do an action project and looks up to Arjo Atayde and Coco Martin. He and mom Cherry Pie appeared in the Ikaw Ang
Liwanag at Ligaya ABS-CBN Christmas special. Analain, on the other hand, can style herself and considers American YouTube sensation Emma Chamberlain as a fashion icon.
Ashton plays the guitar and his musical influences are Foster The People, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Arctic Monkeys. Alyanna has done an episode of Maalaala Mo
Kaya (MMK) and played the younger version of Kim Chiu and Erich Gonzales in Ikaw Lamang and The Story of Us, and Juan dela Cruz, respectively.
With their talents, viewers look forward to watching them in their upcoming projects and how these Squad Plus members will grow as artists right before their eyes.