Even though ABS-CBN remains franchise-less, many talents still opt to sign under Star Magic, the network’s talent management leg. Why so?
In the #StarMagicBlackPenDay mediacon on June 21, new Kapamilya stars Arabella Davao, Luis Vera Perez, Mary Joy Apostol, Vitto Neri, Vance Larena, Maureen Wroblewitz, Kaila Estrada, Migo Manikan, Sela Guia, Paolo Gumabao, Zabel Lamberth, and Jake Ejercito answered why they chose Star Magic over other talent management centers in the country.
Mary Joy said that she saw how supportive Star Magic is to their talents, on and off the camera.
“I choose Star Magic kasi, dati po talaga nakikita ko kung gaano nila suportahan yung artists nila off-cam and on-cam and I believe that when you’re in Star Magic, you’re not alone, talagang family talaga yung tingin nila sa isa’t-isa”
The good reputation of Star Magic was the thing that was considered by Vitto.
“Well, (I) chose Star Magic kasi yung reputation it has of developing good artists that’s one of the deciding factor saakin sa pagpili.”
Luis credits the honing of skills and transformation from being shy to being confident to Star Magic.
“Syempre po Star Magic kasi sila po yung naghone sa skills ko and kung ano ako ngayon. Kasi dati, di po ako nagsasalita eh and syempre po family first kaya Star Magic”
As a solid fan of senior Star Magic artists, Arabella saw the quality content that was produced by them.
“For me siguro, since die-hard fan ako ng mga Star Magic artists and ng mga pelikula nila, nakita ko talaga na they always produce quality content so alam ko na I’m in the best hand and dito ko talaga mama-maximize yung talent ko.”
Being part of Star Magic, is a dream come true for Vance so, he did not waste the opportunity.
“Gaya po ng sinabi ko kanina, talagang matagal ko na pong gustong maging parte ng Star Magic at eto po, binigyan po tayo ng pagkakataon and grinab na po talaga natin agad.”
Maureen who lived in Germany and Saudi Arabia, grew up watching “The Filipino Channel (TFC)” so, she get to admire Star Magic artists.
“The reason I chose Star Magic is, I grew up watching TFC so, all my favorite artists are with Star Magic.”
Sela noted that ABS-CBN is the biggest media company in the country and she is grateful to be part of it. She also pointed out how Star Magic train their talents to not only be a good artist but also a good person.
“Alam naman po nating lahat na pag sinabing Star Magic, ABS-CBN Network – it’s one of the biggest entertainment companies here in the Philippines. So, ito pong binigay saaking opportunity ng Star Magic, sobra akong grateful kasi alam ko po na madami akong matututunan, hindi lang po bilang actress kung di bilang tao kasi kita naman po sa mga hinahandle nilang artista napakabuting tao at successful po.”
Like Vitto, Sabel considered the good reputation of Star Magic. She is confident that the talent center will take care of her just like how they take care of their present artists.
“Ako po, I signed with Star Magic because of their good reputation and I know Star Magic will really take care of me as how they took care of their artists ngayon. Sobrang saya ko po sa Star Magic kasi, sobrang family po yung turing nila saakin. Hindi lang basta artista yung binibigay nilang care is para ka talagang kapamilya nila.”
Paolo asserts that Star Magic is the best talent agency because it is dedicated to improving their talents’ skills. He also considered the comments of his friends who are also Star Magic artists.
“For me, I believe, I know that Star Magic is the best talent agency to go to if you really want to hone your skills because Star Magic, in improving your skills, they take it seriously – the workshops, dance workshops. And I know na maaalagaan kami dito because yun din ang narinig ko sa mga kaibigan ko na Star Magic artist din, na wala silang nasasabing pangit about Star Magic and lahat ng nasasabi nila are good stuff.”
Growing up with parents Susan Africa and Spanky Manika, who are Kapamilya actors, Migo already treated ABS-CBN as his family.
“The reason why I joined Star Magic was well, ABS-CBN has practically been giving work to my parents since way before I was born so, ABS-CBN has been somewhat a family to me and only be right to follow it all the way so that’s why I signed up with Star Magic.”
Jake pointed out the excellent heads of Star Magic Johnny Manahan and Lauren Dyogi.
“Why not Star Magic right? I mean, it’s the biggest and the number one talent management agency in the country, ever since and from Mr. M and now Mr. Lauren, our bosses has been amazing. Like they said, aalagaan ka, make sure that you are well-rounded, not only (as) artists but a well-rounded person as well.”
Kai is also confident that Star Magic can push her to reach her fullest potential. She also considered the success of Star Magic artists and that pushed her to sign under the said agency.
“I joined Star Magic because I feel that I can really reach my full potential here. As you can see, the roster of talents and the longevity of their careers so, I wanna have that as well and alam kong maalagaan ako dito just like what everyone is saying. Ayun, I’m really grateful to be here.”
In 1992, Star Magic was formed by then ABS-CBN executive vice president Freddie Garcia and Director Johnny Manahan to serve as a training hub exclusive to new Kapamilya artists.
Since then, the talent agency produced a lot of successful celebrities like Kathryn Bernardo, Daniel Padilla, Piolo Pascual, Liza Soberano, and Enrique Gil, to name a few.
Since its formation, Manahan served as Star Magic head until 2020 when he decided to resign and sign up under Brightlight productions, following the non-renewal of the ABS-CBN franchise. He was replaced by Laurenti Dyogi.
