Lance Busa
This month’s newsmakers in “the biz of show” are paced by Lance Busa, the Pinoy musical comer who topped Michael Bolton’s televised search for new Asian singers, “Bolt of Talent.” Lance trounced finalists from three other countries in the region to win bragging rights in Bolton’s tilt—and the chance to perform with him on his Asian tour.
“Bolt of Talent” was also a good showcase for Morissette Amon, who didn’t compete but served as the show’s cohost on its Philippine leg. She also won as Best Performer at the Asia Song Festival—a double-whammy, twin-success winning streak for her.
Other young entertainers who’ve recently scored plus points include Zaijian Jaranilla, who came up with a solid portrayal in “Maalaala Mo Kaya’s” “Marawi” docu-drama.
Unlike other actors in the topical war drama, who couldn’t do much with the cameo roles they were given, Zaijian was able to come up with a focused and felt performance, despite the assignment’s rigorous time constraints.
It is also interesting and instructive to note that he no longer played a kid, but a teen character—a positive portent of things to come as his acting career enters its second
“chapter.”
He was able to manage the tricky transition from kid to tween naturally, without “forcing through,” unlike other former child talents who look and act frustratedly awkward, and at loose thespic ends.
This indicates that, like Nash Aguas some years ago, Zaijian can less “effortedly” segue into nonjuvenile characters, and be accepted by viewers in “older” roles.
Also figuring in an international singing search is Bailey May—along with three other teen Pinoys; he’s aiming to become a part of Simon Fuller’s new teen singing group, “Now United.”
Even if he doesn’t become a member of the international singing group, Bailey can still have a standout performing career locally, due to his spot-on combination of looks, voice, frisky teen moves, charisma and performing smarts.
Right up there with him in terms of stellar musical potential is Kyle Echarri, who’s built up a hefty and supportive fan base of his own.
Tommy Esguerra may be older, but he’s also gearing up for his time to shine next season, due to his standout boy-next-door looks and demeanor.
Now that he’s no longer attached to an “official” love team, Tommy has a better chance of making it big in the biz, as early as next year—if his handlers choose the right projects for him.
These and other young comers’ career-boosting moves and grooves augur well for the local entertainment scene’s vitality and ability to periodically renew itself.
Even if too many established stars take their success for granted and consequently fade away, more dynamic replacements can step into the breach and fill in the glaring blanks—serves the ungrateful and short-sighted “oldies and coldies” right.