Image: Regal Entertainment, Inc., GMA Network and Virtual Playground
Three different paths were taken by three young people in their goal to become part of the showbiz industry. All of them did eventually reach a common goal which was to become successful actors. This is about GMA Network artists Allen Ansay and second-generation star Barbara Miguel. They are joined by Virtual Playground artist, Pam Gonzales, who is a former pageant veteran and has been an actress since 2019.
This reminds me how so many of the young aspire to enter showbiz, not realizing how difficult, demanding and time-consuming it can be to be in it. Oftentimes, they are unaware that they are from the outside looking in. Like in any industry, you will only reap what you sow. Indeed, not everything is glitz and glamor in showbiz, but if you put in the time, effort, and hard work, anything is quite possible.
Naturally, the rewards of fame and fortune are all too much to ignore for them. And that holds true because once you become successful, indeed, fame and fortune may follow.
Never let the young ages of stars fool you. Sometimes they are quite accomplished in their own rights. There are times that at least one cast member in Regal Studio Presents (RSP) is still in her late teens but is a veteran already and has won an award internationally. For this episode, it is Barbara Miguel who has garnered such an award as Best Actress at the 2013 Harlem International Film Festival for the film “Nuwebe.” That is exactly why when it comes to the casting choices of RSP, they are always well thought out. Indeed, this series has become a showcase for the young and a reminder to viewers why they should always watch this series.
Then, you have Allen Ansay who is the “First Prince” of the 2019 season of “Starstruck” and is one-half of the love team dubbed by their loyal fans as Team Jolly with GMA Network artist Sofia Pablo. And then you have Virtual Playground artist Pam Gonzales, a former beauty queen who made the transition to entering showbiz. She has followed in the footsteps of those who have come before her, other actresses who have come from the world of pageantry, such as Casie Banks and “Regal Baby” Sarah Holmes, both being former beauty queens themselves.
Allen Ansay, Pam Gonzales, and Barbara Miguel clearly want to be in this industry and they are all in. They want to become more successful. For me, that is the right attitude to have, and that drive or hunger they must never lose.
All three of them have been cast in the newest episode of “Regal Studio Presents.” This reminds us why this multi-genre episode series continues to be one of the best things on television right now as it is a mixed bag of talent that comes from the Regal side, GMA side, Virtual Playground side, and occasional freelancers. This is already season three, and it continues to be fresh, different and unpredictable as it was from the very beginning in season one.
The newest episode of “Regal Studio Presents: My Cheesy Cutie Guy” will be shown today 4:35 p.m. on GMA Network and stars Allen Ansay, Pam Gonzales and Barbara Miguel.
In my interview with GMA Network artists Allen Ansay, Barbara Miguel and Virtual Playground’s artist Pam Gonzales, everyone will get to know their humble beginnings in showbiz and why they decided to enter showbiz in the first place.
Question for Allen Ansay: Your love team with Sofia Pablo, affectionately called by your fans as Team Jolly, is one of the most popular love teams now on GMA Network. What can you say are the reasons behind your successful love team with Sofia Pablo and why it has been appreciated by your fans?
Allen Ansay: What people see on social media between Sofia Pablo and myself is what we are in life. We do not feel we have to have perfection in what we do, so even if there are mistakes, we post them immediately on social media. For instance, even if we are not in sync on TikTok, it’s alright for us. We all know that Sofia Pablo has been an actor for some time now while I am relatively new to the business. Even with that being the case, she took me in. What our viewers see as being a jolly couple, is how jolly we are in person. Hence, our fans began calling us Team Jolly.
Can you share with us a funny or unforgettable experience while taping this episode “My Cheesy Cutie Guy” for “Regal Studio Presents”?
Allen Ansay: The funniest moment for me was when Barbara and I were holding the cheese platters while we were running and all the cheese accidentally fell to the floor. It was so funny and we were laughing so hard. So we thought Direk would require a second take, but he decided he would use and incorporate that “accident” in the episode just the same because it turned out humorous, after all.
PAM GONZALES: The title itself, “My Cheesy Cutie Guy”… there was a time when we were eating dinner; there was a part where all kinds of cheese was laid out on the table. After the shooting of that scene, we ate and consumed all the cheese. That provided the opportunity for the cast to bond more closely with each. After that, we did TikTok. So that was the time we became closer to one another. That was unforgettable for me.
Barbara Miguel: While shooting a scene with Allen, there was a part there that I almost slipped. On top of that, the props fell also while Allen was running! After Direk said, “Cut!” I saw the staff and crew were laughing at what had happened. They joked [at our director] to include that accident in the final cut. I don’t know yet, though, if it was included or deleted.
Do you remember your age when you decided you wanted to enter showbiz? Was there a defining moment that led you or encouraged you to try your chances in showbiz?
Allen Ansay: When I was very young, I always wanted to be in showbiz. But I had no idea how I would go about it because I grew up in Bicol. When I was in grade 9, I told my mother: “Ma, I want to be an actor. Let’s go to Manila.” That was the time I joined Starstruck and I won. That was in 2019. When you really want something, you should be willing to take risks and gamble on it. So I can say now, 100%, that acting is my passion. Even if it is not easy, it can be exhausting and you lose sleep, but if you are happy with what you are doing, time passes quickly. When I have a new project come my way, I never have second thoughts. I never entertain negative thoughts like, “Oh no, I don’t think I can do it.” On the contrary, I always convince myself I can do it! I will do workshops on it. Every time I have new projects, like this latest RSP episode “My Cheesy Cutie Guy,” I get so excited with much happy anticipation… I feel one should never be content with the present. But one always needs to be hungry for more. Continue with training workshops.
Pam Gonzales: As for me, I started joining beauty pageants ever since I was a child. So I was exposed to cameras, to people. I was always on stage. That’s when I realized, maybe I wanted something more. Then, a talent scout approached me to ask if I wanted to pursue acting or look to that path. I said yes, I am willing to try. I am from the province. I am from Leyte. I started acting in 2019. That’s when I realized I love acting.
Barbara Miguel: I think I was around four when I also wanted to be an actor like my mom. At the time, I saw her on TV and I was so happy to see her on TV. The first time I went with my mom to a taping, I thought I wanted to be a make-up artist. Later, I thought I’d be a stylist. Then, it became a personal assistant. Then, a director. But when I saw the actors in front of me, right there and then, I decided it was acting I truly wanted. Even as a child, I loved watching TV and acting in front of a mirror. I always loved performing.
Who is your favorite superhero? Why is that your choice?
Allen Ansay: I like a local hero on television. The one that Dingdong Dantes did was like the localized version of The Green Arrow. I like it because it’s not purely action; it has some comedy in it, too.
Pam Gonzales: Of course, it’s Wonder Woman! Women are celebrated nowadays, so I am very, very happy about it. You can see the essence of a woman in Wonder Woman, so I really love that about her.
Barbara Miguel: Spider-Man is my favorite superhero. It is because I believe he is always trying his absolute best to help and inspire. Others may say that he is one of the weakest heroes. But here he is, still fighting, still improving, and inspiring people. Spidey is one of the best role models that kids could look up to. I love him and the actors who have portrayed him. They were all so great.
Question for Pam Gonzales and Barbara Miguel: For now, what is your dream role?
Pam Gonzales: I have done horror. Some drama/comedy. Maybe now, I’d like to transition into action-related projects. Physical, this time. It will be something new, something fresh for me. I think I will really be excited to do something like that. While I have no training in martial arts or combat sports, I am certainly willing to learn. It’s something good, too, for my soul.
Barbara Miguel: My dream role is one of a protagonist/antagonist role. One who has a dual personality. I love seeing the shifts in character and the study that goes with each personality. I think I can pull off that role and I am hoping I will be given a chance to play that character. Another one I would like to play is a strong-willed and inspiring woman. A cool personality. It should have fight scenes. Kinda like Katniss Everdeen.
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