New lease on performing career is also a homecoming for singing champ Zephanie

Zephanie

Unbeknownst to many, Zephanie Dimaranan isn’t a total stranger to GMA 7. Years before she won the reality singing contest “Idol Philippines” in 2019, she landed a bit role in the 2012 drama series “Biritera”—which, they then thought, was a talent search.

“The network is close to my heart. My first-ever experience here in the industry was actually with GMA. We thought ‘Biritera’ was a singing contest. As it turned out, it was an acting project; a teleserye about young hopefuls joining a contest, and I got a role,” she recalled at a recent press conference, introducing her as the newest addition to Sparkle GMA Artist Center’s roster of talents.

She will be comanaged by her original talent agency, Cornerstone Entertainment.

“That experience made me feel like this is the right path for me. That was the first step to pursuing a career in showbiz,” the 19-year-old recording artist, who previously worked at ABS-CBN, added. “So now, I’m happy to be back here, officially.”

Another chapter

At the same event, Zephanie performed “This Is My Now” by Jordin Sparks and “Home” by Diana Ross—two ballads that aptly describe her emotions as she embarks on this new journey.“

‘This Is My Now’ … because this is another start and chapter in my life. I took risks and held on to my faith,” she explained. “And ‘Home’ because I have a new home, where I feel loved and inspired.”

Zephanie’s transfer came at the right time, she said, because she had been off the stage for a year now.

“I really miss performing onstage. When I learned that there were plans for me to transfer, I got so excited because the feeling that I will be welcomed back onstage was there … I believe my purpose in this industry is to share my God-given talent in whatever way I can,” she said. “I hope to inspire people through my music. That’s how it has been since I was a kid. I hope I can deliver that.”

Like any big career move, her transfer to the Kapuso network will surely present new challenges. And Zephanie is ready to embrace them.

“Every time there are transitions, every time I’m about to do something new, I get challenged. But with the guidance of my management and family, I know things will be easier,” she said.

The singer is expected to join “All-Out Sundays.”

Preparations

“I haven’t stopped preparing since last year. I have been doing workshops in acting, singing and dancing. I’m also looking after my mental and emotional health, so that I will be ready for whatever opportunity that may come my way,” she added. Prior to winning “Idol Philippines,” Zephanie also joined the singing tilts “The Voice Kids” and “Tawag ng Tanghalan.” Last year, she was selected as one of the 12 winners of the Camp Now United contest and flew to Abu Dhabi to attend a bootcamp with the global pop group Now United. Now with a new and edgier look, Zephanie hopes to continue making new experiences.

“When I turned 19, I became more confident. And with that come changes in the way I present myself to people,” she said. “It was hard for me because I’m naturally shy. But you really have to develop your personality to help you showcase what you have.”

Zephanie is expected to join GMA 7’s noontime variety show “All-Out Sundays.”

“I want to grow and learn new things. I want to build new friendships. I hope I can perform with Julie Anne San Jose, Lani Misalucha and Christian Bautista. I would also like to work with the other teen stars. I want to explore new genres of music,” she said.

While music will always be her priority, Zephanie isn’t closing her doors to acting.

“Acting isn’t impossible. I want to explore that industry field as well. This new journey comes with new things I can try. I have also enjoyed the acting workshops I have done. It’s challenging, but it’s something on my bucket list,” she said.