Maymay Entrata
The trip enabled me to discover my life purpose,” said Maymay Entrata, who is now back in Manila after spending some time in Canada to finish her studies.
The 25-year-old added that her short stay there has also helped her learn more about herself, and that it has taught her “to become more grounded and humble.”
“I was able to find out what I really wanted to do with my life—that, to me, was the most important thing. I realized that we all need to take a break in order to reassess our lives and remind ourselves of the things we are supposed to be grateful to God for. While there, He made me recall the things that make me happy,” Maymay told reporters during a virtual media gathering organized by Star Magic, ABS-CBN’s talent management arm.
Maymay clarified that her trip to Canada wasn’t to study as a performer, although she made sure to do acting sessions online when her schedule permitted. “Acting is the area that I’m really having a hard time with, so I made sure to study so that I’d feel more confident about myself. I want to be able to feel the excitement and readiness when I take on my next project,” she declared.
The media gathering was to announce Star Magic’s 30th anniversary concert series, titled “Beyond the Stars,” which will start here in Manila on July 23 and culminate in California, United States, on Aug. 14.
Kim Chiu
Sightseeing
Aside from Maymay, there will be performances from Kim Chiu, Carlo Aquino, Edward Barber, Charlie Dizon, Andrea Brillantes and Zanjoe Marudo; as well as from onscreen partners Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano, and KD Estrada and Alexa Ilacad. More treats will be provided by BGYO, Janine Berdin, AC Bonifacio, SAB, Lian Kyla, Angela Ken, Kyle Echarri and Gigi de Lana. Eric Nicolas and Shanaia Gomez will serve as hosts.
“I can’t contain my excitement because this will be my first out-of-the-country show since 2019. Since we will be going to New York, I hope we’ll get to squeeze into our schedule the chance to see Times Square. It’s part of my bucket list,” Maymay said. “Since I really enjoy going to Disneyland, I hope I’d be lucky enough to visit the one located in Los Angeles. Isn’t it obvious that I’m young at heart?”
Maymay’s former love team partner, Edward, said he wished to see the Empire State Building in New York during this particular trip. “I would love to go there because I was a big fan of the ‘Percy Jackson’ books while growing up. The Empire State Building is a big part of his story. I’m not a fan of heights, but I would love to see the best views in the Bay Area when we go to San Francisco,” he said.
Zanjoe Marudo
As for Zanjoe, who is one of the more senior celebrities invited to join the tour, he said performing in shows abroad is fun, but it can also be tiring. “I have to warn the first-timers—it’s not going to be easy. It will be physically draining because we will be left to take care of ourselves there. We will not have our personal assistants with us,” he reminded his fellow Kapamilya artists.
“But it will be great because we will all help each other. The show will serve as our bonding moment. We will make sure that everyone will have fun, most especially those who will see our shows,” said Zanjoe.
Alexa, who has been part of ABS-CBN since 2008 when she joined “Goin’ Bulilit,” said this was the first time she got invited to take part in a Star Magic event abroad. “I’ve actually packed my bags. I’m ready to go!” she declared. “What will be the most memorable is performing with KD for the first time in the US. The fact that Star Magic is bringing me with them now means so much to me. When KD and I were told that the Filipino communities there wanted to see us, it really warmed my heart.”
KD Estrada (left) and Alexa Ilacad
Dream come true
For KD, everything “felt like a dream that has come true.” He explained: “I joined Star Magic at 16. I never thought I’d make it this far now that I’m 20. I know I still have a lot going on, so I’m thankful to the fans.”
“Hopefully, we will bring the kilig there. This will not only come from us because we have DonBelle with us, too,” said Alexa. “If we’d have side trips, then we’d be thrilled, but if they say it’s not safe, then maybe we can just create content while at the hotel. We really hope to give a good show.”
KD added: “While we’ll be there to work, I’d also love to roam around and try the food there during our rest days. I don’t have a specific thing in mind. I just want Alexa and I to make memories together.”
Zanjoe said he expected the trip to be really special. “This is because I have not stepped onstage as a performer for a long time, even locally in ‘ASAP.’ I appreciate this job so much because you don’t feel as pressured compared to when you have to play a particular role. You will just stand before the audience as yourself,” he explained.
Star Magic’s “Beyond the Stars” will be staged in the following venues: Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila, Pasay City, on July 23; Kings Theater in Brooklyn, New York, on Aug. 6; Warfield Theater, San Francisco, on Aug. 12; and Saban Theater in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, California, on Aug. 14.