Stars look back on 2022

Aiko Melendez

Aiko Melendez

The year 2022 was a fine line between success and hardship. I started the year campaigning for my run as a councilor-elect during the ongoing pandemic. This meant extra precaution, but it was all worth it in the end as it resulted in my comeback as a public servant. Along with that, I am also happy that doors have opened for me, particularly through “Mano Po,” where I got to play the role of Lily Chua. All glory to God, indeed.

David Chua

David Chua

This year was a very productive one for me. January marked the launch of the GMA-7/Regal collaboration “Mano Po Legacy: The Family Fortune,” which I’m very thankful to have been part of. In October, I had the privilege of flying to New York and be part of the jury of the Soho International Film Festival, where I got to watch a lot of promising works and met a lot of industry bigwigs. In November, I started shooting the first leg of our TV series for NET25 titled “Good Will,” which we hope to launch by the first quarter of 2023.

For next year, I wish for even more productive endeavors careerwise. It would be great to explore new opportunities outside the Philippines, and maybe collaborate with some of our Asian counterparts. I’d also like to get busier both in front of and behind the camera; maybe direct a long-running TV series and star in one as well; or maybe do a local reboot of a popular Asian franchise, like “Goblin,” for instance. But I’m confident that with the connections that I’ve been making, there are always new doors opening, and limitless possibilities unfolding.” —Marinel Cruz INQ