Maris Racal, Cedrick Juan, Kaila Estrada, other stars to look out for in 2024

(From left) Maris Racal, Cedrick Juan, Kaila Estrada. Images: Instagram/@mariestellar, Instagram/@cedrickgjuan, Instagram/@kailaestrada

Maris Racal lead many rising stars that emerged as potential torchbearers of show business after captivating audiences with their acting prowess and eye-catching presence. Some made viewers cry with their heart-wrenching portrayals of their characters, while others brought laughter with their witty lines.

These stars showed the potential to take the entertainment industry by storm in 2024 after making a strong impression in the past year.

Maris Racal

Maris Racal. Image: Instagram/@mariestellar

Maris Racal’s witty word war with Anthony Jennings in “Can’t Buy Me Love” proved she can shine with her own versatility, after taking on heartbreaking roles in the past. In the past year, she starred in several projects including “Simula sa Gitna,” “Here Comes the Groom, and “Marupok AF,” proving that 2023 was her breakout year.

Throughout her career, Racal showed that her singing, dancing, and acting skills are a force to be reckoned with — proving her potential as a triple threat in the industry. Combine her skills with her unmatched wit and game-for-anything attitude, especially when engaging with netizens on social media, and it shows that she has so much to offer as an all-around star.

Cedrick Juan

Cedrick Juan. Image: Instagram/@cedrickgjuan

Cedrick Juan made viewers cry after shouting “wala kaming kasalanan (we didn’t do anything wrong)” during the titular garrote scene in the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry “GomBurZa,” among his other scenes. His portrayal of Padre Jose Burgos ultimately sealed his fate to win Best Actor at the festival’s awards night last Dec. 27.

The actor, who has been in the industry for 10 years, previously starred in “Till I Met You,” “Two and One,” “Fit Check,” and “Mula Sa Buwan” which honed his skills. But his award proved that he has the potential to go far in the industry not only as a leading man but also as a standout actor.

Kaila Estrada

Kaila Estrada. Image: @snappedbyralph via Instagram/@kailaestrada

Kaila Estrada proved that hell hath no fury like a woman scorned as Sylvia, wife of Alex Lualhati (JM de Guzman) in “Linlang,” a punch in the gut for victims of their unfaithful husbands. Kabitseryes are not new but her take on her character — catfights and angry lines aside — proved that actors can still offer something new when it comes to portraying betrayal. She also showed off her feisty side as Bettina Young Tiu in “Can’t Buy Me Love.”

The actress is set to star in two films “Fruitcake” and “Pilak,” with her dad John Estrada, which will show that she can set herself apart from her parents in the industry.

Xyriel Manabat

Xyriel Manabat. Image: Eilyn Yatco via Instagram/@xyrielmanabat_

Put Xyriel Manabat in any role, and you can expect her to steal the spotlight immediately. This was proven after starring as Tonet Pavia in “Dirty Linen,” and as Roxy Cristobal in “Senior High,” effortlessly shifting from comedy to drama in a snap. The way her expressions spoke for her character’s emotions themselves to the way she delivered her lines proved that only certain actors have the innate skill, and she’s one of them.

As “Senior High” is down to its final two weeks on air, all eyes are on the former child actress’ next role, with some hoping she will be the leading lady this time around.

Elijah Canlas

Elijah Canlas. Image: Instagram/@elijahcanlas

Elijah Canlas is another proof that certain actors are born with pure skill, but it didn’t stop him from showing different sides of himself in his roles. In 2023, he captivated audiences with his portrayal of Conrado in “The Iron Heart,” Archie in “Senior High,” Jayjay in “Keys to the Heart,” and Paciano in “GomBurZa” — all of which have distinct personalities but he managed to show versatility in every single one.

With his expressive face and knack for adlibs, it’s clear that Canlas has the potential to make it far without going through the usual notions of showbiz. And many are rooting for him to emerge as one of the industry’s brightest stars.

Anthony Jennings

Anthony Jennings. Image: Instagram/@anthonyjenningss

Another breakout star of 2023 is Anthony Jennings after his heated yet hilarious exchanges with Maris Racal in “Can’t Buy Me Love” made waves on social media. Taking on the role of Scoop in the hit series, he is the best friend of Donny Pangilinan’s character Bingo, but his recent exposure hints that he’s on his way to bagging bigger projects in 2024.

Before his breakout appearance in the DonBelle series, he previously starred in “Hello, Love, Goodbye,” “Make It with You,” “The House Arrest of Us,” and “Love at First Stream,” just to name a few.

Atasha Muhlach

Atasha Muhlach. Image: Courtesy of Viva Artists Agency

Another potential all-rounder can be seen in Atasha Muhlach, who’s the daughter of screen veteran Aga Muhlach and former beauty queen Charlene Gonzales. But despite coming from a well-known family, she is determined to make a mark on her terms. She is currently one of the hosts of the TV5 noontime show “Eat Bulaga,” which recently changed its name after comedy trio TVJ reclaimed ownership of its trademark, where she proved that she can keep up with its masa appeal and humor.

Muhlach, who signed with Viva Artists Agency in July 2023, also displayed her singing prowess with her single “Palayo” and many covers on social media.

Daniela Stranner

Daniela Stranner. Image: Ed Advincula via Instagram/@danielastrannerrr

“Senior High” seems to be an avenue for molding the future big stars of the entertainment industry, as Daniela Stranner also caught the attention of the public with her mean girl character Zyra Aguerro.

Stranner was launched as a Star Magic artist in 2018 and after starring in “Make It with You,” “Love at First Stream,” “Fractured,” and “Senior High,” it’s a sign that the rising star is ready to take reins of her first major project soon.

Kaori Oinuma

Kaori Oinuma. Image: Instagram/@kaori_oinuma

Kaori Oinuma started her entertainment career as a “Pinoy Big Brother” housemate in 2018, but her shocking appearance in the 2023 film “A Very Good Girl” — where she shared a kiss with Dolly de Leon — is proof that she’s a pretty face who’s capable of doing justice to any roles with such ease.

Oinuma also caught the attention of showbiz watchers after appearing in “He’s Into Her,” “Love at First Stream,” and “Fractured” with onscreen partner Jeremiah Lisbo, and “Tara, G!” and the dark comedy film as a solo actress. Through her past works, she showed that whether you pair her up with someone or ask her to be a solo actress, she is bound to shine.