Isko’s ‘first love,’ Gary E’s ‘second wind’ and Pokwang’s ‘dream’ project

(FROM LEFT) Isko Moreno, Gary Estrada, and Pokwang. —PHOTOS COURTESY OF NICE PRINT/ SPARKLE GMA ARTIST CENTER

While already an established figure in show biz, actor-politician Isko Moreno still believes that a good manager is indispensable, especially now that he’s planning to be more active.

“I think any artist needs to be managed,” he told the Inquirer at Sparkle GMA Artist Center’s “Signed for Stardom” event. “I believe in Sparkle’s capacity. They have already produced stars and managed them properly. I’m in good hands.”

Since his bid for the Philippine presidency in 2022, the former Manila City mayor has been easing back into show biz, hosting the defunct noontime show “Tahanang Pinakamasaya” and now, playing a supporting role in the primetime action series “Black Rider.”

Isko accepted the offer to do the said soap to “test the [waters].” “And it was like riding a bicycle—muscle memory. On the first day of shooting in Quiapo, I was still feeling my way around. But later on, I grew more relaxed. Yes, I would love to return to acting or hosting. I want to entertain,” he said.

Rein Hillary, Gazini Ganados, Bea Gomez and Billie Hakenson

After all, he pointed out, it’s where he started out and served as a springboard for his career in politics. “Show biz is my first love. This industry gave me the opportunity to better myself. It can’t be denied that it catapulted me to another field,” Isko said, adding that he’s open to doing more projects or guest appearances in the future.

“Dalas-dalasan [sana], wala naman akong ginagawa lately,” Isko said, laughing.

Held at GMA 7’s Studio 7, the “Signed for Stardom” event presented more than 40 artists—newcomers and old-timers—which included veteran stars, child actors, upcoming leading men and ladies, heartthrobs and beauty queens, comedians, music artists, as well as hosts and social media personalities.

Nathaniel Enaje, Ericca Laude, Raphael Landicho and Euwenn Mikaell

An emotional Pokwang recalled the first time she stepped into GMA 7 decades ago as a dancer. “This is where I first performed…I was a kontesera—not pageants, of course—but dance contests, like the one for ‘Lunch Date’ (a variety show that ran from 1986 to 1993). Being a television dancer was my goal back then,” she related.

As she renews her contract with Sparkle, Pokwang’s biggest dream is to do a project together with her fellow Kapuso comediennes Ai-Ai delas Alas, Eugene Domingo and Rufa Mae Quinto. “Beke nemen!” she quipped, teasing the GMA 7 executives.

Pepita Curtis, Melissa Gohing-Nacino, Kaloy Tingcungco, Patricia Tumulak, Martin Javier, and Migs Almendras

New chapter

The great majority of Gary Estrada’s television filmography is composed of GMA 7 shows. So it was only fitting, he said, to choose the said network for the new chapter in his career.

“GMA has been a family to me. I did numerous teleseryes and the telesines of old. So, when the opportunity came for me to move on and get a second wind in show biz, Sparkle was at the top of my list,” he said.

Kelvin Miranda

Metro Manila Film Festival 2023 best child actor Euwenn Mikaell is thankful to have been given “a chance to show his talent as an actor” through the acclaimed drama-fantasy film “Firefly.” “If it weren’t for the fans, there would be no actors. They’re the ones who love and support us. And we all love them back,” he said.

‘Transformational growth’

Sparkle Boys of Summer

Miss Universe 2019 semifinalist Gazini Ganados hopes to “reinvent” herself on “a much bigger platform.” “I’m blessed…You can expect transformational growth. We’re a blank canvas, continuously changing and perfecting our craft,” she said.

Jin Macapagal, winner of “It’s Showtime’s” 2019 talent search “BidaMan,” was feeling a little lost in his career before Sparkle came along. “There was a point in my life when I was looking for direction. And this opportunity came up. I prayed, ‘Is this it? Should I keep going?’ I cried like a baby when I made it in,” he said.

Elle Villanueva

Encouraged by her husband, Rocco Nacino, to break “out of her shell,” former professional volleyball player Melissa Gohing will soon find herself playing in a different kind of arena. “This isn’t the stage I’m used to. You always saw me on volleyball courts. But I’m here, open and looking forward to learning new things,” said Melissa, who may pursue a hosting career. “

“After giving birth, I thought nothing’s going to happen to me. But they’re right, it will come in God’s time,” she added.

Other artists who inked their management contract at the “Signed for Stardom” event were: actors Elle Villanueva, Kelvin Miranda, Winwyn Marquez, Radson Flores, Bruce Roeland, Vince Maristela, Prince Carlos, Jeff Moses, Raheel Bhyria, Yasser Marta, Maey Bautista and Ahron Villena; host-artists Martin Javier, Rain Matienzo, Patricia Tumulak, Migs Almendras, Pepita Curtis and Kaloy Tingcungco; beauty queens Rein Hillary, Billie Hakenson and Bea Gomez; child and teen actors Nathaniel Enaje, Ericca Laude, Raphael Landicho, Liana Mae and Gaea Mischa; P-pop group Cloud 7 and newbies Dylan Menor, Nikki Van, Geo Mhanna, Dom Pangilinan and Olive May.