Three of a kind: Claire Castro, Coleen Paz and Dustin Yu

Image: Regal Entertainment, Inc. and GMA Network

It is a rare scenario when you have three young talents that are comprised of a second-generation star in Claire Castro who is the daughter of popular 1990s stars Diego Castro and Raven Villanueva; a homegrown artist in Kapuso Actress in Coleen Paz; and a first-time actor making his onscreen debut in Dustin Yu.

These three young actors are the main cast for the newest episode of “Regal Studio Presents” entitled: “Myra’s Miracle” which will be the first Christmas-themed episode from the acclaimed television series, which will be shown today at 4:35 p.m. on GMA Network.

“Regal Studio Presents” has also become a showcase for the young ones in showbiz where they can develop and hone their acting skills. In many ways, this multi-genre television series is the venue to be on the lookout for the next crop of rising stars in showbiz. It is where young artists have the chance to embrace the roles assigned to them. And this newest episode is a perfect illustration of that.

Here are my questions below for Claire Castro, Coleen Paz and Dustin Yu.

When you were a young child, what was your favorite fairy tale or cartoon character that you identified with? How did that choice of yours impact your imagination and dreams growing up? Can you tell us some stories about that?

Claire Castro: I would have to go with “Cinderella.” Because many young girls wish that when they grow old, they will marry “the one.” It is to dream… that is where we get the concept of happy endings. But sadly, as you grow up, there will be times the happy endings you seek are denied you. But from those (disappointing) experiences, you will find that something even better will come your way and will be given to you.

Coleen Paz: I am thankful Claire did not choose “The Little Mermaid.” I feel I can relate to “Ariel.” Because as an only child, I felt like I was in a small box. When I became a teenager and an adult, I began to feel I was rising up and coming out from the depths of the ocean… from the deep ocean where I felt contained. Now I have the freedom to do whatever I want. And I am so happy to be here. To be a part of this show. And to be a part of GMA. And I really, really want to achieve my dream. It all starts small… little by little.

Dustin Yu: To be honest, I don’t really watch cartoons too much. But I’d choose “Spider-Man” because, since my childhood, he was the superhero I looked up to. So, to this day, I really like “Spider-Man” especially now that there are “Spider-Man” movies. I like to imagine being him,

Which international celebrity do you wish you were or could be now? Explain why.

Claire Castro: I have been thinking hard about it. That’s why I have been silent. I would go, probably, with Selena Gomez. Because she’s dating the hottest guy right now, and that’s “Captain America.” Right, he’s (Chris Evans) “Captain America.” Yeah, Selena Gomez, definitely, because she’s into fashion also. And she’s kind of sweet, too. Sweet personality. Sweet dresser. But she can sometimes be daring which you don’t quite expect. I follow fashion myself. I am into fashion very much. That’s why she is also my style icon along with Blake Lively.

Coleen Paz: I have just watched a TikTok video of Vanessa Hudgens. I really liked her since I was a kid. Since “High School Musical.” And then, she’s Pinay. Then, she’s had so many opportunities growing up, too. She portrays her characters so well. She’s great in everything. She’s a singer. She can dance and all that. She’s very talented. She’s the first name that came to my mind. And then, of course, she’s Pinay and a very proud Pinay, she is. I really want to meet her soon.

Dustin Yu: Leonardo DiCaprio. Because my favorite movie is “Catch Me If You Can.” He had great acting there. He’s very simple but he acts so well.

Thus far, among the roles you have played, big or small, which one gave you personal joy, satisfaction and fulfillment in terms of performance? Explain why.

Claire Castro: I played the victim in “Imbestigador.” I feel fulfilled because it is based on a real story. I was kind of scared to do it but I feel I did the role with flying colors. I enjoyed very much being on the set, because I learned so much there and everyone was easy to work with. Also, my scenes were very heavy which required extreme and intensely dramatic performances from me. So, after each heavy scene, I’d feel, “I did it!”; “Oh, my gosh!” I would be very happy when I went home. I went home with a big smile on my face.

Coleen Paz: For me, it would be my role in “Las Hermanas” as “Kiwi'” even though it was a supporting character. I believe I put my heart into it and I also learned so much from my co-actors. Especially from Rubi Rubi because she was my mother figure there. I would also like to add here our recent project “Myra’s Miracle” because it is a heart-tugging real story and I feel everyone can relate to it. Plus, Christmas is close. So, watching this episode will also be a learning process for those who are having some form of difficulty.

Dustin Yu: Well, this is just my first project. It is satisfying to me in that it is based on real life. That was my role here on RSP.

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