It was a full-on family affair at Star Magic’s Shining Now event as a new crop of celebrity hopefuls, including music royalty, rising athletes, and Gen Z influencers, signed on the dotted line to officially become part of ABS-CBN’s talent pool.
Front and center were the Mitra sisters, Tasha, Julia, and Ezri, daughters of musical director Raul Mitra and concert producer Cacai Velasquez-Mitra, and nieces of Asia’s Songbird, Regine Velasquez-Alcasid.
The trio, poised to debut their first single under Star Music, made their first public splash as a girl group, and yes, Regine was there cheering them on.
“At first, we weren’t sure if we’d work well together,” Julia confessed at the media conference. “But now I see it’s a blessing to be on this journey with my sisters.”
Regine, ever the mentor, had a few parting words: “Fame is temporary, girls. But family…that’s forever.”
The sisters also brushed off comparisons to their iconic aunt. “She’s legendary. But we’re doing our own thing,” they said, clearly ready to carve their own lane.
Joining the girl group in the Shining Now contract signing event were other familiar surnames.
Carmella Ford, daughter of actress-host Karla Estrada, turned heads with her confidence in a red number. Fresh off a standout performance at the Star Magic All-Star Games, she’s eyeing action roles and doesn’t shy away from proving herself.
Next came Iñigo Jose, son of actor James Blanco, who dreams of becoming both a rom-com heartthrob and an action lead. He brought his whole family along, including his proud mom and brother, and showed poise beyond his years.
“Sa challenges… syempre pag humarap naman sa akin ‘yun, I’ve just got to face it with grace,” he quipped.
Then there’s Michelle Garcia, the 12-year-old daughter of actors Patrick Garcia and Nikka Garcia. A seasoned performer despite her age, she has already opened for BINI at the Araneta Coliseum.
“It started with K-pop and P-pop,” she shared. “Watching them made me want to perform.”
his career under the management’s guidance
Dance prodigy Ice Almeria, grand champ of Time to Dance, also joined the new batch, getting emotional as he recalled his nine-year journey from hopeful to Star Magic signee. “I’m not letting go of this little dream I’ve had. This is it.”
Joaquin Arce, son of producer Neil Arce, arrived with quiet charm and a love for K-dramas. “It’s an honor to walk alongside the best,” he said. “I just have to keep up.”
Then came Christof, the budding rockstar and son of actress Gladys Reyes. Also signed under Star Music, he stood out with his introspective take on authenticity: “We want to be real, and we want to see real in the audience too.”
Last but not least was Angelina Cruz, already set to appear in the new ABS-CBN series The Alibi alongside Kim Chiu and Paulo Avelino. “My dream is to land a lead role in a teleserye,” she said. “But for now, I’m just excited to get started.
Also present at the event were longtime collaborators Coaches Jim and Toni Saret, who officially joined the Star Magic family, sealing the agency’s push toward holistic development.
“Fitness should be for all,” said Toni. “Through Star Magic, we want every Filipino to be stronger, fitter, and healthier.”
