Star Magic marches on with talents born in March

Author: Manila Standard Today
Column: Life & Entertainment

March is an auspicious month. In most countries above the equator, it's the month when flowers begin to bloom, new leaves begin to sprout on twigs and branches. It's springtime and it breaks the cold spell of long winter days and nights. In the Philippines, March signals the onset of summer and it warm nights, hot days, and almost oppressive humidity. Yet for the talents born in March under the wings of Star Magic, this is the month that brings much luck to their career. Let's meet the March-born stars.

Cassandra Ponti

Seductive Cass Ponti is happy with the outcome of her recent Maxim cover pictorial with the all-girl group Koolchx. After their rounds malls shows for Maxim, she is busy doing corporate and out- of-town shows. Cass is regularly seen in Asap 08 and Wowowee. She was also seen as the sexy friend of Angelo Patrimonio in Astigs. This hardworking Davaoeña is also producing out-of-town shows for Star Magic artists. She enjoys what she is doing and looks forward for doing more big projects this year. This well loved actress treated her Star Magic family with at sumptuous merienda. Cass celebrated her birthday on March 4.

Gerald Anderson

From being one of the original Pinoy Big Brother Teen housemates to being one of the most in demand actors today, Gerald Anderson has gone a long way in the business. This 19-year-old mestizo from General Santos can boast of a number of accomplishments. Aside from ASAP '08, he was also seen in several projects with Kim Chiu namely Sana Maulit Muli, First Day High and I've Fallen For You. He also has dance albums which were consistent in the hit charts. Gerald is also thankful for the recognition given to him by several award-giving bodies. He was named Best New TV Male Personality in 2007's Star Awards and Guillermo Memorial's Most Popular Loveteam of 2007. A follow-up TV project with Kim is coming up with Maligno and My Girl. This year is one of the best birthdays for Gerald as he celebrated with the Kimerald fans with cancer patients. The Kimerald BAO also treated Gerald for a surprise dinner party. Gerald can't ask for more and remain humble for all his achievements. Bench endorser Gerald will soon be seen in two more TV commercials very soon. He celebrated his birthday on March 7.

Julia Barretto

Being the daughter of Marjorie Barretto and Dennis Padilla, Julia Barretto was exposed in showbiz at an early age. There's no surprise for someone as cute and bubbly like her to be in the business, too. She started doing commercials and image model for a clothing line. Her very first acting exposure was in Walang Kapalit where she played young Claudine Barretto. Julia's short stint in the said teleserye made her one of the main cast of Kokey. Julia is regularly seen in Palos and guests in ASAP '08. This grade 4 from Benedictine International School loves dancing and playing tennis. She usually spent her time with her sport and hopes to be a professional athlete. Julia celebrated her 11th birthday on March 10 with her family and friends.

Angeli Gonzales

Angeli was only eight years old when she did her ABK role in Home Along Da Riles. Time flies fast as she grows up to be a fine teener who celebrated her 14th birthday last March 9. After Your Song, she was last seen in Palos as she played young Roxanne Guinoo. Angeli is also busy with her school in Colegio San Agustin as sophomore highschool student. Angeli is very serious with her hiphop classes as she wants to enhance her dancing skills. She attends her classes every Tuesday with Star Magic kids and teens. She is also hopeful to become a doctor someday. Angeli celebrated her birthday with her family.

Marianna del Rio

Marianna del Rio never saw herself doing ramp modeling but fate knocked on her door. An agent asked her to try it out and she did her first modeling stint at the age of 11. Marianna learned to love the job and traveled abroad. She remembers the first time she traveled to China. It was the most unforgettable and learning experience for her as she became independent at the age of 14. This Brazilian model came to Cebu last year to visit her grandmother. She instantly loves the place and decided to start a career here in Manila. This soccer fanatic is simple, shy yet friendly had an early taste of showbiz even before she was launched. She just laughed about all those nasty rumors involving her with an actor. Marianna is concentrating with her Tagalog lessons and hopes to be working with her crush and favorite actor, Piolo Pascual. She had a welcome production number in "Full Circle" segment in ASAP '08. She feels at home working with her co-Star Magic artists, Marianna quoted "They were all very nice and very accommodating. It feels like home." Marianna will soon be part in an upcoming Komiks series with Jon Avila, Maja Salvador and Jay-R Siaboc. She celebrated her 17th birthday on March 14.

Gian Sotto

His last name is familiar in the business. Being the third sibling and only son of actress Helen Gamboa and actor-politician Tito Sotto. Gian is a funny and out-going guy who has been exposed in showbiz since he was young. Just like his dad, this musician is the lead vocalist and guitarist of his own band called Anesthesia Nerveline. More serious with his new career as an actor, he set his eyes in doing villain roles in an action TV show or movie. Gian was a semi-regular in Margarita and had guesting in Abt Ur Luv and Wowowee. He also did movie stint via Enteng Kabisote 3. After his US vacation, Gian will start shooting a Cinemalaya digital film entitled Huling Pasada where he will play boyfriend of Dimples Romana. He just turned 27 years old on March 18.

Mara Schnittka

Mara misses her Goin' Bulilit family as she recently graduated in the show with John Manalo. She was very emotional that time and she tries her best not to be sad anymore. Mara hopes to be working with her Bulilit friends soon. Mara was also seen in ABS-CBN's Hiram where she played young Anne Curtis. She is part of an upcoming Sharon Cuneta movie entitled Caregiver. This young mestiza girl turned 13 years old last March 19 and celebrated her birthday with her family. She continues her studies in Blessed Hope Christian School and presently in grade 6. She also dreams of becoming a flight attendant someday.

Quintin Alianza

Quintin Alianza is the luckiest who have made it to the top among the 2006's Star Circle Summer Kids Questors. He was offered to be part of Star Magic kids pool and immediately had several projects. Quintin guested in ABS-CBN shows namely Pedro Penduko, Homeboy, Asap, Love Spell and Maalaala Mo Kaya. After Shake, Rattle and Roll, Quintin was part of the Star Cinema's You Got Me where he played brother of Zanjoe Marudo. Quintin is privileged to be Regine Velasquez's son in Star Cinema's Paano Kita Iibigin. He was last seen in Volta and Kokey. Quintin will also be seen in the ending episode of Maging Sino Ka Man. This chinito boy loves to watch cartoons and play puzzles during his free time. Quintin turned seven years old on March 25.

Kathryn Bernardo

Kathryn Bernardo is a Judy Ann Santos aspirant who hopes to be doing more projects soon. She finished her regular show Super Inggo Book 1 and 2 as Makisig's love interest. She hopes to be working with the same cast again. Her kikay character as Maya made her a household name. There will be follow-up project where she will be paired with Makisig for the second time. She looks forward in doing challenging roles specifically mentally retarded role. On March 26 it was a big blast for Kathryn! She joined on stage classmates in primary school for their commencement exercises and celebrated her 12th birthday.

Thou Reyes

Former Ang TV Joseph Reyes is now known as Thou Reyes. His batchmates at that time were Kaye Abad and Bodie Cruz. After his early taste of showbiz he decided to finish his school. He graduated BS Nursing before he joined the Mossimo Bikini Contest. Star Magic's Mr. M saw him in one of TV promos of the said competition and he was asked to be a Star Magic Kapamilya. Thou didn't have second thoughts as he misses performing again. From then on, he was seen in ASAP '08 and other ABS-CBN specials. He also joined the U Can Dance Version 2 competition. Thou was praised with his good performance in Kung Fu Kids seen daily in primetime bida. Thou turned 24 years old yesterday.

Source: Manila Standard Today