It took a while before her big break came, but Ryza Cenon didn't mind waiting. "I am in this business for the longterm and I know I still have a lot to learn, a long way to go," says the 2004 winner of Starstruck, a popular celebrity-reality search show.
Born Rhiza Ann Cenon Simbulan, Cenon has always wanted to be a movie star, so much that it has become a regular grind for her and some friends to join auditions and talent contests.
Her persistence paid off when she auditioned in Starstruck, and was chosen to be one of the show's contestants.
Cenon recalled not being even considered as a favourite throughout the show, until the very end, but said she just kept her focus and gave her best to all the tasks assigned to the aspiring celebrities. She ultimately was rewarded for it.
"Just the fact that I got in was already a big achievement for me; but to have won the contest, that was one of the greatest moments in life," Cenon says.
But success wouldn't be as quickly forthcoming. Her male counterpart winner in the competition, Mark Herras, became a big star while she was rushing to one bit role after another.
Focused
"It was challenging and a bit frustrating, but I learned not to compare myself with others if I wanted to move ahead. That's what I did, and just like in the competition, I had to remain focused on what I wanted to achieve," she adds.
When she was offered to star opposite Aljur Abrenica in Machete, she said yes immediately. "I didn't read the script, but I agreed anyway because I had a feeling this could be it. Then I when I actually had the chance to sit down on it, I was shocked, but only for a moment," she recalls.
She adds, "This is it. I've been playing too many character roles; it's about time for me to get the lead role."
The young actress had a lot of explaining to do to her parents and to her fans. It was a good thing, she acknowledged, that they understood and are willing to support her all the way. "That taken care of, I can really focus on my career now. I'm ready for more mature roles, and ready for bigger challenges," she says.
Playlist of Heart Evangelista, Actress
Song on repeat mode: Let it Rain by Sarah Brightman. "It's an amazing song, sung so well by Sarah. I will never get tired of listening to this song."
One to make me cry: Mi Libre Cancion by Laura Pausini: "Very soulful music, it touches the deepest chords of my soul."
This one makes me move: What's My Name by Rihanna and Drake: "It's just nice to sway a little bit to this tune."
At karaoke i would sing: "I wouldn't know, honestly. Whatever pops in my head at that time, I guess."
Track i'd skip right now: Pray by Justin Bieber. "The guy is talented, but I'd rather skip this one. I'll wait till his music matures."
Going solo
Gerald Anderson is now going solo. After years of being paired with teen star Kim Chiu, the young actor is being groomed as the industry's next action prince with his own action series,Buhawi Jack. It will be a big challenge for the actor. Anderson and Chiu have been together in many primetime top-raters but their movies have not fared well at the box office. Now, Anderson is being paired with Jewel Mische. Anderson has had to undergo intensive training in arnis (a Filipino form of martial art), and has shot some death-defying scenes for the show, according to the insiders.
Kris for a cause
Kris Aquino, a judge on the new season of Pilipinas Got Talent, just tweeted she will be doing a special endorsement for Bench. The Filipino fashion brand will be coming up with a limited edition cologne to commemorate the golden anniversary of the EDSA People Power, the revolution that swept Kris' mother, former President Cory Aquino, into power. Instead of her usual fees, the actress said she will ask Bench to donate two classrooms for her sister Pinky's non-profit organisation which is involved in pre-school education.
Aljur is on a roll
It looks like it really is Aljur Abrenica's year. He just bagged the lead role for the highly anticipated Machete series, which will soon premiere on GMA, and was named Best Asian Model at the 2011 Asia Model Festival Awards held in Korea. Meanwhile, Abrenica defended himself from critics that the new Machete isn't showing enough skin, unlike his predecessors — Cesar Montano and Gardo Versoza. "I wanted to be as daring as possible, but the show's producers had to re-think that strategy. We will be watched by children, unlike the earlier versions of Machete, which were made for the big screen and were classified as for adults only," he said.
Baron to go into Rehab
Baron Geisler has finally admitted he is an alcoholic and will go into rehab for 90 days. He was banned by the Professional Artists' Management Incorporated, an organisation of talent managers and celebrity handlers in the Philippines, for unruly behaviour during a taping of a primetime series on ABS CBN, Noah, where the actor is cast as one of the main protagonists. He allegedly came to the shoot drunk and behaved inappropriately with actress Cherry Pie Picache. The ban was handed out as a result of Picache's complaint.
