Sparkle, GMA’s talent agency, introduced 17 fresh faces and talented individuals last April as Sparkada. Renowned Starmaker Johnny “Mr. M” Manahan handpicked each group member for their colorful backgrounds and potential as the next leading stars in showbiz.
Its members include Saviour Ramos, Roxie Smith, Anjay Anson, Vanessa Peña, Jeff Moses, Cheska Fausto, Michael Sager, Kirsten Gonzales, Kim Perez, Caitlyn Stave, Vince Maristela, Dilek Montemayor, Raheel Bhyria, Tanya Ramos, Larkin Castor, Lauren King, and Sean Lucas.
As they begin their career as professional artists under Sparkle, they have become exposed to the opportunities and struggles of showbiz.
During an online media conference, 10 out of Sparkada’s 17 members, namely Kirsten, Anjay, Lauren, Roxie, Vanessa, Caitlyn, Kim, Tanya, Jeff, and Cheska, shared their excitement about landing appearances in several GMA shows.
For instance, Vince, Raheel, Michael, Sean, Caitlyn, Cheska, and Tanya are part of the cast of Luv Is: Caught In His Arms, GMA’s television adaptation of the hit Wattpad web novel Caught In His Arms by Ventre Canard. They’ll also be working alongside young Kapuso stars Sofia Pablo and Allen Ansay.
While the show serves as a springboard for their career, it’s also their chance to demonstrate their acting abilities.
“At first, kinabahan ako since this is my first show. Parang na-pressure ako [kasi] hindi ko alam kung anong i-expect. Medyo napagaan naman ‘yung loob ko kasi may mga kasama ako from my Sparkada family,” Kirsten said.
Kirsten added that since it was their first time to star in a show, she felt relieved that she won’t be going through the experience alone. As the Sparkada member allowed herself to relax on set, she began to enjoy the opportunity and focus on her acting.
Caitlyn shares the same sentiments as Kirsten, as she was also a bundle of nerves for her first appearance in a show. However, she was thankful to have some members of her Sparkada family around her, and she feels that working together on a show brought them closer together.
“I hope, though, that in the future, I’ll have more shows and with more of my fellow Sparkada,” Caitlyn said.
During their first day shooting Luv Is: Caught In His Arms, the production team welcomed the Sparkada members with open arms. Despite the young artists’ lack of experience, the team treated them accordingly and helped them portray their characters effectively.
“Ang pinaramdam nila sa amin is comfort and kitang-kita ‘yung pagkakaintindi nila. Lahat kasi kami bago ‘don. Instead of feeling nervous, [we were] comforted pa,” Tanya said.
She added that Sofia and Allen were also welcoming toward the Sparkada family and didn’t make them feel that it was their first time to appear in a show.
The road to showbiz fame is a long and challenging one. It’s good, then, that the members of Sparkada are ready to face the hurdles and consequences of stardom to do what they love. There’s undoubtedly still a lot for them to learn, but it seems they’re having fun along the way.