Last night’s Star Magical Prom marked the beginning of a bigger, more exciting journey for many Star Magic artists including former child stars who stepped out of the limelight for almost three years due to the pandemic.

These familiar faces, now all grown up, were re-introduced to the public as Star Magic’s freshmen batch. And their class representative Jana Agoncillo was a true standout. As she walked the ivory carpet in a youthful yellow garb and delivered her speech during the main program, we saw a new era unfold – Jana’s era.

In her last acting stint before she went on hiatus, Jana played the stubborn celestial body left wandering in the world of mortals, Starla. Remember her chant? “Anuman ang iyong hiling aking tutuparin. Anuman ang nasa iyong loob, aking ipagkakaloob. Ngayon din. Now na!” Her performance in this series, wherein she shared screen with Judy Ann Santos and Charo Santos, got her nominated as Best Child Performer.

Jana was one of her generation’s go-to child actresses for lead roles. Before Starla, she took on the titular role in Ningning as a young girl who remained loving and hopeful despite the eye condition that turned her blind.

She also co-headlined Dream Dad with Zanjoe Marudo.

She appeared in Maalaala Mo Kaya, Sana Dalawa Ang Puso Ko, Asintado, Ikaw Lamang, and Honesto. She did comedy skits in Goin’ Bulilit. She was part of the kiddie lifestyle show Team Yey! as well.

Jana’s past projects have imprinted one image in our minds – an adorable little girl with superb acting skills and a sunny smile. Then, this turned all around when we saw her sashay the ivory carpet at the Star Magical Prom.

She was a sight to behold – all grown up yet carrying traces of youthful charm. She was blooming in her yellow ball gown with a black ribbon accent, with her long hair just worn naturally. Netizens noted her resemblance to Miss Universe Philippines Celeste Cortesi and actress Beauty Gonzalez, who played her mother in Ningning.

When she spoke in her ivory carpet interview with VJ Ai dela Cruz, she truly exuded “pang-beauty queen.” We were all the more mesmerized when she delivered her speech as class representative. She mentioned that even though their batch was barely active in the past years due to the pandemic, they remained devoted to their workshops and training under Star Magic.

In her video introduction, Jana said, “Now it’s my turn to grant my own wish, and that is to be a good role model using my gift in portraying inspirational characters.” With her beauty and talent, this Kapamilya is ready to bring a refreshing wash of color to the entertainment industry.

Photos credit to janapatching IG and Star Magic and ABS-CBN Entertainment