Continuously evolving with the changing times, ABS-CBN Studios has found the freshest roster of Gen Z idols for its youth-oriented series “Zoomers,” for which 18 artists auditioned. The screening process under directors Laurenti Dyogi, Chad Vidanes, and Theodore Boborol was streamed across social media in a reality show format, giving fans a chance to witness the rigorous auditions that the young stars must surpass.

“Goin’ Bulilit” alum Harvey Bautista and ex-Pinoy Big Brother housemate Criza Taa – now shipped by fans as CrizVey – emerged on top, bagging the roles of Jigs and Hope, respectively.

Kapamilya Chat sat down with the tandem. Joining them was Ralph de Leon, who clinched the role of Atom.

Harvey, Criza, and Ralph reflected on their nerve-wracking audition experience for “Zoomers,” where the pressure was heightened by showcasing their talents in front of the three esteemed directors. Harvey felt nervous upon entering the studio, aware that the entire process would be filmed and aired.

Unlike the other aspirants, Criza got a last-minute audition call, hence surprised by the reality-show format. This added to the pressure, but her experience as a housemate in PBB, in which cameras followed her every move, helped make her feel at ease.

The newcomer Ralph secured the role of Atom, a high-achiever student with a hint of ‘yabang’ or arrogance. However, those around him will soon uncover what pushes him to act in such a manner. Ralph believes that there are Atoms in real life – overachievers trapped in their high standards. Thus, his advice to all Atoms out there is to loosen up and cultivate emotional resilience, especially in the face of rejection.

Harvey landed the character of Jigs, a diligent student with ambitions, often wrapped up in his own world. If you think Jigs is your ‘spirit animal,’ Harvey hopes you learn to have more understanding towards others. Personally, he identifies with Jigs’ passion for art and filmmaking.

Criza embodies Hope, a compassionate and family-oriented student with big aspirations, yet unsure of the path to realizing them. Viewers must look forward to Hope’s journey of opening her heart to love, as her focus has always been her family.

Drawing from her experience as a breadwinner, Criza empathizes with Hope's journey. Her advice to those in a similar shoe is to prioritize self-care, not forgetting oneself amidst the responsibilities. “Kasi ‘pag breadwinner ka, madali kang mapagod, maubos. So, huwag n’yo lang kakalimutan ‘yung sarili n’yo. Magtira kayo lagi para sa sarili n’yo. Mag-set kayo ng boundaries kahit na breadwinner ka and you want to do everything for your family,” Criza shared from her own life story. She advocates self-love, emphasizing the value of pampering or me-time as strategies to recharge or ward off burnout.

Asked whom they want to switch roles with if given the chance, their unanimous choice was Dino, assigned to Luis Vera Perez, hinting that the character has a personal ‘hugot’ that viewers must eagerly anticipate in the next episodes.

Groomed as the next big stars, the trio is gradually compiling their bucket list of dream collaborations. Criza, in particular, has three idols she aspires to work with – Bea Alonzo, Anne Curtis, and Angelica Panganiban. And she wishes to engage in intense drama projects with them, to glean insights from these power actresses.

Ralph expressed appreciation for Piolo Pascual's remarkable acting talent, particularly evident in his recent film, "Mallari." This admiration fuels his desire to collaborate with Ultimate Heartthrob in the future.

As for Harvey, his dream ‘collab’ is a father-and-son drama with John Arcilla. As most of us know, Harvey started young in the industry, which, he admits, sparks a feeling of burnout at times. Despite his occasional doubts about pursuing showbiz after 13 years in the industry, his passion never wanes. “At the end of the day, uuwi pa rin ako sa acting, filmmaking kasi ‘yun na ang nakasanayan ko. Lucky ako na mahal ko ‘yung ginagawa ko,” he said.

Just like Harvey, Criza is the passionate type, evident in her unwavering determination to go through different auditions since her graduation from PBB in 2019. This 2024, she aims to shift her focus on acting, as she’s been busier with social media content creation after “He’s Into Her” concluded in 2022.

Ralph is the newest among the three, hence the challenge of keeping pace with his co-actors. He describes the acting experience as exceptionally genuine and novel, “Sobrang new realm ang acting. Na-try ko na po mag-modelling, mag-host nang kont sa Miss Universe [Philippines]. It’s a different thing kasi sa acting, ibang character ka talaga, but in every other thing that I tried, I was just myself.”

But this aspect also adds to the thrill of acting. “It’s so fun na for this amount of time, ibang tao ka, iba ‘yung way ng pananalita mo, iba ‘yung body language mo. When you have to take all of that into your head, enjoy siya, eh.” Acting wasn’t part of Ralph’s initial dreams. It just came all of a sudden. And this is exactly why life is good – the sense of unpredictability that encourages us to enjoy the moment as it comes.

Navigating the realm of social media is an inherent aspect of their journey as emerging stars. Criza, boasting a substantial following, said she seldom reveals her vulnerable side online, preferring to concentrate on spreading positive vibes since life itself is already hard. For Ralph, authenticity is important, that’s why he’d rather post about life as it unfolds rather than go for a meticulously curated feed.

Don’t miss out on ABS-CBN’s newest youth-oriented series, “Zoomers,” which airs after “Can’t Buy Me Love,” at 10:15 PM on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, A2Z, and TV5. It’s also available globally via streaming at ABS-CBN Entertainment’s YouTube channel.

“Zoomers” also features Luis Vera Perez, Kei Kurosawa, Erika Davis, Hadiyah Santos, and Zabel Lamberth.