When hearing anecdotes about artista journey, one thing we’ve always been eager to find out is, ‘paano sila na-discover?’ It’s always been fascinating to know how the universe conspired and opened the doors of showbiz for our favorite celebs, giving us the right-place-at-the-right-time feels. Isn’t it amazing that actors and actresses were just ordinary people until that life-changing ‘discovery’ moment came?
Just take a look at how a typical hour at the LRT station led to Carlo Aquino’s big break. In an interview on Magandang Buhay, Carlo recounted, “Galing kami sa family friend na taga-Tondo. Noong pauwi na kami, sa LRT station, may pumigil sa amin tapos tinanong si Daddy kung gusto ko raw magpa-VTR.” His father, who negotiated with the talent scout, encouraged then 7-year-old Carlo to give it a try. His first commercial eventually opened up a slew of outstanding movie and television roles, the current one as Abe in A Soldier’s Heart.
She’s known today as the millennial Darna but Jane De Leon’s beginnings were simple. Before becoming the breakout star of 2019, 15-year-old Jane was focused on her studies, hence, she never had plans of joining showbiz, although, she was doing some modelling stints on the side. But fate still prevailed when talent manager Tyrone Escalante discovered Jane and gave her the opportunity of a lifetime. She was immediately introduced to Star Magic patriarch, Johnny Manahan, and eventually launched as part of the talent arm’s Batch 15.
Yen Santos’ breakout role as Jacky, in the 2018 top-rating series Halik catapulted her to fame. But, how did the bubbly girl catch a spot in showbiz? Yen was among the thousands of tenacious hopefuls who auditioned for Pinoy Big Brother Teens Clash of 2010. She set her foot on Kuya’s house at the age of 17, going in as just an ordinary teenager with big dreams and leaving as a new celebrity destined to a promising career.
Heaven Peralejo has talent manager Ogie Diaz to thank for her discovery. It was through Pinoy Big Brother Lucky Season 7, however, that Heaven made her mark on Philippine entertainment scene. She opted for a voluntary exit in the middle of the seventh season to be with her then-cancer-stricken mom, but in a strange twist, opportunities knocked on her doors since stepping out of the house.
McCoy De Leon is a proof that perseverance can usher a dreamer to brighter places. He started as ‘extra’ in television advertisements and support in some teleseryes. Soon, and still as a talent, he was cast in Be Careful With My Heart as a cutie high school student. After his stint in that series, McCoy was absorbed by Star Magic.
These celebrities’ showbiz careers are indeed written in the stars. But, as McCoy said, nothing works better than prayer and diligence. So, if you have a dream, work hard for it!