Just last February, ABS-CBN Films launched its pioneer batch of artists under its own talent management arm, the Rise Artist Studio. Included in the roster of fresh talents is Charlie Dizon, now seen as Isabel Gezali in the trending primetime series A Soldier’s Heart.

Despite the anxieties spawned by the pandemic, Charlie believes there are more blessings to be thankful for. The way her career continues to thrive amidst the crisis is something to marvel at, proving that real stars shine brighter in the dark.

Besides A Soldier’s Heart, the actress is busy attending online classes and workshops along with her fellow Rise artists. The bunch is also given their own digital show called “We Rise Together,” where they get to talk to and learn from the biggest names in the industry and showcase their talents.

Charlie’s favorite guest on the show would have to be celebrated host Boy Abunda. She notes the King of Talk’s pieces of advice about stardom, setting goals, motivation, and the thirst for learning. Tito Boy told them to feed the mind by reading books and to master self-discipline.

The multitalented beauty will surely keep those lessons in mind, given that she worked hard to create the artista life she always wanted as a child. Though she didn’t expect her dreams would turn out big. “’Yung mga kakilala ko, sila ‘yung nagsasabi sa akin na ‘Akalain mo nandiyan ka na ngayon?’ tapos nare-realize ko na ang dami ko din palang pinagdaanan and ang tagal bago ako nakapasok sa showbiz,” says Charlie. She believes you can achieve whatever you believe in. And if it’s meant to be yours, it will fall into place.

Charlie makes her quarantine days worthwhile by watching movies. This helps further her artistry and connection with other types of characters. This also allows her to explore films outside her own perspective.

She adds the learning process should never stop even while stuck at home. Charlie tells her viewers to discover what they’re most passionate about – it’s a proven happiness hack. “Kapag gustong gusto mo talaga ‘yung ginagawa mo,’yun ang magiging dahilan kung bakit gusto mo gumising at talagang hindi ma-late sa trabaho, gawin ‘yung trabaho mo nang maayos. Gawin nila kung ano ‘yung magpapasaya talaga sa kanila.”

On her days off from work, and especially during this stay-at-home phase, Charlie loves to just chill inside her room. So when tasked to highlight her reel quarantine life for the Star Magic Love From Home digital catalogue, the Kapamilya actress thought of creating a bedroom pictorial.

The concept translated into a stunning photo, drenched in homey vibes. It was challenging, though to execute a photoshoot in where you are the subject at the same time. Like the other artists, Charlie has her own amusing story of how she pulled off the annual project sans the glam team, production, and professional photographers.  

The DIY treatment boosted Charlie’s appreciation for the people working behind the scenes and it made her realize that productivity is just around the corner, hiding behind the uncertain situations.

“I learned ‘yung value lalo ng production team. Sobrang thankful po tayo sa mga production team natin. Kung paano nila naiisip ‘yung mga concept, execution, pa-ilaw, and mga makeup artist natin. Sobrang na-appreciate ko po sila. Despite our situation, magiging productive ka pa rin talaga, “she expressed.

The Star Magic Love from Home catalogue is a collective effort to raise funds for Filipino families most affected by the pandemic, in partnership with the ABS-CBN “Pantawid ng Pag-Ibig” campaign.