CinemaBravo

Eight Kapuso stars were presented as the banner talents of Sparkle, the renamed GMA Artist Center of GMA-7. They are Miguel Tanfelix, Ysabel Ortega, Gabbi Garcia, Khalil Ramos, Bianca Umali, Derrick Monasterio, Sanya Lopez, and Ruru Madrid.

On their latest bloggers conference, CinemaBravo asked GMA consultant to Sparkle, Mr. Johnny Manahan (fondly called Mr. M), this question: What were your initial thoughts on the renaming and how hands-on are you in the execution of this change?

“Actually, we wanted to rebrand the Artist Center and give it a face-lift, so to speak, give it new vigor, make it younger, and better. It was already good but we want to make it better. We expect more from the artists. Hopefully with the name change and with the rebranding, will come greater quality of work and more fun! I suggested the rebranding and Lawrence Tan came up with the name.”

 Lawrence Tan is their consultant for imaging and branding.

“It was a brilliant suggestion. We embraced it right away.”

For the artists, CinemaBravo asked during the interview how this change will impact their career.

For Miguel Tanfelix, who has been gearing up for his lead role as Steve Armstrong in the live-action series adaptation of ‘Voltes V: Legacy,’ being part of this movement entails a big responsibility.

“That alone, feeling ko, mas makakapag-push sa ‘min to do better. Nandiyan sina Mr. M, Miss Mariole [Alberto], lahat ng part ng Sparkle, para pilitin kami—hindi naman pilitin, joke lang!—para i-guide kami to do more workshops. Constantly pushing us. Hindi sila nawawala sa tabi namin e! Yung mga pinapakita namin in front of the camera, ang daming taong nasa likod no’n. So proper guidance and tiwala and drive siguro sa sarili sa work.”

For Miguel’s Voltes V co-star Ysabel Ortega, who is set to play Jaime Robinson: “We’re seeing GMA Artist Center leveling up to Sparkle, so I think also it’s for us to level up as well. Since Sparkle has set a standard, we have to meet that standard. It’s really to just work hard and to really stay inspired and motivated.”

Celebrity couple Gabbi Garcia and Khalil Ramos is bound to bring mystery and romance in the upcoming series ‘Love You Stranger.’

This was Gabbi’s response to the question: “I’m really excited to grow with Sparkle (GMA Artist Center). I’m excited to work hand in hand. I’m trying to collaborate with them. And I am grateful that they have open minds also. It’s not one-sided; they also listen to their artists, which I really, really appreciate. And I am also grateful that we’re given a direction and the right path, and we are guided by Mr. M and Ms. Mariole. I’m just so blessed to be part of this group.”

And this was Khalil’s: “In this ever-evolving and -changing industry, it’s very important to have a team that can represent you and help you and guide you in all your career decisions. I see that in Sparkle. They really believe in what I can do and skills that I possess. In terms of changes, I now have more collaborators, more people that I could work with. I’m looking forward to a really, really great and productive year with Sparkle.”

On another hand, Bianca Umali believes the impact of this will be very strong for them.

“A new chapter, it’s a milestone for all of us. Lahat kami, may mga kanya-kanya kaming daan na tinatahak. I believe na the point of Sparkle in our lives is not to change kung ano man yung daan na tinatahak namin. It’s actually to open more roads for us to go to. I’m excited kasi ang daming bagong-bagong discoveries na alam namin na hindi namin kayang ma-discover nang kami lang. So, we are all very thankful sa tulong at sa pagmamahal ng Sparkle.”

As for Derrick Monasterio, he doesn’t have an expectations but he assures himself to always push for improvements.

“Ako, honestly, I don’t know what to expect when it comes to my career. All I know is I’m gonna improve for the better and hopefully it will show in my future shows and movies.”

Sanya Lopez, who is the titular star in the upcoming Telebabad sequel series ‘First Lady’ had this to say:

“Alam mo, nag-change ang pangalan ng GMA Artist Center pero yung pagmamahal at pag-aalaga nila sa ‘min, nandoon pa rin. So yung mga ginagawa namin na ginagalingan naman namin… ipagpatuloy lang namin yon at patuloy kaming makinig din sa kanila, for sure, hindi naman kami nila pababayaan at nandiyan sila para sa amin. Kung meron man kaming pagkukulang, alam naming gagabayan nila kami. Thankful talaga kami sa Sparkle.”

And lastly, for ‘Lolong’ star Ruru Madrid, it’s a challenge for all of them.

“Siyempre, ito ay isang malaking “tiwala” na binigay po nila sa aming walo para po dito. We just wanted to, kumbaga, ibalik sa kanila yung tiwala na yon sa pagpapakita na deserving kami para po dito. Sa bawat ginagawa namin, kailangang ibigay po namin 100% namin to inspire people. Our goal as actors is to entertain people: makapagbigay ng kasiyahan sa kanila every time na nanonood sila ng TV or pelikula. I guess, yun yong gusto namin na challenge.”

Catch these banner stars of GMA’s Sparkle this 2022 as they shine brighter in their respective shows.