Recognizing—and earning—their famous last names’ worth
While the latest batch of Star Magic talents were launched under the banner “Shining Now,” it could be said that, for most of them, the script had long been written—or at the very least, just waiting to be written.
At the ABS-CBN headquarters’ familiar 14th floor, where the event was recently held, tables were filled with some of local showbiz’s most prominent names. But they weren’t there to promote a show or pose for photographs. This time, they were the ones doing the clicking and clapping, as their children and other family members took the spotlight in what felt like a glitzy moving-up ceremony.
From the sidelines, actress-TV host Karla Estrada—mother of Daniel Padilla—watched over her youngest daughter, Carmella Ford. Angelina Cruz (daughter of actors Sunshine Cruz and Cesar Montano) had her sisters, Sam and Chesca, cheering her on. Iñigo Jose’s father, actor James Blanco, couldn’t make it, but he was instead accompanied by his mother, Tania Creighton.
The Mitra Sisters—Ezri, Julia, and Tasha—are daughters of musical director-composer Raul and show producer Cacai Mitra. And their aunt, Regine Velasquez, wasn’t about to miss this moment. Gladys Reyes beamed with pride as her son Christof (with husband Christopher Roxas) signed his contract with network executives Cory Vidanes and Lauren Dyogi.
The sight of former teen heartthrob Patrick Garcia with his precocious, preteen daughter, Michelle, was salt in the wound for those starting to feel their age. And then there was Joaquin Arce—son of film producer Neil Arce—who made headlines earlier, when his stepmother, the ever-elusive Angel Locsin, broke her social media hiatus just to wish him luck.
The only talents in the roster who didn’t have showbiz background were fitness coaches and couple Toni and Jim Saret, as well as Ice Almeria: the grand champion of the reality dance contest “Time to Dance.”
A natural, practical path
Children following their celebrity parents’ footsteps is nothing new in this industry. For those who grew up in movie sets, around cameras, and watching family perform onstage, pursuing a career in entertainment feels like a natural path. And it’s arguably the most practical. The connections, exposure, access to mentorship, and a renowned last name are already there—perhaps it wouldn’t hurt to at least give it a try.
It’s a privilege, no doubt. But with refreshing self-awareness, these new Star Magic artists were the first to point out that fact. In separate conversations with Lifestyle Inquirer, they acknowledged having a headstart by virtue of their background, and recognized that the platform they have isn’t readily available to many.
“It’s really such a blessing and not everyone gets to do this. But we also know that it’s a privilege,” points out Julia Mitra, who’s forming a musical trio with her sisters.
“Having a celebrity parent is an advantage—you can’t deny the connections,” says the aspiring actor Iñigo Jose. Christof (who previously went by the screen name Christof Sommereux), a singer-songwriter and budding rock artist, adds: “Obviously, there’s leverage. I couldn’t have done it all without the help of my family.”
Perks and caveats
But while being raised in the limelight affords these newcomers unique opportunities, it’s not without its caveats. Their names can spark curiosity, but also invite comparisons and expectations. And with instant exposure often comes inevitable scrutiny or outright dismissal, even before the cameras start rolling.
We were wary of bringing the phrase ourselves, but Sommereux—much like the feisty villains his mom plays onscreen—isn’t one to mince his words. “Of course, there’s this usual comment: ‘Nepo lang baby ‘yan. Walang talent ‘yan,’” says Christof, whose father Christopher Roxas, is also an actor. “Whatever success you earn will likely be downplayed.”
“But honestly, I don’t really have bad feelings about it because it’s true,” he says. “I feel incredibly proud to be my mother and father’s son. I admire them for the work they’ve done.”
The Mitra Sisters are expected to dabble in contemporary pop and maybe even a bit of hip-hop. But while their genre and style couldn’t be more different from their aunt Regine’s signature brand of power balladry, they know that comparisons will be part of their journey for quite some time.
“There’s pressure because we have big shoes to fill. Ang iconic naman kasi ng tita namin!” Tasha says. “Our style will be different, but it will be a while before people see that. So we have to expect the comparisons.”
Earning their place, proving their worth
Like the many celebrity offspring that came before them, some of them will eventually prove their mettle and make it big—or even surpass the success of their predecessors. But others might not. Yes, a good showbiz pedigree can get your foot in the door. But whether you get to stay in and stand out is another story altogether.
The proverbial paper has already been handed to them. Now, it’s up to them to push the pen and write their own story.
“After that, you have to prove that you have something to show for it…Kung may ibubuga ka ba o wala,” stresses Jose, who intentionally uses a different surname from his father—his way of trying to carve out a separate identity. “I truly want to make my own path.”
This year, people are already wondering about what kind of project would suit Arce and his stepmom Angel. But not so fast, the model-actor says. If they were to star together in a film or a TV show in the future, the younger Arce would only do it if he thinks he has paid his dues and grows into an actor worth his salt.
“If I act well enough and if I reach her level, then maybe I’ll have the right to work with her,” he says.
His parents’ reputation, Sommereux says, only fuels him to make them—and himself—proud. “I’m confident in my craft and what I put out there,” he says. “I hope to showcase my art, work hard, and earn my place here in the industry.”
At the end of the day, these young talents don’t get to choose the families they’re born into. But the least they can do, they agreed, is to honor the name they inherited, respect the privilege it came with, and not take any of this for granted.
This is a piece of advice Estrada instills in her children. “People will always have something to say…that they’re privileged or nepo babies,” she says. “But I remind them that they can always choose to be an inspiration to other people, especially to their generation.”
Ezri Mitra shares this mindset. What people or detractors say about them is out of their hands. For now, the best they can do, she says, is to devote their time and effort on things they can actually control.
“That means putting our best foot forward and practicing every day,” she points out. “We can only do our best and show our authentic selves.”
