'Sparkada' ladies face career challenges head on

INSTAGRAM PHOTO/KIRSTENGONZALES_

By Iza Iglesias, Manila Times

The entertainment world can be as exciting with tons of career paths to choose from but it can also be tough to break into. Just like anybody else, one has got to start somewhere. New members of Sparkle, GMA Network's talent arm, know just that.

Collectively called Sparkada, the fresh faces include Raheel Bhyria, Caitlyn Stave, Roxie Smith, Kim Perez, Tanya Ramos, Kirsten Gonzales, Vince Maristela and Sean Lucas who are all handpicked by renowned star-maker Johnny Manahan. All have the looks and the talent, but the journey to stardom takes more than that to succeed.

Among the discoveries Gonzales found about herself is how she was able to push her limits when it comes to doing what she is very passionate about.

"Akala ko madali lang lahat kasi I think I have the talent na, I thought enough na yun. Pero you really have to exceed the expectations of people and because of that, napu-push ako to get out of my comfort zone and to grow," shared Gonzales in an intimate Zoom conference.

As someone who entered showbiz pretty quickly with no background, Stave also took some time to adjust to the culture.

"I had no absolute idea what to expect but because I'm is super outgoing, super energetic, I wasn't so scared or too nervous upon entering. When I was really there, though, knowing what really goes on, it is hard and it is really difficult. It's not easy. At the same time, I'm also passionate about what I do and I'm having so much fun," Stave enthused.

Being open to new challenges is also what made Smith more confident to where she is now. From being a beauty queen who won Miss Philippines Earth 2020 and competed in other major pageants such as Miss Tourism & Culture Universe 2019 (1st Runner-Up) and Face of Tourism Philippines 2019, she was able to do other things that she never thought she will do now that she is in GMA.

"Totoo pala na you could achieve anything you set your mind and your heart to. Kasi noong pumasok ako akala ko ang mabibigay ko lang is acting.But I get really good feedback with my hosting. So, I am now a morning show host in 'Unang Hirit' which is something I never thought I could actually do and didn't think have the confidence to do," Smith happily said.