GMA Artist Center started 2022 with a fresh and energized new name - Sparkle.
Launched during the Kapuso 2021 Year's Eve show on Dec. 31, former Star Magic head Johnny “Mr. M” Manahan spearheads the network's rebranding.
Asked what makes an artist sparkle, Manahan said: “Each one of them has what we call ‘it.’ Something you can’t define. It’s also known as 'I don’t know what, but they have it.' That (is what) makes them sparkle."
Mr. M also cited the stars' ambition and dedication to their craft as prerequisites to a successful career.
"So meron ka nang ‘it,’ kailangan meron ka pang ambition and dedication and discipline," he said. “That makes them stars and, as we say, only the brightest stars sparkle.”
The banner stars of Sparkle’s launch are Sanya Lopez, Bianca Umali, Ysabel Ortega, Gabbi Garcia, Khalil Ramos, Ruru Madrid, Miguel Tanfelix, and Derrick Monasterio.
On the qualities of a star, Mr. M said: “More of the same, the same great work that they do."
“I don’t know the individual programs, what to expect, but whatever it is, I’m sure the tradition of quality before with the Artist Center, itutuloy namin iyon and just adding a little more sparkle.”
Manahan thinks that the Kapuso artists know that it takes a lot of hard to be a star.
Sanya Lopez, Bianca Umali, Ysabel Ortega, Gabbi Garcia, Khalil Ramos, Ruru Madrid, Miguel TanFelix, and Derrick Monasterio couldn't be more thankful for the opportunity to work with Mr. M.
"When I first knew about being part of Sparkle, may konting kaba. And may konting parang naging palaisipan siya para sa akin kasi ano kayang mangyayari, anong gagawin namin? What does it mean to be part of Sparkle. But as we go through the process of being part of it, and being represented by Sparkle, unti-unti naming naiintindihan yung purpose kung ano yung mangyayari. And it's actually not for other people, yung opportunity na ito ay para sa mga sarili namin. Its for us to prove, it's for us to fulfill our dreams, and it's for us to be the better version, best version of ourselves," said Bianca.
Ysabel said: "Very thankful. My heart was so full because of how thankful I am na binigay sa akin yung opportunity na ito. It feels good to know that people believe in me, in us."
"Ako siyempre ang daming questions na tumakbo sa isip ko - na may re-branding ng GMA Artist Center. Ang daming tumatakbo sa isip mo na mangyayari sa careers namin individually. Anong mangyayari, anong magiging takbo ng management sa loob ng Artist Center? Pero habang ginagawa namin yung proseso - lahat ng proseso from changing the name hanggang sa pre-launching tapos mga meetings, mas nagkaroon ako ng sagot. At dahil dun mas naging excited ako. Mas ni-lo-look forward ko yung taong 2022," said Miguel.
Derrick added: "This huge change is very interesting for me kasi alam kong we have to work really hard. But of course, at the same time, I'm very excited and happy."
"When I first learned about the Sparkle and me being part of the first eight - the banner or the first batch, I already told myself it's gonna be the year of growth with Sparkle. Kasi Artist Center rebranded and I wanna be part of that rebranding. So it's the year of growth for me. And also I'm really, really grateful for their trust. Ever since naman I was 15, I was really, really grateful for them cause never nila akong pinabayaan. They always have my back and they're very considerate of what I want to do in this industry, never nila akong pinilit. I also trust them with all my heart. That's why I'm just very, very thankful. It's such a humbling moment for me," said Gabbi.
"The first time na sinabi sa akin itong Sparkle, I was very overwhelmed. Sobrang naging thankful ako to be part of this. Alam naman nating lahat na yung walo na nandirito, they're very talented and all that. Kaya sobrang malaking bagay ito para sa akin. Me, personally, gusto ko lang patunayan sa kanila na deserving ako sa spot... na-deserving kaming lahat para dito sa grupo na binubuo nila," said Ruru.
"Sa akin, immediately, it ignited this really positive and exciting energy in me cause ako I lived, like, every day of my life, wanting to create stories. And with the rebrand of the Sparkle, they told me na yun nga: 'We have so many plans for you and the rest of your co-artists this year. And there are so many opportunities for you to showcase what you love doing.' Ako, kaagad, sobrang I express agad my excitement. I'm super game talaga to collaborate with everyone. The urge in me to create stories is there. And right now, given the platform to know more about myself din as a storyteller and get to share it with my co-artists and my audience - all with the support of such an amazing team here at Sparkle," said Khalil.
Sanya said: "Siyempre yung kaba nandun po talaga. Matakot ka na kung hindi ka na kinakabahan. So yung kaba laging nandiyan yan. At maganda yan kapag minsan gamitin mo yan, minsan mas nacha-challenge, mas ginagalingan mo."