Ernest Jejomar "Beaver" M. Magtalas debuts as one of the main stars of the sci-fi fantasy movie "Genius Teens" which will have its global release on July 15 via KTX.PH.
Beaver, 16, revealed he auditioned for 'Genius Teens" where he plays the role of Hopper, a normal teenager, who tries to save the world through teleportation. "Meron siyang goal dito pero hindi ko muna puwedeng sabihin. He keeps a secret."
Prior, Beaver said tried his luck in Pinoy Big Brother but failed to make the cut. "Maybe it wasn't meant for me. Perhaps God has other plans for me."
This time, Beaver honed his talent by attending various workshops to improve his acting, singing, dancing, and other skills. It was in 2020 when he was finally cast in "Genius Teens." Later he also worked on another project with Deborah Sun entitled "Tahanan ng mga Pangarap."
In 2021, Beaver signed a three-year contract with Star Hunt and will be seen on television soon. He is the second child of businessman Alvin A. Magtalas and newly elected councilor of Palayan City, Nueva Ecija Filipina G. Mercado-Magtalas, also a businesswoman, who also belongs to the political clan of Mercados in the same province.
During an intimate media conference held at Super Sam recently, Beaver said that he is overwhelmed by the support of his fairy godmothers in showbiz - Cristy Fermin, Lolit Solis and Salve Asis.
"Bata pa lang ako ang dami ng nagsasabi sa akin na sumali raw ako sa showbiz. Sa 'Genius Teens,' more than 100 kaming nagpa-audition and then more thnan 20 lang kaming nakuha. So I'm really thankful for this project. Nagstart po ang shoot before the pandemic in 2019. Then na cut kami ng pandemic kaya now lang ito na release," Beaver said.
Now that the movie is ready to be shown, Beaver said that he was thrilled with its outcome. "I didn't expect na ganun kaganda ang movie. Sa trailer pa lang, talagang pinaganda na."
Beaver counts the loveteam of Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Fernando as his showbiz idols. "Kathryn is from Nueva Ecija rin po. Si Kuya Daniel, idol ko talaga siya lalo na sa pagkanta."
He has already seen them in person, but he was too shy to approach them at the ABS-CBN compound where he used to train for acting. "May ginagawa po kasi sila that time when I saw them in one corner, so hindi na po ako nakalapit sa kanila. Sayang nga eh."
But Beaver admitted that his celebrity crush is Belle Mariano. Abroad, he idolizes Jackie Chan. Beaver also said that he dreams of being cast in more drama and action projects.
Aside from acting, Beaver plays the piano and the guitar. The 5'10" tall star also dances and sings. "Lately, I have been dancing a lot in preparation for our TV guesting. I also play sports, volleyball, and basketball."
"Nakapag compose na ako ng isang kanta para sa mga broken-hearted. It's called 'Sayang Lang." Hugot song ito. And may dalawa pang songs na naka-line up at ako rin po ang nagcompose. I've informed na rin ang Star Music about my songs. Kung papalarin, baka mailagay din ito sa YouTube nila. It's about two people who fall out of love.
Shot in Nueva Ecija, "Genius Teens" tackles how humans protect the earth that we call home. It also showcases what exactly means to be human and how each character becomes a hero by discovering their ability and power.
The movie is written and produced by Mario Alaman, who has published several magazines. It is directed by Italian Paolo Bertola, who also owns "Your Post" Productions, which is currently handling the post-production activities of "Genius Teens."