At 14, Noel Comia Jr. is one of today’s fast-rising stars. Dubbed the “Wonderboy,” he charms with his talents and boy-next-door looks. Noel Comia (Photo by Lester Ramos) He has done a number of theatrical productions and starred in the movie “Kiko Boksingero,” for which he won the Best Actor trophy at Cinemalaya Film Festival last year. He is cast in “Rainbow Sunset,” produced by Heaven’s Entertainment and intended for submission to this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF). +++ Multi-talented Noel is also a singer, commercial model, TV/events host and voice talent. He plays various instruments like Ukulele, keyboards, guitars, and drums. He is an MCA Music artist, and has released two singles “The Show” and “Alaalarawan,” which is the official theme song of “Kiko Boksingero.” Prior to landing the role in the film, Noel became a finalist on “The Voice Kids Season 3” under coach Lea Salonga. He also became part of the now-defunct drama series “The Good Son,” and was one of the finalists on “Your Face Sounds Familiar Kids Season 2.” Thanks, Dad Noel’s parents took notice of his musical talents when then six-years-old belted out songs one karaoke night. “I inherited this (my talent) from my father. He is also into music and growing up, he became my inspiration,” he said in Filipino. Theater plays Noel starred in various theater plays including Kids Acts Philippines’ (KAPI) “Hua Mulan,” where he won Best Child Performer in 2014. He is part of Repertory Philippines, and also appeared on the Philippine staging of the 1968 British musical adventure fantasy film “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.” Title-holder To date, Noel is the youngest Best Actor of Cinemalaya Film Festival. Social media darling Noel’s cover of “Beauty And The Beast” with “The Voice Kids Season 2” grand champion Elha Nympha has more than 4.9 million views on YouTube as of this writing. On Instagram, he has more than 25 thousand followers, while more than 12 thousand friends on Facebook. Old soul Noel is into old songs. Check his playlist and you’ll find “Close To You” by The Carpenters and “How Deep Is Your Love” by Bee Gees. Brainy When he isn’t busy with projects, Noel is a regular student at OB Montessori in San Juan. He loves to read history, literature and philosophy books. His dream is to become a pilot. Celebrity crush Though he has crushes, having a girlfriend is far from Noel’s mind. “My parents will not allow me (to have girlfriend). Also, I believe I’m too young for that,” he said. Among female celebrities he admires is Liza Soberano. Handsome Does he have “pogi problems,” we asked. “I don’t know!” he laughed. “But I am conscious of how I look, because as an actor, I have an image to maintain. So I try to look nice everytime I go out.” Quite the challenge Noel plays the son of Aiko Melendez in “Rainbow Sunset.” “It’s about my lolo, who is a senator. There will be issues about him, like he is gay. Then me, as his apo, I will do my best to protect his dignity,” he said about the movie. The challenging part for him is to work with seasoned actors like Aiko. “It’s intimidating. I’m afraid to make mistakes and I don’t want to fail them. I guess, this is the challenge I have to face,” he said.