Philippine entertainment and pop culture wouldn’t be the groundbreaking fields they are today without the exceptional women who thrive in them. We may each have our own reasons for supporting our favorite local films and TV shows, but it’s safe to say that women have been a common denominator in them.
From award-winning directors to actors and recording artists on the rise, Filipinas have made a phenomenal impact on various artistic platforms throughout history. Moreover, they’ve created a home for women’s stories, voices, and perspectives to thrive and spark meaningful conversations across every generation. It’s no surprise that these established public figures and their legacies have stuck with us long enough for a new wave of talent and star power to dominate the scene.
Photo: Kai Montinola, Bianca de Vera, Fyang Smith/Instagram
This National Women’s Month, we’re rolling out the red carpet for these Gen Z Filipinas at the forefront of the country’s media landscape. As they hone their craft through exciting projects across a diverse range of genres, we can’t help but admire their sheer passion and goal-orientedness, which today’s youth can definitely learn from.
The future is bright for these nine remarkable young women, who aren’t afraid to forge their own paths in the fast-paced world of show business, or showbiz. Here’s why you should tune in to them and their future endeavors:
Ashtine Olviga
Time and time again, Ashtine Olviga proves that nothing can come between her and a total breakthrough in her acting career. After her meteoric rise to stardom on Ang Mutya ng Section E, Ashtine has earned her stripes as a multi-faceted actress through a wide variety of leading roles. Now deemed “The Nation’s Mutya,” Ashtine is well on her way to becoming a household name in Philippine entertainment, thanks to her undeniable charm and acting prowess.
Kai Montinola
A spectacular singer and actress with a heart of gold and wisdom beyond her years? That’s Kai Montinola for you. After capturing Filipinos’ hearts last year as the “Singing Gwapa of Cebu” on Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) Gen 11, Kai has successfully made a name for herself through numerous endorsements, acting gigs, and live performances that’ll blow you away, to say the least. If you want to learn more about Kai through her craft, then her debut album, Kaileidoscope, is definitely worth a listen.
Krystal Mejes
No matter what kinds of characters Krystal Mejes portrays, you can count on her to approach them with utmost grace and emotional depth. In 2023, she won Best Actress at the Paris Film Awards for her outstanding performance in the short film Matapang, which opened many doors for her in the years that followed. Fresh off her fruitful journey on PBB Celebrity Collab Edition 2.0, Krystal is now gaining even more recognition for the existing and upcoming roles in her diverse filmography.
Eliza Borromeo
What Lies Beneath introduced us to an ensemble of promising actresses in the industry who played the teenage versions of the show’s main cast. Among these new faces is Eliza Borromeo, who portrayed the young Alice (played by Janella Salvador). Though she had a few challenging scenes on the show, Eliza’s dedication to bringing the young Alice to life helped her conquer each one with grace. She delivered a powerful performance that even brought viewers to tears.
Caprice Cayetano
Caprice Cayetano and acting go way back. Even in her humble beginnings as a Sparkle GMA artist, she has already been committed to sharpening her acting skills and making the most out of every project she books. We witnessed her acting chops on PBB Celebrity Collab Edition 2.0, and we’re about to see even more of them in the upcoming roles she’s pursuing after winning the reality show.
Bianca de Vera
This year, all eyes are on the sassy, bubbly, and lovable Bianca de Vera—a rising star whose personality knows no limits, onscreen and offscreen. Many recognize Bianca from the hilarious and endearing characters she has portrayed over the years. However, this year has given her more opportunities to take on versatile roles that fully capture her range.
Fyang Smith
Sofia “Fyang” Smith’s recent TV and film performances have been nothing short of a revelation. From serving romantic comedy (rom-com) realness with a hint of magic in Ghosting, to channeling her inner “final girl” in Shake, Rattle & Roll: Evil Origins, fans can’t wait to see the other tricks Fyang has up her sleeve in the acting department. Hopefully, we’ll see them in full bloom in Almost Us, her first major film with JM Ibarra.
Reign Parani
Whether she’s owning a pageant stage or venturing into the limelight, Reign Parani is ready to give it her all in every field. After finishing as second runner-up on Binibining Pilipinas in 2023, Reign went on to pursue acting, landing her first lead role in the hit youth-oriented drama, Love at First Spike. She shone as the driven and determined Farrah, who braved each day with her unwavering passion for volleyball.
Karina Bautista
Do we have a new Filipina “scream queen” in our midst? It’s definitely possible when Karina Bautista takes center stage. After delivering jaw-dropping performances on Maalaala Mo Kaya and Shake, Rattle & Roll: Evil Origins, both of which showcased her depth as a sinister antagonist, we’re confident that Karina has found her niche in horror and psychological thrillers.
Mutya Orquia
If you have yet to watch Mutya Orquia’s heart-wrenching portrayal of Louisa on What Lies Beneath, let this be your sign to do so. Mutya gave us a brilliant display of heartbreak and longing as Louisa got caught in the crossfire of religious guilt and her unconditional love for Liezel, played by Kolette Maledo.
ALSO READ: Celebrate National Women’s Month With These 10 P-pop Girl Power Anthems
Who are your favorite Gen Z Filipina actresses? Let us know in the comments below!
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