ABS-CBN’s Star Magic, one of the leading talent agencies in the country, announced the launch of its Star Magic School for the Creative & Performing Arts (SMSCPA) during a media briefing held on March 26, 2025. This marks a significant milestone for what was previously known as the Star Magic Workshop, signaling a deeper commitment to cultivating talent across various artistic fields.
The gathering, hosted at ABS-CBN Studio 3, drew a crowd of industry professionals, members of the press, and individuals eager to begin or further their artistic pursuits. VJ Ai Dela Cruz guided the program, which celebrated Star Magic’s established history as a leading talent development center in the Philippines, now expanding its scope to become a more comprehensive educational institution for performers.
Expanded Learning Opportunities
The Star Magic SCPA will offer a wider array of courses, encompassing acting, singing, dancing, directing, and character development. A key feature of the new school is the inclusion of master classes led by accomplished and respected figures in the entertainment industry.
Key personalities from ABS-CBN and Star Magic were present to mark this important occasion. These included the Head of ABS-CBN TV Production, Director Laurenti Dyogi, and Mr. Raymund Dizon from Star Magic and ABS-CBN Business Unit. Also in attendance were the school’s acting coaches: Mr. HB Benitez III (Kids Acting), Teacher Alecx Lorica and Teacher Marcel David (Meisner Acting for teens and adults), and Meann Espinosa (Theater Acting). Directors Jon Moll (ABS-CBN TV Programs) and Kirby Balagtas (Executive Director, You Me Us MNL), along with Creative Producer Dale Recina, and Producer and Multimedia Manager Troi Bautista from You Me Us MNL, also lent their support.
Vocal instruction will be provided by mentors Teacher Julie Anne Reyes, and Anna Graham and Jerwin Nicomedes, who also coach the popular groups BGYO and BINI. The head choreographers for BINI and BGYO – Coach Mickey Perz, Coach Reden Blanquera, Coach Matthew Almodovar, Coach Aennon Tabungar, and Coach Josh Junio – were also present.
Dale Recina, Troi Bautista, Kirby Balagtas, Julie Anne Reyes, HB Benitez III, Jon Moll, Raym Dizon, Mickey Perz, Reily Santiago, Ed Capulong, Anna Graham, Alecx Lorica, Marcel David, Jerwin Nicomedes, Meann Espinosa, Aennon Tabungar, Matthe
The event included performances by singer Talia Concio, who delivered an energetic set, and the boy group BGYO, who performed their latest song, “Divine.” Former Pinoy Big Brother contestants Kai Montinola and Jasmine Scales also shared how their experiences in the Star Magic Workshops had a transformative effect on their artistic growth.
Expert Insights on Talent Development
During a question-and-answer session, Mr. Raymund Dizon explained Star Magic’s approach to keeping their artists relevant: “… That’s the advantage of having subject matter experts in the school, because they have different point of views na nai-instill sa ating mga star dreamers to keep them relevant…”
Coach Mickey Perz emphasized the importance of skill development alongside natural talent: “…In social media, a lot of people have talent, but talent will always bring you to a certain level; now how do you nurture that? That’s when you put skill into it.”
He further elaborated on the need for continuous learning: “The way you will nurture your talent is to get the right equipment… so you can always move on to what is current. You have to understand if you want to evolve, you have to humble yourself enough na you have to work hard for what you want to get.”
Teacher HB Benitez offered insights into the acting courses: “…acting is more than just memorizing and reciting lines; acting is about truth; it’s about exploring the complexities of the character and delving into the depths of the human experience and illuminating the truths that connect us all; that’s why we, at SMSCPA have expanded and have added more acting courses…”
Coach Julie Anne proudly mentioned a success story from their training program: “Dito rin nanggaling si Sofronio Vasquez, our champ for The Voice Season 26 US, he was with us sa Star Magic workshops for 5 consecutive classes, from basic to master class.”
Reflecting on successful graduates, Coach HB highlighted several notable alumni: “Yung mga nanggaling sa workshop na talagang ipinagmalalaki namin, yung talagang nag excel sila sa napili nilang field… sa acting it would be the likes of Joshua Garcia, Arjo Atayde, Alora Sasam for comedy, Dimples Romana, actually ang dami nilang nag start sa workshop, foundation muna nila yung training bago sila sumikat…”
Throughout the event, the mentors detailed the various courses available, including the Meisner Core Program for acting, the Popshop Workshop for singing and dancing, and the Voice Workshop for vocal refinement. They consistently stressed the significance of proper training in developing talent, discipline, and professionalism within the entertainment industry.
Enrollment Details
Onsite enrollment for the Star Magic SCPA workshops will commence tomorrow, March 29, and continue on March 30, as well as on April 5 and 6, 2025. Interested individuals are encouraged to register promptly as slots are limited. Registration can be completed online at forms.abs-cbn.com/starmagicscpa. For the latest updates and additional information, please visit Star Magic SCPA’s official social media pages on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/share/18gs5jtmET) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/starmagicscpa).
With the launch of the Star Magic SCPA, getting into the Philippine entertainment scene is now more accessible than ever.
