Mister Model Worldwide 2022 titleholder Derick Lauchengco, a showbiz newbie and promising actor, is off to an auspicious 'restart' after signing a management contract with award-winning film producer, director and public relations entrepreneur Chris Cahilig.

Lauchengco had previously worked with Cahilig as a cast member of the wildly popular TikTok series 52 Weeks, where he first drew the attention of TikTok followers.

The show wasn't Lauchengco's first venture into the public domain. The young man had stood out in the modeling circuit for a few years, even snagging the title Second Prince in the prestigious pageant, Misters of Filipinas.

In 2021, Lauchengco was named Mister Model Worldwide 2022, a coveted title that led to appearances in numerous film and television projects as well as commercials.

Currently a marketing management student at University of Perpetual Help System-Dalta Las Piñas, and a member of the school's varsity basketball team, Derick Lauchengco is a figure to watch in the gallery of fresh new showbiz personalities.

Affirming that signing up with Cahilig has been his best career move so far, according to Lauchengco.

"Ang lawak na ng experience ni Direk Chris. Sobrang galing niya bilang director at producer, at bilib na bilib ako sa kanya bilang isang manager. Nagpapasalamat talaga ako sa kanya for this opportunity," said Lauchengco.

For Chris Cahilig, talent management is not uncharted territory. By signing up Lauchengco, he is reigniting a dormant passion that had kept him stoked in the not-so-distant past. Those were the years he helped foster the careers of a variety of artists, including the iconic PPop boy band 1:43, actor Bekimon, radio DJs Nicole Hyala and Christsuper, as well as boyband trio JBK.

As a creative artist with manifold interests, Cahilig flourishes as a film and commercial producer and director. He was behind feature films such as Mia, Echorsis, and Miss Q and A, as well as Puregold Channel's digital series like Ang Babae sa Likod ng Face Mask, Ang Lalaki sa Likod ng Profile, and 52 Weeks.

Cahilig is also the producer behind My Plantito, a BL-themed romcom series currently airing on TikTok. All these have led to his recent appointment as head of the first-ever Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival.

On the other hand, Derick Lauchengco tested showbiz waters between 2021 and 2023 when he played supporting roles in the anthology drama series Regal Studios Presents. He also appeared in Mana Po Legacy: The Family Fortune and Kurdapya.

Lauchengco has high aspirations for his future but he assures his fans that success will never turn his head. "Kahit anong marating mo, dapat manatili kang nakaapak pa din sa lupa."

The promising young actor likewise believes in having a gratitude attitude. "I will always be thankful sa mga taong tumulong sakin, lalo nuong nagsisimula pa lang ako. Hinding-hindi ko sila malilimutan. Sana makabawi ako sa kanila and masuklian ko yun tulong at tiwala na binigay nila sa akin. Eto ang magsisilbing gasolina ko para magsumikap lalo."

When asked about his dream projects, Lauchengco claims he envisions himself in the kind of roles he admired growing up. "Gusto ko talaga maging action star, parang ang idol kong si Kuya Coco Martin."

Chris Cahilig sees this happening for his new talent. "Derick is an exciting and energetic star in the making," he says. "I am constantly blown away by his fine work ethic and strong potential. I can't wait to help him reach his dreams. It's only a matter of time."