All eyes were on three of the hottest Gen Z stars — Emilio Daez, Kira Balinger and Iñigo Pascual — during the Star Magic Spotlight gathering recently in Quezon City.

Balinger and Daez became part of the Pinoy Big Brother Collab Edition, while Pascual is among the lead stars of Joel Lamangan’s Fatherland.

Emilio and team MiLi

“I think I got to know myself better,” said Emilio Daez when asked about his biggest takeaway from his Big Brother House experience. “Inside the house, I had more time for self-evaluation and reflection kasi nga wala kang (you had no) cellphone, wala kang (no) distractions.”

Daez continued: “One of my goals is to become a better actor. And to be able to that, I have to understand myself first more. So, talagang dinadamdam ko talaga lahat ng nararamdaman ko, pinapansin ko (So I really tried to feel all my emotions, really noticed them), and I believe that’s one of the keys to becoming an actor. You have to understand yourself first, feel everything, and hopefully it will translate onscreen.”

Daez’s biggest surprise after being evicted? “The warm reception of the people. When I first had my first fan meet, only 10 of them were present. Now their numbers blew up and I am most grateful.

“It really just makes me want to be a better person, work harder and be the best that I can be para sa lahat ng mga sumusuporta (for all the people who are supporting me),” he said.

Speaking of support, Daez is most aware of the fact that his duo with Michael Sager called Team MiLi is getting a lot of love and support.

“Yes, I am kilig (thrilled) and overwhelmed with the love that team MiLi is getting,” Daez said. “Michael is not just one half of the duo; he has become my brother and best friend.”

Many are enjoying this newfound bromance and the affection they have for each other erases toxic masculinity. To this, Daez said, “My being affectionate to Michael stems from the fact that in my family, kahit sa (even with our) relatives from my father and mother side, showy kami talaga (we are really demonstrative), expressive of how we feel. Hugs are a common occurrence. Yung saying of I miss and I love you are natural. Laging (Always) sincere and reciprocal.”

When asked if he is open to do a boys’ love project with Sager, the one-half of team MiLi said: “Whatever are the opportunities that will come our way, pareho naman kaming (we are both) professional and actors na (who are) wanting to grow, I say bring it on.  It will be fun to star in a romantic comedy project with my bro.”

Before the camera gets to roll with Team MiLi in it, their fans are all gaga and giddy with their TV show appearances and the many reels that they star together that they share in their respective social media platforms.

Daez’s coming-soon project is Love at First Spike where he plays the lead role.

A miss named Kira

“Everything played out exactly pretty young miss Kira Balinger of her PBB Collab experience. “It may have taken me longer than the others to open up, but I’m super proud of my experience. I’m happy with my journey inside the house, and I don’t think there’s anything I would like to redo.”

Balinger also said, being in the house, brought out her “kulit”: “Sobrang introverted ko po (I was so introverted) prior to entering the house. I was, in a way, shy; I had a very hard time socializing with people my age and my shyness was often misconstrued as me being suplada or hindi marunong makibagay or makisama (aloof or unable to fit in or get along with others). Because of my PBB experience, I know that I have good people as my friends. Nag-improve ang social skills ko (My social skills improved). Papalabas na nga dapat yung baklitang Kira side ko eh (The naughty Kira side was just about to come out), but my stay was cut short.”

Balinger had her fair share of supporting and lead roles in television dramas. On film, she was the main female marquee name in Chances Are, You with Kelvin Miranda and Maple Leaf Dreams opposite LA Santos.

What she wants to do next, said Balinger: “I really want to try, kontrabida naman, ‘yung mean girl na rich tapos nang-aapi. And nahihiya ako sabihin — pero, Dyesebel. Dye­sebel talaga (a villain role this time, someone mean, a rich girl treating others badly. And embarrassing as it is to admit, Dyesebel, yes. Dyesebel really). It is my dream role.”  

Balinger looks forward to the day that she gets to work with Emilio in a fantasy action series like Bagani.

Inigo’s season

Despite his impressive acting turn in Joel Lamangan’s Fatherland, Inigo Pascual does not mind being compared to the Papa P ng bayan, his father Piolo Pascual.

“It is not in any way a challenge that I need to overcome,” said the Pascual scion. “The fact is he is my faher and that can never be erased sa pagkatao ko, kung sino ako (from what and who I am). I will not be here with you now, sitting, answering your queries kung wala ang tatay ko, magulang ko (if my father were not here, or my parents). Being his son has never been a problem. It is not an obstacle either. I will not be where I am right now, without his love, guidance and support.”

Of late, the young Pascual goes back and forth to the US and in Manila. “My being part of the Hollywood series Monarch opened many opportunities for me in the US. I have been auditioning there and napakagandang (it’s been a great) learning experience for me. It is both humbling and rewarding. Mas marami kang kalaban sa US (You have many more competitors in the US) and to grab a part, ang saya talaga (it’s so much fun). Dito kasi (Here), most often than not, handpicked ka na (you are already handpicked) to do a certain character. I do have a forthcoming project, but I still cannot divulge what it is.”

On working in a US drama series, he relates, “I was nervous, sobrang kinakabahan ako (I was really nervous) going into it. Sa States kasi hindi katulad sa Pilipinas na puwede ka magdala ng road manager mo or ng handler mo. Susunduin ka pero ikaw lang talaga pupunta sa set (In the US, unlike here where you can have someone with you like you road manager or handler, they just have you picked up, but only you can go to the set).

“The warmth and kindness praised the warmth and kindness of the cast and crew, I will never forget,” Pascual said.

What is next for Inigo Pascual are more movies and a new song.

Indeed, Emilio Daez, Kira Balinger and Inio Pascual are Gen Z stars whose respective careers are for the long haul because their body of work are filled with challenging, fresh, interesting and relevant characters and choices.