The new hope, Batch 2026

As the saying goes, “out with old, go with the new” and as Heidi Klum puts it in every Project Runway episode ender, “One day you’re in, the next day you’re out” that is why this first day of January, this DAILY TRIBUNE columnist enumerates and identifies the “they are in it, to win it” New Hope Batch 2026.

Who runs the world, girls!

Topping the batch is the baby girl/all woman allure and persona of Andrea Brillantes. Her being an ambassador for a liquor brand that showcased the perfect combination of an angelic face and a woman with all the right curves and a body to-die-for showed to us all that she is more than ready for her close up, she is set to be a showbiz queen. Adding more wattage to her stellar power, being the biggest female talent of TV 5 with A Secret in Prague headlined by her with Enrique Gil.

Ashtin Oliviga, the Viva princess made an impressive mark as the student activist daughter of Piolo Pascual in Manila’s Finest. Olviga is not all sugar and spice and all that is nice, she gave heart and sincerity to her character that was initially presented as an all innocent young miss who became enlightened and defiant during the time when the military rule was about to be announced. In all the scenes she was in, she shined with her charisma and the undeniable acting talent which was most felt during the scenes she shared with Pascual that showed how the distrust and disgust for her father’s occupation, was slowly eating her.

Kai Montinola, statuesque, oh so lovely, regal in demeanor, classy and intelligent in her way of speaking and expressing herself as she shares her thoughts and such an exquisite dresser, always well put together and dazzling. Leading lady material all the way, with an added extra, she sings well too. In Roja, she also shows that she is not lacking in the acting department.

Jillian Ward is the Kapuso’s best bet for superstardom. Emman Pacquiao’s admitted blossomed into pretty young miss, grounded, sweet but never saccharine to a fault, and has a large Kapuso fanbase who has loved her ever since she was a child star. Her next big TV project billed Never Say Die, opposite David Licauco, raises her star to an all-new level.

Let’s hear it from the boys

Will Ashley's double nominations, for best supporting actor for Bar Boys: After School and best actor for Love You So Bad, which were films in competition in the 51st Metro Manila Film Festival, are testaments that there is more to him than his boyish charms; he is an actor He gives feels and sincerity to the characters he portrays making you believe, care, root, cry and wish them a happily ever after.

Michael Sager and Emilio Daez, when they are not together as MiLi: Sager received a lot of admiration and praise as the host of all the MMFF premieres and awards night. He was articulate, easy on the eyes, spontaneous and no dead airs when he held the microphone as he did his hosting stint. Daez, meanwhile, surprised everyone with his range and great screen presence as Ziggy in Kip Oebanda’s lawyer drama movie. As MiLi, Sager and Daez’s possibilities and opportunities are endless. They can be the Philippines’ biggest BL partnership and contribution to the boys love genre and business.

Elijah Cole and Titing Manalili: The two gentlemen from the world of sports arouse the curiosities of many because of their names. More than their names that trigger the imaginations to go ballistic. Cole earned bronze medal for pole vaulting at the SEA Games and Manalili is a fast rising collegiate basketball player. And yes, their good looks and physiques make them “yummy” and “daddy-daddy.”

For Sassa Gurl and Esnyr, no idea what are the pronouns they use and prefer. What cannot be denied is the fact that these queers are showing the general public their talents not only with the many characters they portray in their contents but also in the movies that they were cast. Sassa was in two MMFF movies and the performance in Bar Boys surprised and impressed many. And Esnyr, was in the MMFF box office and awards night victor, Call Me Mother. Also, Ranollo’s boyfriend Alec Quizon gives more premium to his kagandahan (being beautiful).

This year’s new hope. May their stars not only twinkle but illumine and may they become truly loved by the public.