Prom Kings - The Manila Bulletin 

 Daniel Padilla, Ready To Rock Your World

Mr. Lover Lover is back! And it’s not that hit song “Mr. Bombastic’’ by Shaggy but in the person of homeschooled showbiz descendant Daniel Padilla who possesses enough charms to make girls go gaga.

Born Daniel John Ford Padilla to actor parents Rommel Padilla and Karla Estrada, Daniel was 14 years old when he was first noticed by the late talent manager Douglas Quijano who encouraged him to do VTRs. Daniel did just that, as well as auditioned with ABS-CBN. He later signed up with Star Magic.

Daniel was a varsity basketball player at Montessori De San Juan from the fifth grade to fourth year high school. Today, he plays bass guitar and sings second voice in a rock band called Parking 5. He looks up to the Beatles, Oasis, and Guns N’ Roses as his musical influences.

A Bruno Mars-look-alike and a Robin Padilla speak-alike, Daniel shyly denies the comparisons.

“I admit I was forced into showbiz at first. But then, I realized sayang naman ang chance. Many people out there are dying for this opportunity. Besides, pangarap ko ring magka kotse at bahay na may music studio. I’m having fun na rin,” says Daniel, who is now 16 years old and stands at 5’9”.

Prior to his latest show “Growing Up,” Daniel was first cast in “Gimik 2010.” He shares equal billing with Khalil Ramos, Enrique Gil, and Kathryn Bernardo in the upcoming romance series “You’re Always In My Heart,” on ABS-CBN 2. But he says he is the same dude that he has always been — spontaneous, carefree, loving, innocent, lovable, cool, deep, and full of surprises!

Thoughts about love and prom…

Now a senior high school, Daniel had vivid memories about his prom last year. “I attended the prom in third year. I wanted to bring my crush but she wasn’t from the same school. ‘Di puwede. Sad. I just went with a friend,’’ Daniel recalls. Nevertheless, he believes he is capable of carrying on a relationship, young as he is. “Ako’y mapagmahal, sweet, caring, malambing, and expressive. Pero single now,” he says with a smile.

Determined to take up a music course in college, Daniel counts on his band to motivate him. “I am home-schooled but my bandmates are my school friends. I also plan to court this certain girl, do action movies, play a rock star in a movie, work on a family project under our own movie studio, and maybe also become a producer someday.’’

Fans may follow him on Twitter @ imdanielpadilla

Diego Loyzaga, On the path to discovery

Sixteen Year old Diego Loyzaga is in that stage where he is discovering so many things about himself.

For instance, he found out just recently that father, Cesar Montano, became a star after portraying the man/statue “Machete.’’

Or that they share the same love for painting and the arts.

Or that he’s bad with money.

Or that to be effective in the roles he wants to portray, he must step up in polishing his Tagalog. He learned his lesson while playing a role in “Mara Clara.’’

“I acknowledge and feel ashamed for failing to do justice to the role once played by Rico Yan. I don’t know what the critics said but everything just happened so fast. I was discovered by GMA-7. Then when I was waiting for my job offer, ABSCBN gave me a call and signed me up immediately.

Shortly, I was already taping for ‘Mara Clara.’ It was my first time to act and didn’t have enough time to prepare. I had crash courses in acting with Laurice Guillen and Malu De Guzman but my Tagalog was awful. Living in Australia since I was six affected my accent. I needed to be coached, but there was no time. I just jumped right in. It was awkward. I apologize to the viewers.”

Yet he owns up to everything that is happening to him. Now a high school junior at OB Montessori, Diego says nobody forced him to enter showbiz. “It was my decision because I have seen my Dad’s work. My favorites among his movies are ‘Muro Ami’ and ‘Jose Rizal’,” says the 16 yearold Diego who comes from a family of actors and basketball players.

Although his parents are not together, Diego says all is well with him.

“I don’t know much of the past. I only hear stories. No ill feelings. My mom has always been my hero. No question there. I love my Mom a lot. But I do love my Dad as well,” says this boy who loves adventure, game playing, and out-thinking others. He loves basketball, of course, being the grandson of basketball great Caloy Loyzaga.

LOVE, SCHOOL AND PROM

His biggest crush, he confesses, is Anne Curtis. His ideal girl is someone who is loving and supportive, just like his mom.

“I’m still single. Not dating anyone. Haven’t been in love but I know enough. It’s been hard to juggle work and school. That was the concern of my Dad. But I manage. Have yet to attend a prom. The school picks our dates,” he states.

He considers his hosting stint in the 2010 Guillermo Awards his most memorable affair. He dreams to take on challenging roles like “Muro Ami.” Diego is in the teen series “Growing Up” every Sunday afternoon on ABS-CBN 2. His movie “Hitman” opens in theaters on Feb. 22.

His fans may can follow him on Twitter @ loyzagadiegs.

Khalil Ramos, Following his dreams 

One of the most pleasant discoveries from the last Pilipinas Got Talent (PGT) derby was 16 year-old Khalil Ramos.

Talented, good-looking and oozing with so much potential, Khalil romped away with the first runner-up prize at PGT, and was Google’s Top 4 Newsmaker of 2011. “I love to perform. I’ve been singing since I was five. My Dad helped me. He used to sing in a choir. I sing in school competitions and family gatherings.

When I turned 14, I attended lessons with Jay Glorioso of the UP Diliman School of Music. I still do. My family urged me to join Pilipinas Got Talent and I’m glad I did. It’s been fun!” Khalil says. Today, Khalil is foraying into acting in a teen series called “You’re Always In My Heart.” He has also been given a two-year contract by Star Magic.

SWEET, HONEST, CUTE

Khalil does not mind being compared to American Idol alumnus David Archuleta who is in the country to do a TV show. Many people say they have a resemblance. But he asserts his individuality nonetheless. “I may look a bit like him, but I am Khalil – sweet, honest, and cute. Ha ha!” he says with a laugh,

He has also been compared with Sam Milby and Justin Bieber. “But I always try to be original. I wish to record an album and I also want to write my own songs someday. Acting is something new to me and I’m willing to try it, to expand my craft in this industry,’’ he adds

Born in Manila to entrepreneurs Lito and Tessa, Khalil Joseph Nepomuceno Ramos has an eightyear-old brother named Samuel Tristan. His hobbies include basketball, boxing, and video games. His favorite subject is Chemistry. His musical influences include Michael Jackson, David Cook, Journey, and John Lennon. His biggest crush is KC Concepcion and his ideal girl is someone who is simple, easy to talk to, and fun. He dreams to record an album with Star Records, and perform with Sarah Geronimo, and Charice.

Lately, Khalil has to juggle his time between school and work. That leaves him no time for love, he beams.

“I’m now in my junior year at Colegio San Agustin (Makati). Been busy with school and work. It’s hard but I thank them for understanding and being supportive. They’ve been good to me. Prom is this month but I don’t know who to bring. I plan to take up I.T. in college, at De La Salle University. I’m still single. Only crushes for now. Love can wait.” Khalil tells his fans and other people like him to hold on to their dreams, just like what he is doing in his young life.

“Always follow your dreams. Believe in yourself because God has a plan for all of us. Don’t be afraid to share your talent, kasi sayang naman. Show it to the world.”

Fans can get connected via liking Khalil Ramos on Facebook or adding @TheKhalilRamos on Twitter