Why Matt, Niña and Carl John joined show business

Love for hosting, the passion to act and the dream to get a free college education are the different reasons of Star Magic talents Niña Dolino, Carl John Barrameda and Matt Evans in wading through showbiz waters.

Until now, Matt can’t seem to believe that his dream of getting a college scholarship was fulfilled when he decided to join ABS-CBN’s Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) Teen Edition a year ago.

It also gave him the chance to act in front of  the cameras, pose in a pictorial for a giant billboard and endorse Penshoppe.

“All I wanted was for my parents not to worry anymore about my college education. God gave me more than I wished for,” Matt relates.

After his stint on PBB where Kim Chiu emerged grand winner, Matt got to portray Pedro Penduko in a teleserye. Pedro Penduko at Mga Engkantao came soon after.

With his earnings, Matt was able to renovate their house in Proj. 4, Quezon City and support his brothers’ schooling. He bought a second-hand car for himself and replaced it with a brand new Innova recently.

Yet in spite of his success, Matt remains humble and dedicated to his work.

“I’m here to work and please as many as I can.  There’s no reason for me to be a swell-head. Kahit buhok ko nga po na malaki pinipilit ko paliitin,” Matt says in jest.

Recently, Matt was surprised when he got a surprise birthday celebration from his family and friends.

“I really didn’t plan to have a party because I’m saving for a laptop which I can use when I go back to school next year. I was surprised when Gerald (Anderson), Melissa (Ricks) and Kitkat went to our house to celebrate with me,” Matt shares.

Although his ladylove, Olyn Meimban was not able to come because of an injury, Matt enjoyed his 19th birthday with friends and family.

Soon, Matt will be seen on the Kapamilya network’s latest teleserye titled Princess Sarah. He is also excited to star in his first movie: Regal Entertainment’s entry in the December’s filmfest Shake, Rattle and Roll.

Matt’s fellow Star Magic talent Carl John started as a commercial model for a hotdog brand.

Carl easily got the nod of directors when he auditioned for the role as the young John Lloyd Cruz on Kay Tagal Kitang Hinintay. Since then, he has appeared on TV shows like Arriba, Arriba, Anghel na Walang Langit and Goin’ Bulilit; and in films like ’Til There was You and Mr. Suave.

Now, 14, Carl wants to tackle roles fit for his age like the one he portrayed in the digital film Pisay, an entry at the Toronto filmfest, directed by Aureaus Solito.

“I want to do more serious acting someday. But that doesn’t mean I won’t be serious with my studies,” Carl says.

Next year, Carl plans to enroll in a regular school as he would like to experience high school the normal way —  with many friends.

Niña, on the other hand, loves hosting the most. She started her career on Wazzup, Wazzup as one of Tadyak segment hosts. Since then, Niña has been busy with hosting chores either in corporate events and out-of-town shows or as reliever of Games Uplate host Jaymee Joaquin. She now hosts Studio 23’s Break the Bank.

Aside from hosting, the Interdisciplinary Studies  graduate of Ateneo de Manila University who turned 25 last Oct. 26 also has acting talent. That’s why Star Magic gives her the chance to show her acting skills on Your Song with Sam Milby and Sitti, Vhong Navarro’s starrer Lastikman and the soon-to-be-shown TV series Weddings starring Anne Curtis and Zanjoe Marudo.

“ I can sing, too,” Niña, who is also part of A.S.A.P.’s Coolchx, says.