TikTok sensation Queenay Mercado gets her showbiz breaks

MANILA, Philippines — TikTok sensation Queenee Pearl Mercado can hardly believe it that after getting a whopping 12.5 million followers, she subsequently made her acting venture as she is now seen on TV5 programs and soon in a TikTok series.

Nicknamed Broiler since she was on the heavier side when she was younger, but popularly called Queenay, she is now part of the roster of young, promising and emerging artists of Cornerstone Entertainment, which now manages her schedule and handles her showbiz career.

Prior to her TikTok venture, 21-year-old Queenay could hardly dance. She believes TikTok really showcased her talent and opened the doors for her to embark on an entertainment career.

“I started with playing bit roles, dadaanan ka lang ng camera, in many shows in GMA 7,” Queenay disclosed. “I was happy then seeing my back behind the camera, my outfit in front of the camera or even just my hair.

“That was enough exposure for me. I saw myself on TV, then I also saw a lot of stars. Before, I would always audition, but I never got accepted. I had no name then. I was a very simple girl with big dreams.

“I am a probinsyana who went to Manila to make her dreams come true. TikTok was a big factor that helped boost my confidence to eventually enter showbiz.”

Queenay expressed her desire to work or even be paired with young actor and fellow Batangueño Joshua Garcia. “I saw Joshua’s kind of acting and I was amazed,” she said. “You could really feel his acting. Someday, I really hope to be able to work with him.”

Back when she was still a teenager, Queenay proudly finished her acting workshop with Star Magic under director Rahyan Carlos. In the future, she looks forward to working in drama series or even films.

As young as five years old, Queenay took up modeling upon the prodding of her mom. When she turned 12, she took another modeling workshop to possibly prepare her for her entertainment venture.

The youngest and only girl in a brood of four children, Queenay purposely got her “royal” name after her mom went to seven churches for seven weeks and fervently prayed for a girl. Doing kissing scenes onscreen with her future leading men will definitely need prior approval from her mom.

She is now in third year college taking up Tourism in Lyceum Batangas. However, due to her busy calendar, school has to take a backseat. Admittedly, she still hopes to return to school when her schedule permits.

Recently, Queenay was recruited to star in the 36-episode TikTok series, 52 Weeks, produced by Chris Cahilig and directed by Lemuel Lorca. She plays the lead as the bubbly and hopeless romantic Mina. She is paired with first Ultimate Bida Man winner of It’s Showtime, Jin Macapagal.

Queenay also joins the cast of Maja Salvador’s forthcoming sitcom, Oh My Corona, on TV5. Queenay was undoubtedly thankful that she got the chance to work with her idol whose acting prowess she admired.

“I watched Maja in Wildflower (on ABS-CBN) before,” Queenay said. “I was really amazed by her talent. She could easily transition to different emotions, from happy to angry, then even to romantic. Ang galing niya. I really idolize her acting skills.”

Moreover, Queenay is included as one of the Arkidia Ates in Sing Galing Kids, that airs every Saturday on TV5. With Mari Mar Tua, the ultimate Bida-Oke Star champion, Queenay guides the kiddie contestants as the youngsters try to build their confidence to perform in front of the cameras.

“Sing Galing really helped me a lot to boost the confidence that I have and showcase my talent,” asserted Queenay. “Before, TikTok showcased my talent and most of the artists in my generation are already familiar with me.

“But when you’re on free TV, more people can see you and they will remember you. I’m also happy to see myself now appearing on TV.”

Queenay is thankful to her management outfit for opening the doors for her in showbiz. “Cornerstone was the one who got me into Sing Galing Kids, that’s why I am also thankful to them for giving me the breaks,” she said.

Sing Galing Kids is hosted by Randy Santiago, with K Brosas and Donita Nose. Also joining the show are Ethel Booba, Morissette Amon and Jona Viray.

“I want the kids to feel comfortable as their Ate in Sing Galing,” Queenay said. “I want them to look forward to that. I want them to feel at home when taping. As their Ate, I want to also guide the kids, giving them love and support.

“I will encourage them to have their dreams. It’s not hard to do that. They should continue their goals. In time, their breaks will also come.”