Watch Out for These Young Stars Making Moves in 2026
Every year, it’s always exciting to see who will be the new names, faces, and personalities to take over the pop culture conversation. In an industry known for quickly moving on to the next big thing or just focusing on the superficial, there are those who have proven their potential in breaking through the noise and showcasing true talent that make them exciting to watch. Some got their start on social media, others through bit roles in movies and TV, but they all are carving their own lanes and have what it takes to stand out in an ever-crowding market. With a year full of surprises ahead of us, scroll down for the young stars we think you should keep an eye out for.
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Bianca de Vera – A Young Actress Coming Into Her Own
Even though she’s been in the industry for a few years, Bianca de Vera is already making her mark as a talented young actress. Those who saw her early work got a peak of her potential, while her stay on PBB introduced her to a new generation of fans who fell in love with her outgoing and dynamic personality. All this to say, she’s just being herself, and it’s this authenticity that makes her shine. After leading her first Metro Manila Film Festival movie last December with Love You So Bad, for which she got nominated for Best Actress, Bianca is ready for more.
Ashtine Olviga – The Newest It-Girl on the Scene
After years shifting between P-pop idol and supporting actress, Ashtine Olviga got her big break last year with the lead female role in the hit series Ang Mutya Ng Section E. Since then, her career has been at a 100 with two seasons of the show and two movies in just one year, most notably earning a Best Supproting Actress nomination at the 2026 Metro Manila Film Festival for portraying young activist Agnes Magtibay in Manila’s Finest. In 2026, we have a feeling Ashtine is going to make the most out of her rising star status, like the triple threat that she is.
Andres Muhlach – Gen Z’s Newest Matinee Idol
With his famous last name and parents, Andres Muhalch could have just coasted in the industry. But he’s proving that he’s much more than just another nepoe baby. The young actor came swinging by capturing hearts as the lead male role of Ang Mutya Ng Section E, which was quickly followed up with a movie featuring him and his love team partner, Ashtine Olviga. Already, Andres is starting 2026 showing a different side of himself as part of the cast of Bagets: The Musical where he’s set to play Adie, the same role his father played in the 1984 original. Keep an eye out for one of the new generation’s next leading men.
Sophia Laforteza – Local Talent, Global Reach
If there were a visual description of what an it-girl looks like, Sophia Laforteza would be a top example. As the leader of global girl group KATSEYE, Sophia and the rest of the members have been commanding the pop culture discourse with hit tracks and viral ads. The best part is that wherever she goes, Sophia proudly represents and claims her Filipino heritage as a homegrown talent. With KATSEYE already having two Grammy nominations, we have a feeling Sophia’s star is going to rise even further in 2026.
Angela Muji – From Social Media Star to Leading Lady
Music, social media, acting, Angela Muji has done it all. But what’s most impressive about the young actress’s rise is that she’s not settling for instant fame. From Ang Mutya Ng Section E, Seducing Drake Palma, and A Werewolf Boy, Angela has been making moves on the big and small screen as she makes a name for herself.
Rabin Angeles – A Versatile Actor on the Rise
Rabin Angeles is a man of commitment. For his breakout role as Yuri Hanamitchi on Ang Mutya Ng Section E, Rabin actually dyed his hair bright red to match the character and maintained the color for months. He also didn’t box himself into the second male lead stereotype by taking on the lead role in Seducing Drake Palma, as well as in the Philippine remake of the Korean movie A Werewolf Boy. If he keeps this up, there’s another Gen Z actor worthy of attention.
Mika Salamanca – A New Year and a New Era
If there’s one word to describe Mika Salamanca’s 2025, it would be redemption. She entered PBB with the hope of changing the narrative that has followed her and for people to see the real Mika. Not only did she do that, but she also ended up winning the season with Brent Manalo, proving that second chances are possible. The actress, YouTuber, and published author figuratively has the world in front of her, and we’re excited to see what she does in this new chapter.
Will Ashley – An Actor Finds His Breakthrough
Child star-turned young actor Will Ashley has been in the game longer than most of his peers. But it was only last year that people understood that he is a real force of an actor. Equal parts versatile and commanding on screen, Will has what it takes to be one of the new generation’s most talked-about actors with his growing resume of quality performances. Whatever role he takes, we’re looking forward to seeing his projects for the year.
Kai Montinola – A Young Actress Who Means Business
There are those who make the most out of their 15 minutes of fame, then dip. Then there are others who put in the work once their foot is in the door to claim their spot inside. Kai Montinola is firmly in the latter. The PBB alumna is using her hunger and passion to hone her craft as she steadily builds her resume as an up-and-coming actress and performer in it for the long haul. Already, she’s booked roles in Saving Grace, MMK, and Roja and dropped her debut EP Kaileidoscope as a sign that she’s a bubbling multi-hyphenate ready for her spotlight.
Michael Sager – Talent, Charm, and Charisma Rolled Into One
Actor and host Michael Sager has that charisma one finds in old-school Hollywood actors. Aside from appearing in some of GMA’s biggest teleseryes over the past couple of years, Michael is also charming, well-spoken, and can easily make a good first impression on most. He has that leading man energy we hope he continues to hone because he’s got it.
Robbie Jaworski – New Kid on the Block
Fresh-faced young actor Robbie Jaworski comes from an influential family steeped in entertainment, sports, and politics. Yet, he’s made it clear that he’s not taking the easy way to the top as he hones his skills as an actor and a host. Already, the young talent on the rise has been building his resume by working alongside Kim Chiu and Paulo Avelino in The Alibi, while he had Belle Mariano as his scene partner in Meet, Greet & Bye. Be prepared to see a lot more of Robbie in the coming year.
Angelina Cruz – An Eldest Daughter Steps Out on Her Own
Even before she officially entered showbiz, Angelina Cruz was already making waves as the eldest daughter of Sunshine Cruz and Cesar Montano. She built her profile as an influencer while going to school, and she even made an appearance in Love is Color Blind, which marked her acting debut as well as the first movie with Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano as a love team. Following her college graduation in 2025, Angelina is now focusing on her acting career, already making an impression on the series The Alibi and her new love team with Robbie Jaworski.
Photos: MEGA ARCHIVES, ASHTINE OLVIGA (via Instagram), ANDRES MUHLACH (via Instagram), SOPHIA LAFORTEZA (via Instagram), ANGELA MUJI (via Instagram), RABING ANGELES (via Instagram), MIKA SALAMANCA (via Instagram), WILL ASHLEY (via Instagram), KAI MONTINOLA (via Instagram), MICHAEL SAGER (via Instagram), ROBBIE JAWORSKI (via Instagram), ANGELINA CRUZ (via Instagram)
The post Watch Out for These Young Stars Making Moves in 2026 first appeared on MEGA.
Watch Out for These Young Stars Making Moves in 2026
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