The Magic Behind Toni Gonzaga’s Stardom
By Phoebe Dorothy Estelle
Philippine television is littered with a lot of stars that will do anything to gain the glitz and glamour of showbiz. Count in Toni Gonzaga, who not only has the guts but the natural talents to attain total stardom.
At the age of 13, Tin Tin (Toni’s first screen name) became a talent of GMA network’s Artist Center. She got various guest appearances in different TV shows but of all, her short stint in the gag show “Bubble Gum” was the most noticeable.
A wave of opportunities poured in when her “I love you Piolo!” soda commercial invaded the small screen. Soon enough, people started watching her in Eat Bulaga, where she exchanged spiels and performed together with hosts Vic Sotto and the genius comedian Joey de Leon.
Soon after Toni got more meaty projects in GMA like in Bitoy’s Funniest Video, a creation of Michael V, where she used to host the segment “Alpha Kappal Mukhs”; Love to Love: Duet for Love co –starring with R n B prince Jay-R; as Raymart Santiago’s admirer in Lagot Ka Isusumbong Kita; and as host in S Files’ segment Showbiz Helleur with Teri Onor and Jeremy Marquez.
Although identified as a GMA talent, she gained another program in Studio 23 (sister station of ABS-CBN) where she delivered gag news together with ace comedian Vhong Navarro in the fake news show, Wazz up Wazz up.
She soon became full-fledged ABS-CBN mainstay when she joined in M.R.S (Most Requested Show) as co-host to Roderick Paulate and Amy Perez. She also tackled showbiz stories with Ogie Diaz in the defunct Entertainment Konek.
Her big career boost came when she accepted to host Pinoy Big Brother reality TV show.
A Songstress At Heart
Toni spent her younger years dividing time for school and in singing in music lounges or joining various singing contest.
Hailed as the latest hit maker, she recorded songs that served as anthems for lovebirds, “You are the one,” “We Belong”, “Kung Kaya Ko.”
Having a powerful voice that can belt to any kind of music and a body that can move to any tune, she’s one of the more popular mainstays of the Sunday show, A.S.A.P..
A Drama and Comedy Actress
Being the multi-talented lady that she is, Toni is also an in-demand dramatic and comedy actress both in the big and small screens.
Her 2005 flick “D Anothers” with Vhong was a mega-hit. Last year, Toni was paired with two heartthrob sensations, Luis Manzano and Sam Milby. These young men are not only her screen partners but also real life suitors. In the primetime soap “ Crazy for You”, she played the poor domestic helper who fell in love with Luis’s character who was a rich Pinoy student.
On the other hand, Toni is much identified with Sam Milby. Their first movie “You are the One” was a blockbuster movie.
Then this year Toni and Sam are back to the big screen via “You Got Me”, the valentine offering of Star Cinema where Toni will play a SWAT policewoman.
“Maraming challenges dito. Ang dami kong pinag-aralan, humawak ng baril at mag-motor para magawa ko ng maayos ang papel ko,” Toni said in preparation for her character.
Moreover, Toni guarantees that her first film for 2007 is something to watch out for because it is the product of their creativeness and hard work. “Malaki ang hirap na ibinigay namin sa pelikulang ito kaya hinding hindi ninyo ito dapat palampasin,” Toni’s said.
Besides “You Got Me”, Toni is also busy for the new season of Pinoy Big Brother that will resume soon on ABS-CBN’s Primetime lineup.
Tags: Toni Gonzaga, Philippine Showbis Celebrities, Philippine Showbiz news, Philippine Entertainment,
About Phoebe Dorothy Estelle: Phoebe Dorothy Estelle believes in the power of dreaming and it's smarter to be lucky than lucky to be smart. She's boyish and jolly outside but feminine inside.Has faith to the Divine Providence and an ambivert gal who loves performing arts, anime, interesting stories or people, music,films and ice creams..
14 Feb 2007 Phoebe Dorothy Estelle
