Next gen stars Brent Manalo and Krystal Mejes recently joined a workshop led by Oscar-winning actress Melissa Leo entitled “Acting for the Screen and Set” workshop in the Philippines from May 6-10, 2026,

The workshop gathered a number of various young artists from Sparkle GMA, Star Magic, Star Worx, and Aktor PH for an immersive acting session under Leo, who is best known for her Oscar-winning performance in The Fighter and acclaimed work across film and television. 

The lineup consisted of other Star Magic talents including Gillian Vicencio, Marc Santiago, Miguel Vergara, Reich Alim. Sparkle talents Dom Pangilinan, Patricia Coma, Rein Hillary, Zonia Mejia, and Gelly Bea also joined other participants representing Star Worx Abdul Raman, Dom Real, Gab Yabut, Julia Cinco, Kate Yalung, Lienel Navidad, and Vienna Luna, with  Allen Salazar, Bon Lentejas, and Shun Mark Gomez of Aktor PH.

The workshop also reflects the growing push among local talent agencies and networks to expose emerging Filipino actors to more intensive training opportunities and international industry perspectives. Beyond the celebrity factor itself, many fans viewed the session as a meaningful experience for the young artists’ development as performers.

For Brent Manalo and Krystal Mejes’ supporters, meanwhile, the workshop became another exciting glimpse into the next phase of their growth as young actors navigated increasingly bigger opportunities in the entertainment industry.