We’ve officially entered the era where talent isn't optional—it’s the standard. The days of coasting on a pretty face are dead; this generation isn't waiting for permission or following dusty industry playbooks. They’re carving their own lanes with intention, grit, and a refusal to be anything but themselves.
Here are 10 young and empowered artists we believe are set to shine even brighter this year. Not just names to watch, but talents already making their presence felt.
Sassa Gurl
We’ve watched Sassa Gurl transform before our very eyes. What started as a viral sensation has officially evolved into a legitimate superstar. After a massive 2025 filled with multiple track features and starring roles in two major MMFF movies, Bar Boys: After School and the horror hit Shake, Rattle & Roll: Evil Origins—Sassa is showing no signs of slowing down.
In 2026, she’s stepping further into her artistry by venturing into production with her queer film Multwoh. Sassa isn't just taking the roles anymore; she’s creating the stories, proving that her humor is just the tip of the iceberg of her creative genius.
Nour Hooshmand
Nour Hooshmand has firmly established herself as the sweetheart of the Philippine indie scene. With a filmography that boasts heavy-hitters like Marahuyo Project, Cinemartyrs, and Agapito, she has proven time and again that she belongs center stage.
Her ability to portray complex, grounded characters has caught the eye of international critics, too. Keep an eye out for her in the Sundance-bound film Filipiñana, where she continues to showcase the depth and vulnerability that make her one of the most exciting actresses of her generation.
Benedix Ramos
Benedix is the definition of "master of all trades." Whether he’s serving soulful vocals or crushing it as Erik Vicencio in Bar Boys: A New Musical, his range is terrifying. His 2025 run was a literal masterclass: his gripping performances in Bar Boys, Next to Normal, and Dagitab earned him the Emerging Artist award at the inaugural Manila Society of Theater Reviewers (MSTR) Awards. Successfully leaping from the theater stage to the film sequel Bar Boys: After School, Benedix has built a connection with his audience that’s as deep as it is genuine. He’s versatile, award-winning, and 100% main character material.
Recently, he’s been receiving critical acclaim for his "Emerging Talent" performance as Erik Vicencio in the smash-hit Bar Boys: A New Musical. His portrayal of the gritty, determined law student proved he’s a powerhouse on the theater stage. But he didn't stop there, he successfully leaped from stage to screen by joining the cast of the film sequel Bar Boys: After School, playing the role of Bok. Whether he's delivering a heartfelt performance in a digital series or dropping a new single that hits all the right vibes, Benedix's versatility and genuine connection with his audience make him a major threat in 2026.
Ashtine Olviga
Fresh off an emotional powerhouse performance in the MMFF entry Manila’s Finest, Ashtine has quickly become the go-to for roles that require raw, gut-wrenching depth. Playing Agnes Magtibay, the activist daughter of Piolo Pascual’s character, she delivered a performance that earned her a Best Supporting Actress nomination.
Transitioning from her P-Pop roots (from groups like UGG and LITZ) to serious acting, she’s proving she can hold her own against industry legends without breaking a sweat. Whether she's delivering intense confrontations or quiet, reflective moments, Ashtine is officially one of the most promising dramatic actresses of her generation.
Andres Muhlach
Carrying a legendary last name is high pressure, but Andres is carving out a lane that’s all his own. After winning hearts in Ang Mutya ng Section E, his 2026 trajectory is looking legendary as he prepares to lead the reimagined Bagets: The Musical.
Stepping into the iconic role of Adie—originally played by his father, Aga Muhlach, in 1984—Andres is treating the opportunity as a "full-circle" moment rather than just following in footsteps. He’s got that old-school leading-man charm, updated for a Gen Z audience that values authenticity over polish. Between his theater debut and his transition to major film roles, Andres is proving he has the depth to match the DNA.
Kai Montinola
A true multi-hyphenate serving vocals, visuals, and vibes. Following her chart-topping debut EP Kaileidoscope, Kai is proving that music and acting can live together perfectly. Her unique aesthetic and sharp wit make her a standout in a sea of traditional stars, but it’s her recent pivot to serious acting that has everyone talking.
After a scene-stealing cameo in Saving Grace, she’s currently dominating primetime as Ice Mercado in the action-packed series ROJA. Working alongside heavyweights like Donny Pangilinan and Kyle Echarri, Kai is holding her own in high-intensity scenes while continuing to drop bops like "Overthink." With her eyes set on musical theater next, Kai is the definition of a "limitless" artist.
Will Ashley
Will has quietly become the "actor’s actor." His grounded performance in Bar Boys: After School earned him widespread critical acclaim. He’s the type of talent who prioritizes the quality of the script over the size of the billboard, making every project he touches a must-watch.
In Bar Boys: After School, Will delivers a standout performance as Arvin Asuncion, capturing the raw exhaustion of a working law student. But he’s not just a dramatic heavyweight—2026 sees him tackling horror in Poon and showing his lighter side in the rom-com Love You So Bad. From voice acting to critical acclaim, Will is the blueprint for a versatile, talent-first career.
With his win as the New Movie Actor of the Year at the PMPC Star Awards for his role in Balota, alongside a prestigious FAMAS Best Supporting Actor nomination, we can't wait for him to shine through 2026.
Bianca De Vera
Is she the next Rom-Com Queen? After her scene-stealing role in Love You So Bad, fans are officially obsessed. With her effortless TikTok presence and "main character energy," Bianca has become the voice of her generation. But don’t let the viral videos fool you—she is a powerhouse in the making. After stealing scenes as Kathryn Bernardo’s sister in 2 Good 2 Be True and her emotional turn in Unbreak My Heart, Bianca officially leveled up in 2026.
Fresh off a Best Actress nomination at the 2025 MMFF for her lead role as Savannah, she’s proving that her grit matches her aesthetic. She even took home the Female Star of the Night award, solidifying her status as a red-carpet favorite. Beyond the rom-coms, she is set to showcase her versatility in the upcoming mystery-drama The Secrets of Hotel 88. Bianca isn’t just a "loveteam" half anymore; she’s an artist carving out space for "girls who are soft but not weak," focusing on creative challenges that prove she’s in it for the long haul.
Fyang Smith
The reigning "Mandirigma" queen is the blueprint for the modern-day digital icon. From her historic win in Pinoy Big Brother: Gen 11 to becoming a multi-platinum recording artist, Fyang’s brand is built on being unapologetically herself.
As she enters 2026, Fyang is transitioning into a true screen lead. After showing her range in the horror hit Shake, Rattle & Roll: Evil Origins, she is set to headline the highly anticipated Dan Villegas film IRL (In Real Life). Whether she’s trending for her viral TikToks or winning Promising Female Star awards, Fyang has proven she’s not just a social media trend, but she’s a cultural mainstay with the grit to stay at the top.
JM Ibarra
JM proved he’s way more than a "visual" with his heavy-hitting lead role in the Cinemalaya entry Child No. 82. His raw portrayal of Max earned him critical acclaim and a Promising Male Star nomination, marking him as the breakthrough dramatic actor of his batch. By successfully balancing mainstream TV projects with gritty indie films, he’s securing a long-term spot in the industry that goes far beyond a temporary loveteam.
2026 is seeing JM embrace his "leading man" status alongside Fyang in their first major film together, IRL, while also continuing his streak in the digital space with the second season of the hit series Ghosting. Known for his "green flag" energy and dedication to his craft, JM is the rare actor who can make audiences scream in a horror film and cry in a heavy drama—often in the same year.
Join the community of Young, Empowered, and Creative! Like, Follow, Subscribe to metroscenemag.com and our socials Facebook, X, and Instagram.
.png)
