10 Filipino Stars to Watch in 2009

They're considered superstars-in-waiting—showbiz personalities who have achieved milestones in their respective careers this past year and are expected to reach greater heights in the year to come.

Here are 10 promising Filipino stars expected to shine brightest in 2009.

1. Aljur Abrenica

Aljur Abrenica, 18, rose to prominence as the first "Ultimate Hunk" of the Philippine reality-based talent search "StarStruck" in 2006. He continued to draw attention with appearances in TV teen dramas and variety shows. Aljur also had roles in successful box office hits "I.T.A.L.Y." and "Loving You." Presently, he is part of the ensemble cast of the top rating fantasy series "Luna Mystika." A major lead role in a movie or television show could most certainly come next year.

2.Jon Avila

This professional model made the big plunge into show business in "Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Edition 2." The Irish Filipino, 21, who was born and raised in the United Kingdom, is now a household name with Filipinos worldwide. Apart from TV appearances this young talent is embarking on a movie career, starting with two indie films and a major role opposite in "Civil Status: Single," a comedy scheduled for an early 2009 release.

3. Rhian Ramos

The bubbly and perky teen star recently got her biggest break in the popular guy-turned-girl Latin American franchise "La Lola." Rhian’s breakthrough performance had led to top ratings for the show. She has become a regular fixture in showbiz talk shows as controversies surfaced on alleged altercations with a fellow actress, some revealing Internet photos and hate blog entries. Rhian also appeared in several GMA Films projects, such as "The Promise," "Ouija," "I.T.A.L.Y.," and "My Monster Mom."

4.Jake Cuenca

Considered one of the top hunks of ABS-CBN, Jake Cuenca, 21, was actually a former Kapuso and graduate of GMA-7’s teen drama "Click" in 2003. Jake’s 2006 transfer to the Kapamilya network proved to be a good decision. Not only did he bag 14 juicy TV roles, he also got a sizeable movie deal with Star Cinema for several projects. But the guy got more attention on the sidelines when he made tabloid headlines bannering his romances with fellow TV stars.

5. Will Devaughn

Will Devaughn, 25, captured the limelight immediately after landing fourth place in the "Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Edition 2" reality TV show. His stunning Filipino-African-American-German looks made him a natural choice for many product endorsements. 2009 is definitely expected to be Will’s banner year with his involvement in two huge ABS-CBN projects.

6. Robi Domingo

Domingo, 18, made his mark as the Second Big Winner of the "Pinoy Big Brother: Teen Edition Plus" series last year. Robi has been aspiring to make it big in the biz without abandoning his studies. Joining the video jock search in ABS-CBN’s music channel Myx proved to be his biggest breakthrough last year, which was enough to convince voters in the Philippine Movie Press Club to name him as this year’s Star Awardee for Best New Male TV Personality.

7. Sheena Halili

An early dropout in the initial 2003 "StarStruck" search, Sheena exited the limelight when her contract expired. But when a casting call came for the Philippine adaptation of the Mexican series "MariMar," Sheena, now 21, grabbed the opportunity and landed the supporting role of Monica in the most watched television show in the Philippines during its six-month run.

8. Karylle

Who would have expected that a controversial break-up with her boyfriend of three years would eventually lead to this singer’s radical bid for showbiz superstardom? Now 27, Karylle is enjoying her time as a new talent of ABS-CBN and artist of EMI Music. A shift in image as well, as showbiz talks speculate on a possible cover for a popular men’s magazine. Reports have it that this singer is being cast in three major ABS-CBN movie projects.

9. Lovi Poe

Her famous family name may have helped a bit, but definitely, Lovi Poe, 19, is a class on her own. Initially billed as a singer, Lovi proved that striking good looks are always an asset that television show producers can’t just ignore. As a 17-year-old this young star started her showbiz career in the 2006 "Love to Love: Jazz Got Lucky." Lovi also juggles her acting career with her recording duties under Sony BMG, which released her second album, "Bloom" late last year, a follow-up of her "Best of My Heart" CD that turned gold in 2006.

10. Cristine Reyes

Cristine Reyes, 19, is fast becoming tinseltown’s next vixen. Not only is this "StarStruck" alumna poised to achieve stellar status with her new, daring persona, she’ll do anything to achieve it. Now with ABS-CBN, the network has cast her in the role of her dreams—in "Eva Fonda, 16" a sexy role that earned the scorn of Philippine censors!