What makes a celebrity? Luis Manzano, JMFyang and other Kapamilya stars weigh in

They have the coveted fame, legions of followers, and the flashing cameras capturing their almost every move—but what truly makes someone a celebrity? In this ABS-CBN Studios exclusive, several Kapamilya stars open up about the things that define them, shape their identities, and make them stand out, both as the artists we admire on-screen and the people they are behind the camera.

For Esnyr Ranollo, one of the lead stars of the iWant vertical series “Half Sisters,” the answer is authenticity. He believes that staying true to oneself is what sets celebrities apart and makes people appreciate them for who they really are.

Rave Victoria, the lead star in the upcoming iWant boys’ love (BL) series “Coach Me Maybe,” believes that it’s none other than his family. According to him, his loved ones make him feel whole, which is why they hold such a special place in his heart.

Since she’s been hustling ever since she was young, Karina Bautista said that she’s not being herself without the million things she is doing. The “The Loyalty Game” actress explains that she tends to get uneasy whenever she’s not doing anything, so she always finds ways to stay productive—even when she is already exhausted.

Pambansang Host Luis Manzano initially jokes that it might be his chin since it seems to be his most prominent physical feature and has been a favorite subject of good-natured teasing. But on a more serious note, Luis credits his identity to his well-known parents, veteran Filipino actors Edu Manzano and Vilma Santos-Recto. He acknowledges that he would not be the Luis Manzano people know and love today without his family.

His good friends and “Kapamilya Deal or No Deal” lucky stars, Negi and Long Mejia, also shared their takes. For Negi, talent is essential to a celebrity’s staying power in the entertainment industry, emphasizing that having a pretty face alone is not enough. Long, on the other hand, believes that no celebrity would be one without their fans and supporters, whose unwavering love and loyalty help keep them going.

“Will You Fake Marry Me’s” well-loved JMFyang tandem also weighed in. Fyang Smith jokingly recalled that she only truly felt like a celebrity when Vice Ganda put her in the hot seat, much like during her guest appearance on “Gandang Gabi Vice.” Her love team partner, JM Ibarra, agreed with her when she uttered the word “issues.” For JM, whether the controversies surrounding a celebrity are true or not, being caught up in them can be a sign that someone has made it in the limelight.

“Miss Behave” star Reign Parani kept her short and simple, saying that hard work is what makes a celebrity. After all, success in the entertainment industry takes dedication, perseverance, and a willingness to put in the effort.

On the other hand, the responses of “Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Collab Edition 2.0” alums Krystal Mejes, Eliza Borromeo, and Iñigo Jose were a little more personal.

Krystal says she would not feel like herself without her gold earrings, which have become a staple of her signature look. Her best friend, Eliza, identifies her phone as an everyday essential, admitting that she tends to feel anxious whenever she is not holding it. Iñigo, meanwhile, points to two things that are very much part of his routine: eating a lot and hitting the gym.

Last but certainly not least is fast-rising OPM artist Angela Ken, who shares the little things that have become integral to her identity as both a person and an artist. These include her naturally high-pitched voice, whether she is singing or speaking; her talkative personality; and her distinctive signature style, often characterized by a necktie and blue hair.

From authenticity and family to talent, hard work, and even signature styles, each celebrity has a different answer to what makes them uniquely themselves. They are reminders that being a celebrity is not just about fame, fortune, and/or influence—it is also about the qualities, experiences, and personal quirks that make each individual remarkable.

What about you, Kapamilya? What do you think makes a celebrity stand out from the rest?