To breathe life into the characters we adore—this is often how we see actors: storytellers who bring imagined moments to life. They become the faces of the stories we hold dear, carrying with them both our dreams and our day-to-day realities.
Philippine entertainment has always been rich in talent, from seasoned veterans who continue to inspire to fresh faces who bring new energy, charm, and authenticity to the screen. These rising stars carry the weight of expectation while also riding the thrill of opportunity, proving that the industry never runs out of brilliance.
But when the cameras stop rolling, when the kilig lines fade into silence, who are these actors beyond the scripts and the lights? What challenges do they face in a world where the line between reel and real often blurs? In the University Series franchise, Avenues of the Diamond gave audiences a rom-com ride that felt equal parts kilig and comforting. And at the heart of it were Aubrey Caraan and Lance Carr, whose chemistry made the story hit harder, linger longer, and turn casual viewers into fans.
Aubrey Caraan on Stepping Out of Her Comfort Zone
From her beginnings as a member of Pop Girls to her transition into solo performances and acting projects, Aubrey Caraan has proven herself to be a versatile performer. With credits like Diary ng Panget, Indak, and Ang Manananggal na Nahahati ang Puso, she now shines in her latest rom-com series, Avenues of the Diamond. Her charm goes beyond her ability to sing, dance, and act. It also exudes in the way she carries herself with respect and kindness.
“Gusto kong makilala ako ng tao as respectful. In real life, kailangang marespeto ka sa lahat ng tao at sa lahat ng bagay,” Aubrey shares. For her, courtesy and respect are not just social niceties but essential values that open doors and nurture relationships in the industry. She believes that respect is both given and earned, a key ingredient for lasting success.
However, behind the scenes, Aubrey also admits that she tends to be a people pleaser. “Sa totoo lang, people pleaser ako. I don’t know how to say ‘no’ because I don’t want to miss any opportunity.” While this sometimes makes her vulnerable, she sees it as part of her journey to self-awareness.
“Hindi laging dapat ‘yes’. Sa buhay ngayon, hindi lahat lagi ipi-please mo. Dapat i-please mo rin ‘yong self mo. Pakinggan mo rin ‘yong sarili mo.”
This realization became even more important when she encountered criticism during her acting journey. While many fans praised her performance in the University Series, there were also negative comments that shook her confidence. “Hindi ko pwedeng sabihin na baliwalain coz masakit talaga.” Yet instead of brushing it aside, she chose to face it, feel it, and use it as fuel to improve her craft.
“Damdamin mo lang hanggang sa parang wala nalang sa’yo.”
Her way of resetting is deeply personal: reading Bible verses, surrounding herself with happy thoughts, and even scrolling through TikTok edits that boost her confidence. “I look at ‘yong mga edit sa akin on TikTok para ma-boost ‘yong confidence ko. I re-read comments tapos ‘yong mga compliments nila sa akin.” It’s a balance of faith, gratitude, and self-affirmation that allows her to bounce back stronger, improve her craft, and balance her personal and professional life in the entertainment industry.
Beyond her artistry, Aubrey also embraces responsibility, proudly supporting her family by paying for her siblings’ tuition fees. “Iyon ‘yong mga small wins ko. Kasi, sila ‘yong nag-support sa akin, and now, I support them. I give back.” This kind of maturity, combined with her openness to challenges, has pushed her to accept roles outside her comfort zone.
“Dati kasi, gusto ko safe lang. But right now, gusto ko ‘yong mag-grow ako as an artist. I want to showcase more of my talents.”
And Avenues of the Diamond gave her that chance, offering plenty of ‘firsts’ in her career. From the lighthearted rom-coms and tweetums she was used to, Aubrey has now opened herself up to more mature roles that demand deeper emotions and a wider range of acting skills. “Dami kong first time na ginawa here and I can say na because na nag-take risk ako, mas maraming naka-recognize, naka-appreciate sa akin bilang artist.”
Her family and friends were among the first to commend her bravery in taking on roles that tested her capacity as an actress. Like the few who dared, she also took a leap of faith. “At first, nag-panic ako. Pero nung nagawa ko na siya, parang iba ‘yong fulfillment. And grabe ‘yong compliments. So, I want to do another project na talagang risky. I-level up kumbaga.”
That fierceness and openness to new opportunities show just how much Aubrey has to offer. She dreams of exploring all genres—from drama to comedy, musicals, horror, and thrillers—and even hopes to dive into action. “Kasi inspired ako na napanood ko si Anne Curtis sa BuyBust. So, I want to be that badass ‘yong character.” Fight scenes, bida-kontrabida roles, and challenging characters that highlight her versatility are all on her wishlist.
Looking ahead, Aubrey envisions herself working on more projects, landing endorsements, performing in blockbuster films, and even selling out concerts. With her fearless disposition and openness to try new things, one thing is certain: Aubrey Caraan is only getting started, and we can expect even bigger things from her in the years to come.
Lance Carr on Pushing Past Doubt and Striving for Growth
For Lance Carr, stepping into the entertainment spotlight was a dramatic shift from ordinary life. First introduced to the public through Pinoy Big Brother, he has since transitioned into acting—a world where authenticity and craft collide. “Sa reality show kasi, there are cameras, but you can be yourself. Sa acting naman, there are cameras, but you have to portray another role,” he explains.
The budding actor highlights how important it is to stick to a mindset, especially when life in the spotlight can expose every detail to public scrutiny—and that’s how sometimes, the harshest critic is yourself. “Ang kalaban mo talaga ang sarili mo.” For him, there’s no need to compete with anyone else. The real challenge is improving a little more each day. With every project and every scene, he pays attention to what still needs refining, what can be pushed further, and how he can grow both as an artist and as a person.
Given how unpredictable showbiz can be, Lance stresses how vital it is to have a solid circle of support—friends who lift you instead of pull you down, and mentors or colleagues who offer honest guidance.
“It’s a crazy world out there. So, be careful who you trust and always pick the right influence.”
In contrast to Aubrey, who tends to be more introverted, Lance is the extroverted, open-book type. Perhaps this is why fans say their opposites-attract energy works so well. He has always been the type to share pieces of his life online, whether it’s basketball games, workouts, or casual hangouts with friends. And just like during his Pinoy Big Brother days, what you see is what you get.
“Kung ano ‘yong nakita, ganun pa rin ako. Same old Lance na makulit at extrovert. I really interact with people. Wala akong pinipiling kaibigan, pinipiling kinakausap. I’m really open to everyone who makes conversation with me.”
This authenticity makes it easier for people to connect with him. Even when faced with critics and bashers, Lance has managed to forge good relationships and carve a space for himself by staying true to who he is. Part of this openness also comes from experiences beyond showbiz, including travels that have widened his perspective. And these trips are no longer just about leisure. Lately, they’ve become his way of giving back. “That’s what I’m into right now. Traveling, treating my mom and dad. My next destination is going to be Hong Kong, where I’m going to celebrate my birthday.” With excitement in his voice, he also shares that India is on his bucket list because of its cuisine. “I just love the food over there. Spices. Mga ganun.”
Outside of acting, Lance continues to explore new hobbies and interests. Boxing, pickleball, and recently, spending time with his brand-new car are among his latest passions. Still, what fans love most is how he continues to challenge himself as an actor. Looking back, the success of Avenues of the Diamond wasn’t just because of its charming arranged-marriage trope, but also because of how Lance and Aubrey brought their characters to life with believable chemistry. Their performances felt natural, and their contrast—Aubrey the quiet dreamer, Lance the outgoing charmer—added spark to the story.
Yet Lance is not content to simply play it safe. Like Aubrey, he believes growth only comes when you step out of your comfort zone.
“If I stick to my comfort zone, hindi ako mag-iimprove as an actor. So, as much as possible, I really want to discover other roles. Mabibigat na roles para ma-give justice ko ‘yon. And, of course, para ma-challenge din ‘yong capabilities ko as an actor.”
Despite his charming, boy-next-door looks, Lance envisions himself tackling roles that go against type. Playing a villain is high on his list. “Yong parang kuha ko ‘yong pika ng mga tao. ‘Yong maiinis sila.” Beyond the shock value, he hopes to further his range and transform into characters who stay with the audience long after the credits roll—or perhaps even long after the series has ended. He hopes to be remembered as someone who entertains and gives people a breather from their struggles. That when people see him act, they will be transported into the story. That, for a moment, the audience gets to forget their problems and just feel something real.
Lance and Aubrey: Sparks On and Off Screen
The success of Avenues of the Diamond lies not only in its fun and relatable storyline but also in the undeniable chemistry between Aubrey and Lance. Their contrasting personalities—Aubrey’s introverted yet thoughtful nature and Lance’s extroverted openness—blend into a dynamic that fans can’t help but root for.
Their collaboration reflects a shared commitment: to grow not only as individual artists but also as partners who bring authenticity and heart to their characters. Off-screen, their stories of growth, risk-taking, and resilience mirror the very essence of the series they star in, reminding us that behind every kilig moment on screen are artists navigating their own journeys with courage, humility, and hope.
In a world where showbiz can be both dazzling and demanding, Aubrey Caraan and Lance Carr stand out not just because of their talent but because of their sincerity. They are proof that the brightest stars shine not only in front of the camera but also in the choices they make when the spotlight dims. Their journey is both an inspiration and a reminder: in love, in life, and in chasing dreams, the real magic happens when you dare to grow.
Creative Direction & Photographed by Em Baun
Shot on location: The Villa Studios
Aubrey’s Hair & Makeup by Wilbert Sikat
Lance’s Hair & Makeup by Posh Torres
Styled by: Van Mercado
Special Acknowledgement: Viva Artists Agency
Shoot Assisted by: Stephen Singson Ayi Gamutan, Jared Magayaga
Overall Coordination: Niccole Mendoza | Angel Altura | Mary Jane Manglicmot
