And just like that, the carefree days of boundless laughter and whimsical antics vanished in the blink of an eye. One moment, you’re basking in the freedom that comes with youth; the next, you’re on the threshold of adulthood.
Time literally slips through our fingers—and nowhere is this transition faster than in the lives of child actors, where growing up is under constant public watch. For stars like Marco Masa and Ashley Sarmiento, who started in shows like Goin’ Bulilit, growing up on-screen means dealing with a whole new level of challenges. They’re navigating the pressures of fame, juggling school and friendships, and shaping their futures—all while the world watches.
In this candid look behind the scenes, Marco and Ashley reveal the ups and downs of life in the limelight, sharing how they stay grounded, the challenges they face, and how they’re redefining their careers as they grow up. Their stories remind us that while fame has its perks, it also demands resilience and continuous self-discovery.
‘Always Go Back to Why I Started, How I Started’: Marco Masa on Staying Grounded Amidst Challenges
Best known for his heartfelt roles in Nathaniel and Honesto, Marco Masa has become a familiar face in Filipino family dramas that many have grown up watching. Entering the industry at a young age, Marco describes acting as his “playground,” a place where he could explore and enjoy himself. “It feels like it’s just a game—it’s my playground—and I’m just happy with what I’m doing,” he shares, reflecting on the early days of his career.
As he transitions into more mature roles in shows like Start-Up PH and Black Rider, Marco’s passion for acting only deepens. He sees acting now as a way to express himself, a space to learn and grow. “I really cherish the art. It’s like a way to express myself,” he explains. His enthusiasm is fueled not just by his love for acting but also by the steadfast support of his family, friends, and fans who have been with him since day one. During times when he struggles with complex scripts or challenging scenes, these people lift him. “There are times when I’m hesitant because I feel like I’m not ready for certain scenes,” Marco admits, “but my parents explain it openly. It’s part of the passion, part of the career I chose. They help push me out of my comfort zone.”
While Marco’s passion is clear, balancing school and his acting career hasn’t been easy. He attends onsite classes, requiring careful time management and discipline. Yet, through it all, Marco remains grateful for the strength he draws from his faith. “With the help of God, I have the energy and motivation to go through and do everything at my best,” he says.
Growing up in the public eye has come with unique pressures, especially during teenage years marked by self-discovery and change. For Marco, the pandemic provided an unexpected pause that allowed him time to reflect. “During that time, work stopped, and we weren’t allowed to go out for tapings. It was a blessing in disguise. It helped me discover a lot of opportunities and grow into who I am today.”
Being constantly scrutinized can feel overwhelming, but Marco tries to stay true to himself. “Everyone’s eyes are on you,” he shares. “It’s challenging, but I just want to be a good inspiration, a good role model.” His strong values shine through both in his roles and in real life. He credits his parents, who offer unwavering support and guidance. “Whenever I face challenges, I confide in them, and they give me insights. I’m really blessed and grateful for them.”
In an age where social media can amplify both praise and criticism, Marco is all too aware of the impact of online comments. “Social media can be both good and bad. There are times when I feel insecure about the things I see online. It’s not healthy for me mentally,” he admits. But he also finds strength in remembering why he started. “I always think about why I started, how I started. That’s what keeps me going.”
Though he knows he can’t please everyone, Marco strives to continue growing in his craft, not just to win over critics but to bring depth to each role. “At the end of the day, I choose to listen to those I trust, who tell me how I did and what I can improve,” he says. For Marco, staying grounded means focusing on his character both on and off the screen: “You must fix your attitude first, always pray, and be grateful for those who were there from the beginning.”
Despite his high-profile work, Marco values his privacy—that he needs space too. “I feel like there are times that I’d grab the opportunity to be alone, to be safe with my family, [and] spend time with them privately.” Setting boundaries has been essential in protecting his well-being. “People might try to dig into your personal life, so you have to set boundaries and choose the right people to surround yourself with.”
Navigating the curated world of social media isn’t easy, either. Marco points out that what we see online—glimpses of people’s lives, highlights of trips, and luxuries—often hides the bigger picture. “The good things that you see online are just their highlights. There’s always something more behind those photos and videos—and it’s what’s behind those notes, tweets, and pictures posted that makes us human.”
For Marco, learning how to react to what he sees online is a part of self-growth. Being in an industry that constantly pushes him to improve, he’s learned to embrace his journey and find balance. “To be honest, I hate watching myself on TV. It’s really cringy and everything. But I try to go out of my comfort zone. You have to criticize yourself. You have to learn to be tough and improve yourself every day if you truly love what you do.”
Acting is not only about delivering lines but about fully inhabiting a character, which Marco knows can be intense. “You have to be vulnerable so that people can relate to you.” And it’s a tough job. That’s why Marco highlights the importance of celebrating small wins—to keep you motivated and to help you improve.
Now 17, Marco feels there’s still much to learn, despite starting young. “It’s a never-ending process,” he says. His dedication and openness to growth have one goal: to leave a meaningful impact on his generation. He hopes to be an inspiration to others, a figure they can relate to. With new projects like MAKA and The Caretakers underway, Marco is eager to explore new facets of his acting skills, even hoping to take on action roles in the future.
‘It’s Okay to Worry About Challenges’: Ashley Sarmiento on Staying Positive Amid Life’s Ups and Downs
With everything going on in the world today, we all need a spark of positivity to keep us going. For many Filipino viewers, that spark comes from young stars like Ashley Sarmiento. Known for her charming smile and acting prowess in shows like FlordeLiza and Goin’ Bulilit, Ashley’s presence has brightened Filipino households for years.
Starting in the entertainment world at a young age, Ashley didn’t initially think of it as work. “I didn’t know I was actually working,” she says. “It was more like I was born to do this.” But as she took on more serious roles, Ashley began to realize the weight of her job and the influence she has on people who watch her. Growing up on screen has brought its own set of challenges, but Ashley’s journey has taught her the importance of finding balance and staying true to herself.
As she took on different characters over the years, Ashley faced the common struggle of figuring out her own identity. For quite some time, she has been experimenting with different personalities, trying to see who she wanted to be. Yet, every time she was surrounded by people who truly loved her, she found herself returning to her authentic self. “No matter how I tried to change, when I’m surrounded by the people I love and am comfortable with, I just keep on going back to who I really am.” For Ashley, fame can sometimes cloud what’s really important, so she emphasizes the need to stay connected to people who support you.
But all these things are easier said than done. Of course, balancing her career and personal life isn’t easy, especially when you throw in the responsibilities of school. Managing her time has become a crucial skill, and she’s grateful to her friends who help her out when she misses school for filming. “They send me stuff and updates. I’m so grateful to have them,” she says.
All this balancing can feel overwhelming, but Ashley has learned to handle the pressure in a positive way. Surprisingly, she says that the biggest pressure she feels often comes from herself. For Ashley, a little pressure helps her focus on her goals and motivates her to do her best. It keeps her driven, but if it gets too much, she has also eventually learned to step back and take a breather.
While she tries to stay positive, Ashley knows that challenges come with being in the spotlight, especially in the digital world. “I used to share everything, even my personal problems, online,” she admits. But over time, she’s learned the importance of setting boundaries, especially with her work. “Now, I try to use my platform for good, but I’m careful about what I share.” It’s a lesson many in her generation are learning—that social media can be both a source of support and a place for unnecessary negativity.
Ashley acknowledges that her generation is often labeled as the “strawberry generation,” meaning they’re seen as sensitive or fragile. But she believes sensitivity can be a strength. “It could also be a good thing. Since you’re more able to feel, you’re more open to things,” she says. Embracing her emotions has helped her understand herself better and connect with others. She hopes people will recognize that it’s okay to feel deeply and to express those feelings openly.
“Challenges are a part of life, and it’s normal to worry about them,” Ashley says. “Even I worry about where my career will take me.” She believes that facing challenges head-on can push people to become the best versions of themselves. “If you really want something, go for it. If your dream doesn’t align with what you’re doing right now, it’s never too late to chase it.” Ashley wants her fans to know that it’s okay to feel uncertain about the future: to be unafraid to start again if that’s what you need.
With her upbeat mindset, it’s no wonder Ashley continues to thrive in the industry. She’s also branching out beyond acting, recently diving into songwriting and singing. “I love Taylor Swift’s music, and songwriting helps me express my feelings,” she says. Whenever she’s feeling down, Ashley picks up her guitar, letting the chords guide her. “Sometimes I’ll just start playing and end up writing a song about how I feel.” When she posted a snippet of one of her songs on TikTok, fans were thrilled, and now they’re eagerly waiting for the official release. While songwriting isn’t easy, Ashley finds it a rewarding way to connect with her emotions and share them with her audience. “Baka, ito na ‘yung signs,” the young actress shares excitedly.
In an age when anyone can make snide remarks online, young stars like Marco Masa and Ashley Sarmiento prove that there’s still so much positive potential in the entertainment industry. They show us that it’s not the industry or public opinion that defines who you are—it’s the values you hold and the choices you make. Marco and Ashley remind us that no matter how challenging or critical the world may seem, we all have the power to stay true to ourselves and choose positivity, kindness, and authenticity.
These two young actors are proof that Gen Z can lead with purpose, resilience, and empathy, inspiring others to do the same. In choosing to uplift others and stay grounded, Marco and Ashley show that real strength comes from being yourself and making a difference, one positive step at a time.
Creative Direction & Photographed by Em Baun
Ashely Sarmiento:
Makeup: Angeline Mae Dela Cruz
Hair: Jia Enciso Catu
Stylist: Drew Lacia
Marco Masa:
Makeup: Dexter Gonzalgo using Strokes Beauty Lab
Hair: Eric Oliva
Stylist: Ivor Jullian
Video/Video Editor: Mary Jane Manglicmot
Shoot assisted by: Stephen Singson, Trillian Galicia, Junko Bartolo, Victoria Salvador
Special Acknowledgment: Sparkle GMA Artist Center
Overall Coordination: Angel Altura | Niccole Mendoza
