From TV commercials, VTRs and auditions, Gillian Vicencio proves that dreams do come true if you work hard for it. Her dreams of entering the showbiz industry came true when she starred in Mikhail Red’s ‘Eerie’ alongside Bea Alonzo and Charo Santos as Erika Sayco – the ghost female student who’s terrifying the school grounds, got the attention of both the audience and people in the showbiz industry. “Nung time na ginagawa po ito talagang hindi ako isinasama sa mga promo’s, guestings at kung ano ano para daw hindi mawala yung element of takot sa pelikula at kaya BAGUHANG ARTISTA din ang kinuha para sa nasabing role,” shares Gillian.
From then on, Gillian started working on projects including her follow-up movie, ‘Hellcome Home,’ which is another horror from director Bobby Bonifacio, Jr., starring Dennis Trillo, Alyssa Muhlach, Raymond Bagatsing at Beauty Gonzalez, and the prequel to the hit family drama movie ‘Four Sisters and A Wedding’ titled ‘Four Sisters Before The Wedding’ with today’s biggest young stars Belle Mariano, Alexa Ilacad and Charlie Dizon.
Gillian is part of Star Magic batch 2019 which was launched alongside Belle Mariano, Anthony Jennings, Jeremiah Lisbo, JC Alcantara and Kyle Echarri. After that, she became part of the original artists of RISE ARTISTS STUDIO headed by Mico del Rosario under Star Creatives which she was welcomed along with other artists during the contract signing that was attended by the big bosses of ABS-CBN.
2020 was a tough year especially in the showbiz industry. Losing ABS-CBN’s network franchise, employees including artists are concerned for their welfare, “Siyempre po natakot ako, kami kasi kakapirma lang naming ng contrata tapos ganun yung nangyayari that time pero binigyan naman kami ng assurance ng management na hindi nila kami pababayaan. Nandiyan yung mga digital shows naming everyday kung saan nahasa din kami sa hosting at naipapakilala naming ang sarili namin sa ibang mga artist ana aming nakakapanyam sa program ana WE RISE TOGETHER LIVE”.
“Tuloy tuloy din nung time na yun ang mga WORKSHOPS Online para hindi kami matengga at mangalawanag. Actually kung iisipin nga anlaking tulong para sa mga gingawa namin ngayon kasi parang equipped kami sa mga present project na meron ngayon kaya VERY THANKFUL ako/kami,” she continues.
For Gillian, being part of ‘Four Sisters Before The Wedding’ was her biggest break. She played the young Angel Locsin in the movie which was released online and is now available on Netflix. A lot noticed her portrayal as Alex Salazar as impressive because she really looked and acted like the younger version of what she and Angel Locsin played in the original.
However, the pandemic did not stop Gillian from doing more projects. The drama thriller ‘Kargo,’ which was first released in iWantTFC in 2019, premiered on the giant streaming platform Netflix on January 6, 2023, starring veteran actress Ms. Rio Locsin. She also starred in one of the most talked-about boys’ love (BL) series in the Philippines, ‘Hello Stranger,’ starring Tony Labrusca and JC Alcantara, which later on had a sequel movie released in 2021.
She made her presence felt even more when she starred in the worldwide hit series ’2 Good 2 Be True’ starring the phenomenal love team KathNiel – Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla. She played Eloy’s boyish friend Tox with Matt Evans and Yves Flores. Her character Tox and Flores’ Red, was also noticed by many because of their chemistry on screen. The two became a love team and their pair was called ‘RETOX.’
Even after the series ended, the story of RETOX continued through a digital series ‘ReTox: 2 Be Continued’ which is available on YouTube. The two became closer working together in the said series.
But aside from the challenges because of the pandemic, Gillian also faced controversies. Her biggest one came before the end of 2023. It was a shock to her but she chose to continue with her work and focus her attention to things that are more important which includes her peace of mind with the help of her family and friends in and out of showbiz.
The controversy also taught Gillian that whether you answer the allegations against you or not, people will still have negative things to say about you. That’s why she decided to put her efforts to things that will make her more productive.
MORE GILLIAN IN 2024
It’s just February of 2024 but Gillian is already thankful that she’s blessed this year. Starting with the theater play ‘Kumprontasyon’ which had a theatrical run last January 18 to 21 at the PETA Theater.
Gillian started theater in 2023 and because of good reception from the students, she continued doing theater. The three-part play, ‘Kumprontasayon,’ was directed by Melvin Lee, and also stars veteran theater actors like Romnick Sarmenta, which Gillian also worked with in 2 Good 2 Be True.
2024 continued to shower Gillian with blessings as Beautederm welcomed her as one of the Beautederm Babies by the CEO and founder Ms. Rhea Anicoche-Tan. Beautederm is one of the most in demand and popular skincare and wellness products today with almost a hundred artists endorsing their products including Bea Alonzo, Piolo Pascual, Sanya Lopez, Darren Espanto and Andrea Brillantes. “Sobrang masaya kasi first endorsement ko ito, nakakatuwa na kahit baguhan at hindi pa ako ganoong kakilala ay nasama at pinag katiwalaan ako ni Mommy Rhei kasi nga mga ALISTERS ang mga ARTISTA sa Beautederm,” Gillian shares.
Beautederm CEO and founder Ms. Rhea Anicoche-Tan is happy Gillian is part of the Beautederm family. She noticed the Kapamilya artist in 2 Good 2 Be True and Four Sisters Before The Wedding and she’s eyeing her to be part of her company since then.
Another thing to be excited about is Gillian’s inclusion of the Filipino adaptation of ‘What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim?’ starring Kim Chiu and Paulo Avelino. Fans of ReTox will have something to look forward to because Yves Flores is also part of the project.
Aside from TV projects, Gillian will also be seen on the big screen via the slasher movie ‘Talahib’ with Kristof Garcia and Joem Bascon. The film is written and directed by award-winning filmmaker Alvin Yapan under FEAST Foundation.
Filming has already wrapped up for the slasher movie and they are eyeing to have an international premiere via film festivals outside the Philippines. Gillian was happy to be part of the film because the director was acclaimed in and outside the Philippines by award-giving bodies like Gawad Urian, Carlos Palanca Award, Caira International Film Festival and Chicago International Film Festival.
Gillian will have so much to look forward to this year as she will be busy with projects from TV, film and commercials.
HYPE MANIA 