7 Rising Actors in the Philippines To Look Out for in 2026
These actors are poised to make a name for themselves, and here is why you should keep an eye on them
The Philippine entertainment industry is undergoing a generational shift, with fresh faces taking over both the big and small screens. A new crop of actors has moved beyond the “promising” and is now stepping into full-blown stardom.
From theater veterans making their screen debuts to viral sensations proving their dramatic range, here are seven actors on track to dominate their roles and redefine the modern leading man this year.
Andres Muhlach
Despite having iconic parents, Andres Muhlach has already carved a path for himself through his distinct charm. Now center stage in Philippine theater as Adie with “Bagets: The Musical,” he takes on the same role that catapulted his father to superstardom in the 1980s.
Andres carries a boy-next-door energy that resonates with viewers who grew up watching his father’s films. His previous project, “Ang Mutya ng Section E,” alongside Ashtine Olviga, further cemented his appeal. The successful teen rom-com is based on the popular Wattpad series.
Elijah Canlas
An auteur in the making, Elijah Canlas is now ready to expand beyond acting. In his recent film, Rumaragasa (Raging), he served as both a star and co-producer, actively stepping into filmmaking with a sharp eye for storytelling.
He remains active in theater through “About Us But Not About Us,” highlighting his versatility and willingness to tackle heavy themes such as trauma and justice, as seen in Kalel, 15, and Salvageland.
Kelvin Miranda
Kelvin Miranda first set foot in the industry with his credited role as Mark Sta. Maria in “Dead Kids.” But in 2026, he aims to evolve into a versatile leading man capable of moving from fantasy epics to intimate indie dramas.
Kelvin has repeatedly expressed his desire to portray a wide range of characters and experience different worlds through his roles, making him one of the most exciting actors to watch this year.
Heath Jornales
A relatively new name compared to others on this list, Heath Jornales enters the year as an underdog and part of a new wave of Filipino action talent after portraying Gelo in “Mga Batang Riles.”
Currently inside the “Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition 2.0” house, he continues to generate buzz outside it through his authentic personality and tough-guy skillset, positioning him as a strong contender for leading roles after the reality show.
Radson Flores
After winning hearts as Mark Gordon in “Voltes V: Legacy,” Radson Flores takes a sharp turn in his upcoming antagonistic role in “Prinsesa ng City Jail.”
While many young actors avoid villain roles, Radson leans into the challenge, underlining his depth and range as he transitions from sci-fi hero to gritty antagonist and sheds his heroic image.
Zeke Polina
Rising from the digital space, Zeke Polina exemplifies how online popularity can translate into mainstream stardom. He leads the adaptation of another Wattpad favorite, “Hell University.”
His fan-favorite portrayal of Ace is intense and brooding, reflecting a carefully developed screen presence that has already earned him a cult following. His chemistry with co-stars further signals his breakout potential this year.
Eli Padilla
Bridging music and acting, former “Yes My Love” member Eli Padilla demonstrates how singers can transition into serious dramatic performers after entering the industry through “The Brilliant Life.”
His performances are emotional and rhythmic, often highly expressive, a trait carried over from his time as a performer. Eli’s acting chops can also be seen on the ‘vertical series’ ”1,2,3 Boyfriend ni Marie.”
