Year in Review: 5 Kapuso stars who delivered scene-stealing performances in 2023

This 2023, GMA Network delivered many programs with excellent ensemble casts: there’s “Black Rider,” “Voltes V: Legacy,” “Royal Blood,” “Mga Lihim ni Urduja,” and more.

The big stars shined bright, of course, but several Kapuso artists proved that there is no such thing as a small role if you own it! Whether as sidekicks or villains, these stars brought their A-game with their scene-stealing performances in their respective shows.

1. Jon Lucas, “Black Rider”

Jon Lucas is one of the most hated villains in Philippine television right now with his portrayal of Calvin Magallanes, the archnemesis of Black Rider in primetime action series “Black Rider.”

The actor has been hailed by audiences for his effective performance as an antagonist – his character Calvin killed Black Rider’s whole family with his goons and commits countless crimes as the son of a syndicate leader.

Add his good looks to the mix and fans could not help but have mixed feelings: hate the role, praise the acting, and fangirl on Jon himself!

2. Matt Lozano, “Voltes V: Legacy”

Matt Lozano plays one of the five Voltes V pilots in “Voltes V: Legacy,” Robert “Big Bert” Armstrong. He is the brother of Steve (Miguel Tanfelix) and Little Jon (Raphael Landicho).

Aside from singing the iconic ending song of the series, “Chichi wo Motomete,” Matt quickly became a fan-favorite for his ability to deliver comic relief and drama in equal measure.

Matt also had a nice chemistry with his love team, Crystal Paras, who played the Boazanian spy Judala. He is now one of the regular cast members of “Bubble Gang.”

3. Faith Da Silva, “Maging Sino Ka Man”

Faith Da Silva as Betty provided the much-needed light-hearted moments in “Maging Sino Ka Man.” Fans got amused instead of annoyed at her character, Carding’s clingy ex-girlfriend who often antagonizes Dino.

While Barbie Forteza and David Licauco showcased their electrifying chemistry as usual, Faith held her own as the third person in their love triangle.

Faith is getting her big break next year as Flamarra, the daughter of Pirena in “Encantadia” spinoff “Sang’gre.”

4. Michelle Dee, “Mga Lihim ni Urduja”

Before she slayed at the Miss Universe 2023, Michelle Dee showed that black is her color in “Mga Lihim in Urduja.”

As Freya, one of the villains in the series, the beauty queen rocked a pixie cut and astig black costumes. Michelle was a total femme fatale in the role, showing off her action skills in fight scenes with Kylie Padilla.

Now that she is done with her Miss Universe journey, Michelle picked up right where she left off with her role as Teresa in “Black Rider.”

5. Aidan Veneracion, “Royal Blood”

The “Royal Blood” cast was full of talented individuals, and that includes its young stars. Aidan Veneracion in particular deserves special mention for his role as Archie, the son of Diana Royales (Megan Young).

The Sparkle teen actor earned praise for his sensitive portrayal of someone with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Aidan will next appear in the historical series “Pulang Araw,” which stars Alden Richards, Sanya Lopez, and Team BarDa.

—CACM, GMA Integrated News