FORMER Star Magic artist , model, host and Net25 newscaster Eduard Bañez started singing at an early age of five. However, it wasn’t until he was 17 years old when he decided to pursue a musical career.

His rendition of Sharon Cuneta’s “Kahit Maputi Na ang Buhok Ko,” penned by Rey Valera, generated over 120,000 views on YouTube then.

Eduard eventually became a member of Star Magic Batch 15 and was launched in 2006. His notable batchmates were Miss World 2013 Megan Young, actresses Bela Padilla and Jessy Mendiola.

Fortunately, Eduard managed to pursue his undergraduate nursing course at the New Era University then.

Eduard was given a chance to co-anchor a tele-radio show with Arnell Ignacio on Radyo Singko 92.3 News FM. He also had a stint as a newscaster on Net25.

Eduard also appeared in a TV sitcom, “My Darling Aswang,” with comedian Vic Sotto and Daiana Meneses, directed by Bert de Leon (2010).

The chance to work in the US came for Eduard. For five years in California, he had an opportunity to work with Ed Sheeran and Justin Bieber in the music video, “I Don’t Care.”

Then, Eduard also relished the opportunity of working with Sia and her team for the music video, “Chandelier” where they used a lot of antique furniture from Africa in the shoot.

He was so honored to have worked with Sia, that he intended to bring the artist to perform in Manila. However, that was before the pandemic when entertainment performances coming to Manila were still not hampered.

Eduard even expressed his plan to release a single for Sia and other international artists, like R&B, pop and soul singer-songwriter Cassie Ventura, in the near future.

“Working with Hollywood stars was an incredible experience,” attested Eduard. “They are true professionals and being surrounded by such talent pushes you to raise your own standards.

“One of the most memorable moments for me was working on an international project with big-name Hollywood artists,” said Eduard. “I witnessed the discipline and dedication those artists have and that was truly inspiring for me.

“The camaraderie on the set, despite their cultural differences, made the experience unforgettable for me.”

Eduard remains undaunted with pursuing his Hollywood dream. He started with his small breakthrough, but he intends to continue until he makes his mark.

His life has been admirably filled with resilience, creativity and strong bond to stay true to his Filipino roots, despite leaving miles away from home.

“I decided to leave showbiz in the Philippines to explore new opportunities and challenge myself in different ways,” asserted Eduard. “I felt like there was more to discover about myself outside the entertainment industry and working in the US offered that space for growth.”

While in the US, Eduard had the chance to pursue his studies in political arts and media history at the University of California in Los Angeles (UCLA).

Eduard got previously busy with a sitcom for the children’s cable network, Nickelodeon. He also has a regular job at the popular California theme park, Six Flags, best known for the largest roller coasters in the world.

Every so often, Eduard manages to update his friends and followers in Manila about the latest in his career as working in the US has been a “transformative” experience for him, compared to his life in the Philippines.

“The work, culture, diversity of the people and fast-paced environment made me grow both personally and professionally,” Eduard shared. “Being independent abroad and living away from my family made me stronger and allowed me to see different perspectives in life.

“In the Philippines, there’s a strong sense of family and community that grounds you, but abroad, you learn more to rely on yourself and develop a broader world view.”

Eduard is presently working on a new venture, a dating app. “It was inspired by the idea of helping people connect in meaningful ways, especially in today’s fast-paced and digital world,” he maintained.

“I wanted to create something that will not just be superficial matches, but truly fostering connections,” he said.

Eduard shared he has personally tried the dating app to understand the user experience and it inspired him.

“It was eye-opening for me,” he said. “It made me understand what was missing and what needs to be improved,” he admitted.

“The app differs from other existing dating applications by focusing on more, in-depth compatibility and building more meaningful relationships.

“Instead of just swiping left or right based on looks, it encourages users to engage more deeply, fostering on authentic interactions.”

At present, Eduard has been enjoying every opportunity that he gets in the US. He is also working at 99 Ranch. Life has been good to him. He is living his life to the fullest. He is apparently trying to learn more while in the US.

Eduard is now pursuing higher education for his future. He is enjoying every opportunity that comes my way, always with a positive attitude towards life. He doesn’t allow failures to get in the way.

He always stays focused and determined to succeed in whatever he does.

With a new path to take on, Eduard is open to work again in front of the cameras and revive his career as an artist.

“As for returning to the limelight, I am not closing my doors entirely,” Eduard said. “I would love to work on meaningful projects that resonate with both local and international audiences.

“Dream projects are working in films or series that tell stories about the Filipino experience,” said Eduard. “Given the chance, I would like to collaborate with Oscar-nominated actor Timothee Chalamet or Zendaya. They have such dynamic presence onscreen.”

Reviving his showbiz career is important to Eduard. That’s among his plans in the near future. As they say, “Once in showbiz, always in showbiz.”

AUTHOR PROFILE

Leah C. Salterio