Star Magic has been around for more than 30 years now, and to celebrate its milestones in the entertainment circuit, ABS-CBN's talent agency continues to mount events that will showcase their cream-of-the-crop artists. One such event is the first “Star Magical Prom” on March 30, which will gather their top young and rising talents for a “night of love, friendship, and magic.”

In December last year, a “Star Magical Christmas Party” was held, and now a new tradition has begun with the “Star Magical Prom.” It'll shine the spotlight on their new generation of actors, performers, and musical sensations.

“For more than 30 years, Star Magic has been a place where talents have been nurtured, lives have been changed, and stars shone brighter,” Star Magic head Lauren Dyogi said in a statement.

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Among the highlights of the teen-oriented event, to be livestramed on Star Magic's YouTube channel, are the segments dedicated to the agency's roster of debutantes and Sweet 16 ladies and, of course, the coronation of the Prom King and Queen.

Confirmed attendees include Andrea Brillantes, BGYO and BINI, HORI7ON, and love teams like DonBelle (Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano), FranSeth (Francine Diaz and Seth Fedelin), and AlJay (Aljon Mendoza and Jayda Avanzado). The Dirty Linen cast, Teen Clash stars, and Pinoy Big Brother ex-housemates will also be present at the event.

In this exclusive, we asked these Star Magic debutantes how they feel about turning 18. And in line with the celebration of Women's Month this March, they also talked about the women they look up to.

Krystl Ball - Wearing Allan Laserna

- On turning 18: 'I think it's a really big thing, your journey to adulthood, and this is the time where you have to start really being independent. I think it's really exciting and terrifying at the same time because you're not relying on your parents that much anymore.'

- On the woman she looks up to:' I really look up to Angelina Jolie because I like the fact that she contributes lots of things to charity. And I really want to be someone like that who can help people in need. I also like the fact that she's uplifting women in other countries, women who are in need and who don't have rights the same way we do in this country.'

Noelle Martinez - Wearing Arwin Meriales

- On turning 18: 'It's a big milestone. It's another chapter and an opportunity to experience things and discover more about myself, so I'm very excited.'

- On the woman she looks up to: 'I look up to Selena Gomez. She's very confident. I love her social media presence. It's very inspiring, and I want to be able to do the same for my audience and for my platform.'

Criza

- On turning 18: Criza admits this transition into womanhood felt weird in the beginning. But the excitement overshadowed that. She said, 'Ang saya. Ang dami kong napupuntahan ngayon. Feeling ko mas nakakapag-isip na ako nang maayos and nakakapag-decide na ako mag-isa, so masaya.'

- On the woman she looks up to: 'Isa po si Angelica Panganiban, kung paano siya um-acting, super versatile actress niya. Kalog siya pero at the same time super respectful siya sa mga tao sa paligid niya.'

Trisha Gomez - Wearing Joseph Palma

- On turning 18: 'I actually feel nervous since 'pag 18 ka na, mas malaki na 'yung responsibilities mo, but I'm also excited.'

- On the woman she looks up to: 'Cynthia Erivo. Sobrang I look up to her. Super iconic niya. Women empowerment. Singer, actress, parang nasa kanya na lahat.'

Haira Palaguitto

- On turning 18: When she turned 18, she couldn't hide her excitement. But she also quickly reminded herself that this phase isn't all fun. 'Sobrang na-feel ko po 'yung responsibility bilang malapit na po ako sa adulthood,' she quipped.

- On the woman she looks up to: 'Ms. Kathryn Bernardo. I love how she acts. Lahat ng teleserye, movies, and projects niya, super bilib na bilib po talaga ako and sobrang nagustuhan ko po kung paano niya i-treat 'yung fans and 'yung mga staff kung saan man po siya nagwo-work.'

Reich Alim

- On turning 18: Turning 18 is no joke. For Reich, it's a significant milestone she's excited to explore. But she also candidly admits, 'I'm low-key nervous.'

- On the woman she looks up to: 'I'd say the supermodel Adriana Lima. I watched all her runway shows at VS [Victoria's Secret]. I look up to her, and I hope someday I can be just like her.'

Photography by Dix Perez

Sittings editors: Geolette Esguerra, Troy Barrios, Randz Manucom, and Grace Libero-Cruz

Creative direction by Chookie Cruz

Makeup by Team KIKO Milano

Hairstyling by HairFix and Vivere Salon (Faye Bawa, Sherwin De Vera, and Jennifer Silva)

Styling by Aldrin Ramos, with associates Daphne Aranilla, Riah Liphad and MC Domiquil

Interview by Janelle Paraiso

Shoot coordination: Red Dimaandal

Special thanks to Star Magic, Laurenti Dyogi, Cham Magsaysay, and Thess Gubi