Two actors at different points in their careers are taking their next steps with Viva, one of the country’s largest multimedia enterprises, as Noel Comia Jr. signs with Viva Artists Agency and Andre Yllana renews his contract after five years with the company.
Noel Comia Jr. expands horizons
Award-winning actor and singer Noel Comia Jr. has officially signed with Viva Artists Agency, opening a new chapter after years of work in theater, television and film.
Comia said the decision to join Viva became especially meaningful after learning that Viva chairman Vic del Rosario Jr. had taken notice of his recent stage work.
“When I heard from my dad that he was approached by Boss Vic, he told me that he was so impressed with ‘Bagets: The Musical’ and my performance. I was so happy because it was Boss Vic. Someone like that who believes in my talent and in my abilities as an actor,” Comia said during a press conference.
“It’s such an honor and I’m grateful because that’s how his reaction was. It inspired me to push what I’m doing. It was such an easy decision to sign with Viva because they believe that I can do it,” he added.
Comia comes off an extended run in “Bagets: The Musical,” which he described as one of the most challenging productions of his career, not only because of its scale but also because of the demands of live performance.
“I can say that ‘Bagets: The Musical’ was one of my most challenging productions ever. With our material and the demands of the musical every performance, we always need to have that much energy, 100 percent all the time,” he said.
“Beyond the stage, I also learned a lot, not just in terms of being an actor, but also in relation to real life. I met a lot of new people there. I met new friends there. And I think everyone in the cast agreed that we became a family,” Comia said.
He also pointed to the collaborative nature of the production as one of its most memorable aspects, especially as cast members balanced multiple commitments.
“What I learned there was the understanding of others’ situations. They had performances, press conferences and they were able to balance it all. I was so impressed with them,” he said.
Despite a track record of heavy and emotionally demanding roles, including portraying a character on the autism spectrum, Comia said he is now hoping to explore lighter material.
“My wish is to just enjoy life. Because of course, I’ve done some serious roles before. So I hope maybe I can do light-hearted or with a bit of drama. Like a teen drama series. Maybe that’s what I want to do,” he said.
While he confirmed that discussions with Viva executives have already begun, details of upcoming projects have yet to be finalized.
Andre Yllana embraces growth
Andre Yllana, meanwhile, has renewed his contract with Viva Artists Agency, extending a partnership that began in 2021 and has helped shape his career as one of the company’s emerging young actors.
Over the past five years, Yllana has gained attention through projects such as “Ang Mutya ng Section E” and “Hell University,” while also exploring genres that include horror and action.
As he looks ahead, Yllana said versatility remains central to the direction he wants his career to take.
“If I’m going to be given the opportunity to have a choice, I would like to be versatile. I would like to explore different worlds and learn different crafts. I would like to be versatile because I don’t want to be stuck in one genre,” he said.
The actor also acknowledged that while his career continues to grow, he does not consider himself fully ready for the next level.
“I can’t say I’m ready because I don’t think anyone is ready until it’s there. But I guess I’m focused. That’s my goal, there will be more practice and more stuff to learn,” Yllana said.
“But I’m still craving for more. Besides the fame and the name that everyone is looking for, I’m looking for improvement and being able to focus on my own growth, I want to last,” he added.
Yllana said he is particularly interested in pursuing action-oriented roles and hopes to undergo training in mixed martial arts and grappling to prepare for future projects.
Reflecting on his time with Viva, he credited the company for helping him grow both professionally and personally.
“Ever since I’ve signed with Viva, it has really been like my family. Aside from the friendships I’ve built here, I’ve learned a lot. Without Viva, I wouldn’t be able to be who I am right now,” he said.
Despite coming from a well-known showbiz family, with Aiko Melendez and Jomari Yllana as his parents, Yllana said he remains focused on building his own identity.
“I want to shine with my own name. I want to showcase my talents. I’m just working hard to improve,” he said.
