MANILA, Philippines—NYMA, the flagship talent management division of KROMA Entertainment, unveils a wave of captivating additions to its illustrious roster: Christian Bautista, Eric Nam, Jamie Miller, Abi Marquez, and Lester “Buji” Babiera.
With their unique talents and dedicated fan bases, these remarkable individuals contribute to NYMA’s meteoric rise as a prominent force within the entertainment realm.
Christian Bautista
With a career spanning two decades, Christian Bautista is a singer, actor, host, and model. His self-titled multi-platinum album catapulted him to OPM stardom with hits like “The Way You Look at Me.” While his success in the Philippines is undeniable, Bautista’s influence extends across Southeast Asia, particularly in countries like Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand.
Image Courtesy of KROMA Entertainment.
Notably, his participation in the internationally acclaimed series “The Kitchen Musical,” broadcast in a dozen countries, further underscores his global appeal. Equally adept in the realm of musical theater, he has embraced lead roles in productions like “West Side Story” and “Rama Hari.” Christian’s enduring eminence is a testament to his unparalleled talent, capable of enchanting audiences and transcending geographical boundaries. He will be co-managed alongside The Stages Group.
Abi “Lumpia Queen” Marquez
Marquez has rapidly become a prominent food content creator in the Philippines, boasting over 2.8 million TikTok followers and 689 million video plays. Her appearances on FEATR, as a speaker at META Singapore 2022, and collaborations with notable figures like Andy Hearnden (@andy_cooks on TikTok), have solidified her status. As an exclusive talent under NYMA, Abi Marquez is set to captivate audiences with an array of mouthwatering dishes, elevating her influence even further.
Image Courtesy of KROMA Entertainment.
Lester “Buji” Babiera
Babiera, an iconic online meme, has made notable appearances on national TV three times in his life — first as the “mahilig mag-Facebook” student in 2011, then as a “saksi” who witnessed a road crash, and most recently as a “cycling advocate” in 2022. He is the visionary behind the First Bike Ride cycling community, advocating for improved roads through widespread bike usage.
Image Courtesy of KROMA Entertainment.
Expanding his internet fame, Babiera has also risen as a TikTok sensation, recently crossing the 1.2 million follower mark, where he shares a variety of engaging stories. Embarking on a new journey within the entertainment industry, Babiera is excited about his upcoming endeavors as NYMA’s exclusive talent.
NYMA, short for “Now You Must Aspire,” is set to reshape the industry by fostering trailblazers who transcend all media boundaries. Born with the vision of elevating Filipino entertainment on the global stage, NYMA has expanded its reach to encompass worldwide talent within the Philippines. Through a strategic collaboration with EN Management, founded by Eddie Nam, and housing a host of international talents, NYMA has achieved a significant milestone by signing two major musical icons of our time: K-Pop sensation Eric Nam and acclaimed pop singer-songwriter Jamie Miller.
Eric Nam
Image Courtesy of KROMA Entertainment.
Image Courtesy of KROMA Entertainment.
Korean-American talent Eric Nam is a multifaceted artist known for his roles as a singer, songwriter, actor, podcaster, and TV personality. His impressive discography boasts hits like “Echo,” “Honestly,” and “Can’t Help Myself,” solidifying his presence in both K-Pop and the wider music scene. Garnering recognition, Eric was honored as GQ Korea’s Man of the Year in 2016, featured in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 in 2017, and acknowledged as a YouTube Music Global Trending Artist on the Rise in 2019. In his third visit to Manila, he’s gearing up to unveil his eagerly awaited single “House on the Hill,” showcasing his versatile artistry to his devoted fan base.
Jamie Miller
Image Courtesy of KROMA Entertainment.
Los Angeles-based Jamie Miller is renowned for his hit “Here’s Your Perfect” and opening for global tours featuring Jesse McCartney and Calum Scott. With over a billion streams across platforms, his recent hit “Maybe Next Time” garnered 15M+ TikTok views and 1.5M+ streams shortly after release. Following his 2017 third-place finish on The Voice UK, Jamie’s affinity for Filipino fans and talent is evident. He’s collaborated with Phoenix Morissette, worked with Moira Dela Torre on a Universal Music Group remix, and expressed interest in a collaboration with SB19’s Stell.
Bautista, Nam, Miller, Marquez, and Babiera now join the esteemed ranks of NYMA’s talented lineup, which includes actress and K-content sensation Kristel Fulgar, Home Buddies founder and “Mayora” Frances Lim Cabatuando, and creative artist and content creator Raco Ruiz.
“Experiencing NYMA’s remarkable growth within just 1.5 years has been truly awe-inspiring,” reveals Kat Bautista, Head of NYMA.
Image Courtesy of KROMA Entertainment.
“NYMA embodies a vision—empowering artists to chase and achieve their dreams, introducing global audiences to Filipino talent, and facilitating connections between exceptional international talents and their Filipino supporters. I take immense pride in our accomplishments and am grateful for the artists and their teams who’ve chosen to collaborate with us.”
Expect continued excellence from different icons as they embark on their NYMA journey, transcending borders, and reaching new pinnacles in the innovative “tradigital” landscape.
Originally published on Rank Magazine.
