Asian Journal- The Filipino-American Community Newspaper

After winning the Oscar in 1980, the movie, Fame, was further immortalized as a TV show that aired between 1982 and 1987 and a musical that ran on Broadway and West End. The story follows a talented group of dancers, singers, actors and artists over four years at the New York City High School of Performing Arts, a creative powerhouse where students from all walks of life are given a chance to live out their dreams and achieve real and lasting fame,

On Sept 25, the remake of Fame will be shown in theatres across America and then worldwide. Filipinos will be proud to know that one of the casts who dance, sing and cry their way from "audition" to "graduation" is Fil-Am Hollywood actress Anna Maria Perez de Tagle.

The 18 year old admitted that she is very excited about her role in Fame. "Being part of something that is epic in scope is so cool and awesome. The cast is amazing. I’m very honored to be working with the legendary Debbie Allen (actress-director-choreographer Allen is the only original cast member now playing school principal in the updated version)," said Anna Maria in an earlier interview, adding that she hopes the movie will be a springboard for more challenging roles.

Popularly known for her roles in Hannah Montana as Ashley Dewitt and as Ella Pador on Camp Rock, Anna Maria plays the role of Joy Moy in Fame. Joy’s less-than-stellar GPA could get her kicked out of school and she’s constantly running her mouth which totally gets her into trouble. But when a friend posts one of her outbursts on YouTube, she finds her mouth could also be her ticket to stardom. In the incredibly competitive atmosphere she finds herself in at the High School of Performing Arts, Joy, like the other students, is plagued by self- doubt, with her talent and passion put to the test.

Like her character in the movie, Anna Maria’s artistic talents will also be put to the test in Fame, which is her big screen debut. But the 18-year old star has already proven herself well in Hollywood; which is not really surprising considering Anna Maria’s genes.

Born December 23, 1990 in San Francisco, California, Anna Maria Francesca Enriquez Perez de Taglé (nicknamed "Wengky") is the granddaughter of 1950s Philippine actress and soprano singer, Sylvia La Torre, who is her first acting and singing coach.

Calling her Lola Sylvia, "Mamacita", Anna Maria said that her Hollywood career has made her Mamacita very happy. "She’s always happy in anything that I’m a part of. Now that my face is gonna be on the wide screen, she’s even more proud. She really inspires me a lot and I’m proud, too, that she’s my grandmother," said de Tagle.