Sheryl Cruz's daughter enters showbiz as Nicole Sonora

Sheryl Cruz's daughter, Ashley Nicole, is entering the showbiz industry as Nicole Sonora.

Nicole made her first guest appearance in "Fast Talk With Boy Abunda" on Wednesday with her mom, where they talked about her decision to pursue an acting career. 

Nicole, who graduated summa cum laude from San Francisco State University in 2023, said the passion for performance has always been ingrained in her.

"Honestly, acting, story and creation, since preschool po I've always always wanted to be an actor," she said.

According to the 24-year-old, she was encouraged to pursue acting by a college professor who recognized her potential and urged her to develop her craft.

"I didn't think it would be my career path at first, not until towards the end of college, when a professor told me, 'You have potential. You should try to enhance it."

The encouragement, she said, became a turning point.

"So since then, parang namulat ako na ah parang kaya pala 'to. Kasi that person who is saying it is somebody na sa America pa 'to," Nicole said.

"So they don't know, wala silang paki sa family ko kasi walang bias so parang 'Ah OK. If you see something in me, then maybe I can trust in myself more," she added. 

For Sheryl, watching her daughter enter the same industry comes with both pride and concern. The veteran actress admitted she initially had reservations about Nicole joining showbiz.

"At first, like any other parent, showbiz is very hard," Cruz said. "But I cannot take that away from her because it's in her blood."

She feels reassured that Nicole's education gives her a safety net as she pursues her creative passions. 

"I know she will have something to fall back on because tapos naman na siya ng kaniyang pag-aaral, but of course hindi ko pwede sa kaniyang ipagkait itong passion to pursue what is in her blood which is acting, and the love of singing and creation because she's also a talented writer," Sheryl said.

As Nicole embarks on her showbiz career, Sherly offered heartfelt advice, urging her daughter to stay grounded amid the pressures of the industry.

"I wish you well in your showbiz endeavors and please don't lose your moral compass," she said.

She also encouraged Nicole to embrace both the highs and lows of showbiz.

"I want her to have the time of her life here in show business. For whatever happens, if it's a roller coaster ride of emotions, then I just want her to enjoy the ride and know herself better than anyone else."

Sheryl is part of the cast of "Born To Shine," which stars Zephanie and Michael Sager. The series airs Monday to Saturday on GMA Afternoon Prime at 2:30 p.m. after "It's Showtime." —Jade Veronique Yap/MGP, GMA Integrated News