The GMA Sparkle Artist Center welcomes another addition to their growing family, and it's no other than South Korean idol Nancy McDonie!
GMA Network's talent agency announced the news on their official social media accounts on April 1, 2024. Their post read, "Sparkle proudly welcomes its new international star, Nancy McDonie, to its diverse and stellar roster of talents. Get ready to witness her journey as she shines among the brightest stars in the industry! Welcome to Sparkle, Nancy."
Nancy was a former member of the K-pop girl group MOMOLAND. They were a seven-member group under MLD Entertainment who made their debut in 2016. However, in February 2023, the group announced their official disbandment after their seven-year exclusive contract with MLD Entertainment came to an end.
In case you're wondering, MOMOLAND made waves in the Philippines for their upbeat and funky song "Bboom Bboom." It blew up in the country, which led to our doors opening up for the girl group. Nancy was most noticeable back then for her uncanny resemblance to Filipina celebrity Liza Soberano.
Netizens react to Nancy McDonie becoming a GMA Sparkle Artist
With Nancy's recent career development as a Sparkle artist, Pinoy netizens expressed their warmest congratulations for Nancy and had the wittiest takes on the network's announcement.
Since the news coincided with the entire world marking the annual "April Fools' Day," some netizens commented on Sparkle's Facebook post, doubting its truthfulness. Netizens went "Hindi ito prank?! Pramis?" and "April fools ba 'yan or ano."
Of course, there were those who welcomed Nancy to the Philippines, delighted by her decision to sign with Sparkle. "Welcome back to the Philippines Nancy. Welcome Kapuso," one netizen wrote.
Another also commented, "We are all excited mapanood si Nancy umarte onscreen sobra." Some netizens expressed their excitement by commenting their first thoughts on what Nancy's first acting role in the Philippines would be.
A comment read, "Uy sana maging leading lady siya ni Alden [Richards.]" Interestingly a netizen said, "First leading role: nawawalang anak."
On the other hand, some people on the Internet poked some fun at the announcement as "Nancy" trended online. A netizen commented, "Wala akong load pero based sa mga comments, sana mabigyan siya ng spot sa PH showbiz industry. Congrats Sen. Binay." The comment humorously referred to Senator Nancy Binay, who shares the same first name with the newest Sparkle artist.
There was even an edited "welcome art card" for the Senator. A comment also read, "April Fools pala 'no? Ta's si Nancy Binay pala talaga."
Nancy McDonie's quick Philippine showbiz run
After Momoland grew its wings in the Philippines and way before they went their separate ways, Nancy actually made a move in the Philippine entertainment industry. She was supposed to make her acting debut opposite James Reid, under the guidance of the ABS-CBN Network and Dreamscape Entertainment.
READ ALSO: MOMOLAND Officially Joins The Kapamilya Network
In January 2020, their series The Soulmate Project was officially announced. However, it seemed that the pandemic and the global lockdowns affected the operations of the network for the said series. Fans actually dubbed their love team "JaNcy."
At the time, PEP.ph reported that James had been having second thoughts about the project since November 2019, when the preparations for their project began.
Come 2021, James formally dropped out of the project. This came after a year of doing a look test with Nancy for their supposed series. James did not explain his decision. Meanwhile, Nancy continued her activities in South Korea, halting her career in the Philippines.
