Yes, Daniel Padilla is a star

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Daniel Padilla (George Calvelo, NPPA Images)

In 2011, we predicted that this young actor would be the next big thing in show business.

He didn't disappoint.

In just a short time, Daniel Padilla has had a major impact in the industry and become that rare teen heartthrob whose charm cuts across all sections of society, from high-brow college girls to tweens to occasional career girls.

Blame it on the Padilla charm, but also on Daniel making strides largely on his own.

Turn of events

It seemed…karmic? lucky? fated?...that Albie Casino, who was embroiled in controversy over the pregnancy of Andi Eigenmann, had been dropped from the original cast of the 2011 youth-oriented drama "Growing Up." And when Daniel stepped in to replace Albie, the rest is history.

He did not put this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to waste, captivating with natural charm and exuding a potential comparable to the country's great actors when they were young.

Today, however, his growing popularity remains attached to the formulaic love tandem mentality of show