Eight year-old BJ Forbes is one of the most visible young faces on television today. Aside from being the newest little darling on Eat Bulaga, the country's longest running and top-rating noontime show, he's also a favorite guest in various GMA 7 shows.

His biggest claim to fame is his exposure as the lead boy in the most recent commercial series of a popular detergent soap (Tide), where he stars as Lito Cruz or Tolits. Hence, viewers who see him in other TV appearances point out with glee: "That's ako, ako" or "Uy, si ako, ako yan!" ('Ako, ako' being part of his famous line in the commercial) This commercial was such a hit that it easily endeared BJ to the hearts of Filipino viewers.

BJ started out as Eat Bulaga's "That's My Boy" winner in 2003, where he also received the Best in Costume award. Eager to pursue show-business, he urged his mother to audition him for GMA 7 Starstruck Kids, the kiddie version of the phenomenal reality-based artista search, but he was eliminated early in the contest. However, it was during his participation in Starstruck Kids when a talent scout spotted him.

This led to the popular TV ad that has became BJ's calling card to fame. His innocent charm and endearing smile had led him to guest on shows such as SIS, S-Files, Bubble Gang and Idol Ko si Kap. It wasn't long after that Eat Bulaga came calling, remembering him from 'That's My Boy' and offering him a regular spot on the noontime show.

Young as he is, BJ is equipped with a level of maturity that is often seen in gifted children. The youngest in a brood of five, he is currently a first-grader in Muzon Elementary School . He says that Math is his favorite subject and he still enjoys joining various contests whenever he has time. He enjoys playing basketball and volleyball and also likes target shooting especially when his older brother takes him mountain climbing.

When asked why he wants to pursue showbusiness, he replies, "Gusto ko pa ma-improve ang mga talents ko. Mahilig po kasi ako umarte at saka idol ko po si Kuya Richard Guitierrez at Ate Angel Locsin."

With his natural flair for acting and all the good breaks he's getting, BJ is not far from reaching his dream. The more TV projects he gets, the more he hones his talents and boosts his self-confidence. And with his exceptional wit and charm, it's no surprise if he spends more of his growing-up years on television.

BJ is now one of a gaggle of miniature comedians-in-the-making on the new comedy show Bubble Gang Junior. Catch him there every Sunday after S-Files.

Profile - courtesy of GMA 7