Even though the celebration was 20 days after her real birthday (January 9), it was better late than never! Nickelodeon’s True Jackson, VP star Ashley Argota celebrated her 18th birthday at The W Hotel in Hollywood with her family, close friends and (like a true VIP) plenty of press.

Ashley Argota arrives at the red carpet wearing a splash of color on her dress and pink pumps. She says that she usually wears a lot of black, so she specifically chose colorful attire for her 18th birthday celebration.

Before the Filipina America debuted on the carpet, Nickelodeon and Disney tween celebs like Debby Ryan (Suite Life on Deck), Robbie Amell (True Jackson, VP) and fellow Filipina American Anna Maria Perez de Tagle (Camp Rock 1 & 2) arrived on scene and ready for the lights, camera and action!

Anna Maria Perez de Tagle looks prim and proper in a drapey purple dress designed by Filipino fashion designer Oliver Tolentino.

Some of the younger stars included the witty Rico Rodriguez (Modern Family), the charming Maddison Pettis (Cory in the House/Phineas and Ferb), and singers Abi Ann Hoffman and Neenah Taylor. Even though these actors are still rookies in the field, they definitely had no trouble handling the bright lights and mic. At some point, Rodriguez even busted out into a dance move to entertain the press.

Maddison Pettis isn’t only a budding natural when it comes to acting, but also in fashion sense with this flowery, fresh Forever 21 piece.

Audrey reporter Jessica Jann interviews Hoffman just before she leaves the red carpet to go to the party room.

Three of Argota’s chosen favorite children from Starlight Children’s Foundation, including Brittni Hamilton were some of the special guests of the night. Even though the True Jackson, VP actress has so many followers (and it’s not just her more than 50,000 Twitter followers we’re talking about here), she remembers to also give back to the community.

Kathy Young (left) and Hamilton (right) of Starlight Children's Foundation were special guests of the night.

If a picture tells a thousand words, then can see the red carpet treatment Argota got on her special day.

For Argota, this was her one big celebration for the year, so curious as to what dazzling gifts she got for her birthday? Stay tuned for upcoming video clips and interviews of Argota and more of your favorite tween stars.

Want more teen stars? Check out our Spring 2011 issue and our Feature Story on Asian American teens on TV, out in early March!

Ashley Argota, 17-year-old actress/singer and current cast member of the Nickelodeon hit show True Jackson, VP (she plays the title character’s best friend and secretary, Lulu Johnson), is aware of the fact that not many Asian Americans are fortunate enough to make it big in show business so she does not take her career for granted.

“It means a lot to me to be part of True Jackson,” says Argota. “There aren’t many Asian American girls out there who are famous so to be part of that small group is an honor.”

Ashley Argota and Keke Palmer star in Nickelodeon's "True Jackson, VP."

Argota, who is Filipina American, grew up in Redlands, Calif. “I lived about an hour and half outside of Los Angeles and it was great because we lived in a quiet neighborhood so I didn’t get any of that L.A. craziness,” says Argota with a laugh. “I grew up having nice family dinners with home-cooked food. My dad was a truck driver so he couldn’t always be home, but when he was we always sat down to eat dinner together.”

Despite being part of a tremendously popular show (True Jackson, VP is now in its second season) and having her comedic talents be compared to that of Lucille Ball, Argota has managed to stay humble and levelheaded. She will be attending New York University in the fall to take up nursing. “I’m going to be just like my mommy!” says Argota. “I wanted to go into College of Nursing instead of Performing Arts because I want to do something outside of acting. I’ve been acting for a really long time and that will always be my first career choice. But in case that doesn’t work out in the long run, I want to have something to fall back on.”

Ashley Argota.

Argota, who seems to be a jack-of-all-trades, is also quite the musician and singer. She began taking vocal lessons at the age of 5 and also plays the piano. She has also begun learning how to play the guitar. Her debut CD, Ashley (2008), on New Revolution Records is currently available on iTunes and her song “CD Baby” has received rave reviews. “I’m not signed to a label right now, but I am looking to be signed to a record label soon and hopefully I’ll put out another album soon.”

Argota encourages Asian Americans who hope to make it in television, film or music to never give up. “True Jackson was supposed to be my last audition ever because I had faced so much disappointment. It was always little things as to why I didn’t get roles,” Argota shares. “I was told ‘You’re too short’ and other little things like that, but you just can’t let it get to you and keep you from doing what you really want to do. Just follow your dreams.”

Don’t miss brand-new episodes of True Jackson, VP (there’s one this Saturday), airing Saturdays, 8:30pm ET/PT on Nickelodeon. You can watch past clips here.