Maricar Reyes

Maricar Reyes, 24 year-old, is a medical practitioner who finished BS Biology in Ateneo de Manila. She is a Filipino model turned actress. She had been a model of sanitary napkin brand Modess, done commercials of a fast food chain, a coffee brand and a beauty product. She was last seen on TV as Candy (as Armando's ex girlfriend) in Betty La Fea.

She says that it was Mr. Johnny Manahan of Star Magic that saw her after doing a VTR and asked her to join Star Magic. Prior to her being a member of Star Magic, she was also seen on Wowowee and ASAP. Her role as Candy in Betty La Fea is her first acting stint.

She says her employee understood her career and that she loves the contrast of her private life and her showbiz life. She's still a general practitioner and practiced being an "anti aging" doctor. She's a health buff, loves going to the gym and going jogging.

Margie Moran-Floirendo

Maria Margarita Moran-Floirendo, (born Maria Margarita Roxas Moran) from the Philippines, won the Miss Universe crown in 1973 in Athens, Greece. She is also known as Margie R. Moran or Margie Moran-Floirendo, and is a granddaughter of former Philippine President Manuel Roxas.

The full-time university student and part-time Auggie Cordero model won the right to represent the country in the Miss Universe pageant after winning the Miss Philippines competition. Moran said that she entered the contest because of the incessant urgings of friends and family.

The 19-year-old, 5 ft 6 in beauty was one of the favorites during that edition, also garnering the Miss Photogenic title.

She eventually married Congressman Antonio "Tony Boy" Floirendo and settled in Davao, managing a resort called "Pearl Farm" in Samal Island.

Anne Curtis

Anne Curtis (born Anne Ojales Curtis Smith on February 17, 1985 in Australia) is a Filipino-Australian commercial model and actress currently active in the Philippines. She is best known for her roles as Celine Magsaysay in Maging Sino Ka Man and as Imang/Fatima, the title role in Kampanerang Kuba. Both of these shows aired on the ABS-CBN network in the Philippines. Anne became the very first winner on MYX Awards 2005 for "Favorite Guest Appearance in a Music Video" for I Need You by Mark Bautista. In 2007, Anne became an MTV VJ for the new MTV Philippines which relaunched March 1, 2007. She is currently working on a new movie under Star Cinema with Aga Muhlach and a new teleserye with Zanjoe Marudo as her leading men.

Biography:

Curtis was born and raised in Australia by a Filipina mother and an Australian father.

She lived in Australia until her lawyer father, James Curtis, moved to the Philippines when she was 12 years old. It is a move that Curtis is thankful for. "I am so happy that I’m here. If I were in Australia I’d have been in a boarding school! My dad was strict when it came to education. He kept on discouraging me when I tried doing commercials, saying that they are just tricking me to get out of school. We lived in the country, so we’d be asleep around 8 or 9 p.m. It was really boring. But here there are so many gimmicks. As of now, being young, I prefer living here (in the Philippines) but maybe when I settle down, I’ll move back to Australia."

Early Career:

Curtis appeared in supporting roles or in ensemble casts during the early part of her career, with most of her early TV shows airing on the GMA-7 Network in the Philippines.

She achieved a fan following in her roles in Love to Love, where she was partnered with Richard Gutierrez.

Notable Roles:

In 2004, when she moved to ABS-CBN, Curtis received her first big break in Philippine primetime TV when she was cast in the role of Stephanie Borromeo in the TV series Hiram as the best friend and romantic rival of Margaret Benipayo, portrayed by Heart Evangelista. The role was a departure from her earlier, typical, teeny-bopper roles, and positioned Curtis for primetime.

In 2005, her successful portrayal in Hiram led to her first title role as Imang/Fatima in the fantasy TV series Kampanerang Kuba.

In 2006, Curtis returned to primetime TV as Celine Magsaysay in Maging Sino Ka Man, this time with new loveteam partner Sam Milby of Pinoy Big Brother fame.

Controversy:

Cellphone video with ex-boyfriend Richard Gutierrez

Curtis and her relationship with now ex-boyfriend and actor Richard Gutierrez became the subject of gossip particularly after a short video from her cellphone (showing the two making out [naghahalikan lang po]) began to circulate through emails and MMS messages. Her cellular phone had allegedly been lost and the video clip subsequently became public.

Curtis readily admits to the cellphone video: "I don’t see the point of not admitting it," she explained. "I’ve never been the kind of person to deny anything. I would just look like a liar."

Commercial endorsement of an alcoholic beverage

In an interview in April 2005, Curtis explained her controversial decision to become a commercial endorser of GSM Blue, an alcoholic beverage: "I've said many times before, the reason I did that commercial was that when I go out myself I don't deny the fact that I drink, but it's social drinking and not getting drunk. Besides, I need the money to fund my daily needs, papano ako mabubuhay? I don't care if it makes a bad example on the young aged group. For other people, though, they can't see that I'm already 20,"

Relationships:

With Oyo Boy Sotto

After a six-month courtship, Curtis entered into a two-year relationship with now ex-boyfriend Oyo Boy Sotto, son of well-known showbiz personalities Vic Sotto and Dina Bonnevie. Oyo 'Boy' Sotto himself is an actor. Curtis describes her relationship with Sotto as her first brush with genuine love, saying of him: "He was the one who I really loved." By June 2003, the relationship was officially over. In a later interview, Sotto blamed "immaturity and possessiveness" as the reasons their relationship did not work out.

With Richard Gutierrez

Curtis also had a well-publicized relationship with fellow actor Richard Gutierrez in 2004. The two had worked together on the TV shows Nuts Entertainment and Love to Love.

With Paolo Araneta

Curtis later became involved with Paolo Araneta, a relationship that lasted for two years. By January 2006, however, the local entertainment press confirmed that Curtis and Araneta had parted ways. No official reason was given.

And some links were connected with Sam Milby. The loveteam partner of Anne Curtis in the teleserye Maging Sino Ka Man. Which has ended this year. But there will be a book 2.

Interests:

In 2005, Curtis participated in a hands-on outreach program to visit children in Pampanga who underwent cleft-palate operations. The experience moved her and Curtis is later quoted as saying "now I just want to help more."

Commercials and Print Advertisements:

* Smart Telecommunications
* GSM Blue - 2005[10]
* Rexona Sensive
* Watch Republic
* Colgate
* Head & Shoulders
* Petit Monde
* Freego
* Belo Medical Group
* Freeway

Katrina Halili

Maria Katrina Irene Halili
Born - January 4, 1986

Maria Katrina Irene Halili is an actress, model, and StarStruck alumna. She was also voted several times as FHM’s Sexiest Woman in the Philippines. Oftentimes, she plays an antagonist in the television shows she appears in.

Katrina was born on January 4, 1986 in Quezon City and grew up at El Nido, Palawan. During her childhood, Kat was fond of joining beauty pageants. During her interviews, she often claimed to have Chinese blood.

Her career took its turn from modeling to acting when she was spotted at Eastwood by a talent scout for StarStruck, a reality contest of GMA Network. Although Katrina didn't win and was considered as just one of the "avengers", Katrina became a star in her own right. Aside from appearing on the covers of sexy magazines like FHM and being hailed as the Sexiest Woman in the Philippines by the said magazine, she also proved her acting prowess in different television series and easily put herself on the list of effective kontrabidas (antagonists) of Philippine television.

Aside from the long list of shows and modeling stints Katrina has done, she also released a collection of music videos entitled “Fantasies.” In the videos, Katrina shows off her voluptuous body by donning sexy and daring outfits, mostly bikinis.

TV Appearances
1. Angela Markado (2009) ... Angela Delmar
2. Gagambino (2008) ... Lucy
3. Obra (2008) ... Various
4. Magdusa Ka (2008) ... Christine Doliente
5. MariMar (2007) ... Angelika de Santibañez
6. Lupin (2007) ... Veronica Arkanghel / Ashley Calibre
7. Atlantika (2006) ... Helena
8. Majika (2006) ... Juno
9. Darna (2005) ... Carol / Black Darna
10. Forever In My Heart (2004)
11. Joyride (2004) ... Vicki
12. Starstruck (2003) ... Starstruck Avenger

Katrina is now facing a major scandal that could ruin her career. It is about the alleged “sex video” with the medical doctor turned actor Dr. Hayden Kho boyfriend of the famous celebrity aesthetic doctor Dr. Vicky Belo.

Pilita Corrales

Pilita Corrales (born 22 August 1939 in Cebu City, Philippines) is a famous Filipino folk musical recording artist, who is widely referred to as Asia's Queen of Songs, having produced over 135 albums in her music career spanning over four decades.

Biography:

Pilita Corrales was born in Cebu City, Cebu in 1939, she is a mestiza, (of Spanish and Austronesian) ancestry. After finishing her studies at Colegio de la Inmaculada Concepcion in her native land of Cebu, she went to Spain to enroll in a finishing school in music. In 1958, Pilita began her recording career after arriving with a shipwrecked troupe of performers in Melbourne. She left her mark by becoming the first woman to make the Australian pop charts with a local recording called 'Come Closer to Me'. She became a star of the Melbourne TV circuit and her first hit, Come Closer to Me, became part of a collection on which she’s billed as one of the Grand Dames of Melbourne Radio and Television.

Pilita holds the distinction of being the first female artist to top the Australian pop music charts long before Helen Reddy, Olivia Newton-John and Kylie Minogue. Pilita also recorded at least 3 LPs in the late 1950s-early 1960s: Pilita with Arthur Young :Pilita tells The Story of Love, I'll Take Romance and This is Pilita under Astor Records. Being one of the pioneers of Australia's early television years, a street was named after her outside Melbourne. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) recently featured Pilita and several pioneering female artists in Australia in the 2nd episode of the highly acclaimed TV special, Love is in the Air. Pilita returned to Manila during the mid 1960s to pursue a career in the Philippine music industry. Her Philippine career began when she hosted a radio program La Taverna over DZPI where she sang Spanish songs and played the guitar. She performed regularly in stage shows at the Manila Grand Opera House. Subsequently, her reputation grew and during her international stints, she has performed with internationally acclaimed artists like Sammy Davis Jr. the Beatles, Bob Hope, Pat Boone, Frank Sinatra and Julie Andrews. She also appeared in movies, most of them musicals. Her film debut was a lead role in the 1968 film Miss Wawaw, and was followed by 11 more movies for the next two years. Pilita later recorded numerous albums in Spanish in the early 60s as well as numerous long playing albums in English, Tagalog and Cebuano during the 1970s under Vicor Music Corporation. Her multiawarded TV program at ABS-CBN, An Evening with Pilita (1965-1972), is widely considered as one of the benchmarks in Philippine broadcasting history.

Pilita frequently performed for Seeing Stars with Joe Quirino in IBC-Channel 13 after the martial law years where she demonstrated her range as a gifted performer of Spanish, English, Cebuano and Tagalog music. Aquarius Record Philippines produced a compilation of Pilita's Spanish songs in CDs like Noche de Ronda, Vaya Con Dios. Her signature song A Million Thanks to You was translated in seven languages. She eventually recorded songs composed by Filipino composers like Danny Holmsen, George Canseco, Willy Cruz, Ryan Cayabyab and several others. Under Vicor Records, Pilita interpreted numerous Filipino classics and introduced them to younger audiences.

Pilita first met Canseco in Your Evening with Pilita (aired on pre-Martial Law ABS-CBN) as a guest in the composers' portion of the show". For the show Canseco brought with him You're All I Love. Canseco later wrote Filipino lyrics for the song, which became Kapantay ay Langit, the first song Canseco sold to a record label in 1966. The song was first recorded by Amapola for the movie theme of Kapantay Ay Langit starring Marlene Dauden and Eddie Rodríguez. The song won for George Canseco and Amapola the Manila Film Festival award for best song of the year. The song did not fare well commercially, because Amapola had left (for her U.S. concert tours) and the song was not promoted properly, according to Canseco during an interview with the Philippine Daily Inquirer. But when Pilita revived the song, it turned into a classic and defied trends and time. "The song," Pilita said, "was included in my album Philippine Love Songs Vol. 1, which was released in the early 1970s."

Through the personal invitation of Sammy Davis Jr., Pilita became the first Filipino to sing in Caesars Palace. In her concert in Caesars Palace, Las Vegas during the late 70s, Pilita sang Spanish, English, Cebuano and Tagalog songs, all conducted and arranged by Ryan Cayabyab.

After receiving a 1965 Philippine Citizen's Award for TV as Best TV Female Performer, Pilita went on to receive Cecil, Aliw, Tinig and Awit and several other awards for her performances and lifetime achievement. In 1990, she received a Merit Award from the FAMAS Awards. In 1991, she was given a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Philippine Association of the Record Industry (PARI) for bringing Filipino musical artistry to international audience. She also holds the distinction of being the first Filipino to win in an international music festival by bagging the Best Performer Award during the 1st Tokyo Music Festival (1972) where she bested numerous international artists including the highly-regarded Olivia Newton-John.

These days she operates Pilita, a restaurant-bar in Greenhills, one of Manila's prime commercial districts. She is also a highly-acclaimed host and comedy actress on Philippine television. With over 135 albums to her credit and an international profile with many appearances in Asia, the Middle East, Australia and North America, she still enjoys a reputation as “singing icon and living legend.”

In 2006, Pilita Corrales was handpicked by Associated Broadcasting Company (ABC Channel 5) and FremantleMedia to be one of the celebrity-judges for the first-ever nationwide search for the Philippine Idol together with composer Ryan Cayabyab and rapper Francis Magalona.

Personal Life:

Corrales has two children, Lourdes Jacqueline Blanco (commonly known as "Jackielou" Blanco) and Ramón Christopher Gutíerrez. Both her two children are also well known celebrity figures in the Philippine Film Industry. Corrales was married in 1963, to the late executive businessman Gonzalo Blanco and separated soon after, while her daughter "Jackielou" was still a child. Gonzalo later died in 1981.

Corrales had a brief short love affair with actor Eddie Gutíerrez, and later gave birth to her second child, Ramón Christopher, in 1971.

Tetchie Agbayani

Visitacion Parado, who is better known by her screen name Tetchie Agbayani, is a Filipina movie and television actress, psychology instructor and former beauty queen and Playboy model.

Early Life:

Agbayani was born in January 29 1961 to a Roman Catholic family. She studied high school at the University of Santo Tomas before enrolling in the University's Bachelor of Science in Architecture program in 1979. She eventually dropped from the program due to showbiz commitments.

Philippine Showbusiness:

Agbayani joined and won in the Mutya ng Pilipinas beauty pageant in 1979. Then she landed acting roles in television and movies, as well as modelling stints locally and abroad. In 1982, Agbayani shocked the public when she posed nude in the German edition of Playboy magazine. Amidst her notoriety that time, she went to the United States to do some "soul searching" and reassessment of life goals.

Hollywood:

In the United States, Agbayani was able to pursue acting in Hollywood. She appeared in international productions, sometimes credited as Carol Roberts. Among her films include John Boorman's The Emerald Forest (1985) and an entertaining cameo in The Money Pit (1986). Like other Asian actresses, Tetchie found herself limited by stereotyping, leading her to accept parts in critically reviled productions such as Gymkata (1985). Critics would regard her best performance to be that of a geologist in the Australian film Rikky and Pete (1988), directed by Nadia Tass, in which she displayed a flair for comedy. Agbayani also appeared in an episode of the British television series Yellowthread Street.

Private Life:

In 1989, Agbayani returned to the Philippines and took time out from her career to give birth to her daughter, China. During this period, Agbayani devoted her whole time as a mother, living a quiet, private life for several years.
Academic Career:

In 1995, Agbayani resumed her interrupted education and enrolled in Saint Joseph's College, Quezon City. She finished her college studies and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 2000. In 2001, she applied and was accepted into the Master of Arts in Psychology with concentration in Counseling Psychology program of the Ateneo de Manila University. She completed all academic requirements and is now working on her masteral thesis. She is also teaching Psychology at Saint Joseph's College, Quezon City, while doing occasional TV and film appearances.

Education Advocacy:

In 2006, Agbayani became the focus of the local media when her newfound role as actress-turned Playboy model-turned psychology teacher was revealed to the public. Graduating from college at age 39, teaching at age 43, and taking master's at age 44, Agbayani was seen as a living inspiration to people who were not able to finish college for some reason. Agbayani continues to appear in television programs, magazines, and newspaper dailies, giving motivational talks on how she managed to pull her life together despite all the odds. She has expressed intention to be a full-time psychology teacher while being a part-time actress. She also plans to obtain a Ph.D. in Psychology, start clinical practice, and write a column where she can give free psychological counseling to letter-senders and the general public.

Nida Blanca

Dorothy Jones, who is more popularly known by her stage name Nida Blanca (January 6,1936 – November 7, 2001)

A Filipino actress. She has starred in over 163 movies and 14 television shows and has received over 16 awards for movies and 6 awards for television during her 50-year film career.

She was stabbed to death in a parking lot in Manila on November 7 2001.

Biography:

Born Dorothy Jones in Gapan City, Nueva Ecija to a US soldier father and a Filipina mother, she appeared in her first film at age 14. She was screen tested on October 6 1950 by LVN Pictures where she reigned as queen for more than a decade, doing mostly comedies opposite the late Nestor de Villa. In the movies, she has played everything from a guy-punching tomboy to a nun. She also starred in the hit TV comedy series John En Marsha where she played the wife who sticks by her poor husband despite her rich mother's constant harping.

Blanca was married twice. She separated from her first husband, Victorino Torres when their daughter Kaye was only two years old. She later married her second husband Roger Lawrence Strunk, an American actor in Las Vegas in 1979 and the couple moved and relocated to Manila. They were childless.

Death:

On November 7, 2001, Blanca was found murdered, beaten and stabbed 13 times in the back seat of her Nissan Sentra in the parking lot of Atlanta Center in Greenhills, San Juan, Metro Manila where she worked for MTRCB.

The prime suspect was Blanca's husband Rod Strunk whom the prosecutors said had hired a hitman to kill her because Strunk was upset with his wealthy wife over property and money. The case rests on the statements of witnesses and Philip Medel, a self-confessed killer who told them that Strunk had hired him to kill Blanca. Strunk was in the U.S. in 2003 to help care for his sick mother when he was charged with the murder of Blanca. He's currently fighting off extradition to the Philippines to face trial for the murder charges.

Best Actress Awards:

• 1985 Urian,FAP,CMMA - Miguelito, Ang Batang Rebelde
• 1998 FAMAS Sana Pag-ibig na Nga
• Best Supporting Actress Awards:
• 1986 Urian, Famas, Fap, Star Awards - Magdusa Ka 1950 Famas - Korea

Trivia:

• Nida Blanca competed in the 1952 Miss Philippines contest (the winner represented the country in that year’s Miss Universe Pageant) where she finished one of the 12 semi-finalists
• That same year, Nida was named Best Supporting Actress by the FAMAS for her performance in the LVN war-drama Korea (directed by Lamberto Avellana) which was written by a youngManila Times reporter named Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino who gamely carried Nida’s makeup kit because he was courting her.
• She was an active member of the Movies and Television Regulatory Classification Board (MTRCB), attending screenings and rating movies twice a week, at the time of her death.
• She was named one of 15 Best Actress of all Time by YES Magazine chosen by GDPI.

Sheryl Cruz

Sheryl Cruz (born April 5, 1974 in Makati City, Philippines) is a Filipina actress and singer who was once a teen icon in the Philippines. her full nameis: Sheryl Rose Anna Marie Sonora Cruz-Bustos

Personal Background:

Her parents were both Sampaguita Pictures stars - Ricky Belmonte and Rosemarie Sonora. She is the niece of actress Susan Roces, widow of the 'King of the Filipino Movies' and presidential candidate Fernando Poe Jr. She is the cousin of Donna Cruz, Geneva Cruz and Sunshine Cruz. She has a daughter named Ashley.

Acting Career:

Cruz started her career at a very young age. She won the FAMAS best child actress for her portrayal in the movie "Mga Basang Sisiw" opposite Janice de Belen, Che Che and the late Julie Vega. She also won best child actress for the movie "Roman Rapido" opposite her late uncle Fernando Poe Jr.

She was later contracted by Regal Films along with Kristina Paner and Manilyn Reynes to form the sensational "TRIPLETS". At that time, GMA Network established the youth oriented TV show "That's Entertainment" hosted by German Moreno, where she became part of the Wednesday group.

Her movie career blossomed as part of Philippine cinema's more memorable loveteams, that of herself and Romnick Sarmenta loveteam. Sheryl then signed a contract with Seiko Films. Sheryl was named during her teen years as "The Princess of the Philippine Movie".

She later married and moved to United States, only returning to Manila infrequently. However, Sheryl decided to return home, and starred in her comeback movie, Mano Po 3: My Love.

But her biggest break was starring on two Now and Forever seasons, Tinig and Ganti, which gained high ratings despite its afternoon timeslot; and through Bakekang, which her villainous character became a household name.

Tita Duran

Tita Duran (1929-1991) was a Filipina film actress who began as a child actor. She was the first ever successful child star of Philippine cinema.

She is the mother of a well-Filipino rapper Francis Magalona and grandmother to Maxene Magalona who as a child shows a striking resemblance.

Charming, Sweet and Youthful, Duran joined a movie in her earliest career as an 8 yrs old child who abandoned by their mother in 1936 family-drama of Awit ng mga Ulila aka (The Songs of the Orphans.

She married her all-time partner Pancho Magalona, and one of those children is a Master Rapper from the Philippines Francis Magalona.

In 1938, Sampaguita Pictures spotted the child and cast her in a tear-jerker movie of Inang Mahal aka (Dear Mother). Her second movie in Sampaguita where her home is, Ang Magsasampaguita]aka (a Sampaguita Vendor).

Duran made 2 movies under LVN Pictures and it was Pangarap aka (Dream) and Sawing Gantimpala aka (Lost Price) both in 1940.

After World War II, she made a comeback in her studio Sampaguita Pictures,not a child actress but a beautiful lady. She joined in a War Pictures with Carmen Rosales in Guerilyera and typecasted in numerous Musical Movies paired by some of the Sampaguita's finest actor.

After her last movie in Sampaguita Isang Halik Mo Pancho, she made Maria Went to Town under Deegar Cinema Inc.

Filmography:

1936 - Awit ng mga Ulila 

1936 - Sa Paanan ng Krus 

1936 – Tunay na Ina 

1937 - Milagro ng Nazareno sa Quiapo 

1937 - Anak ng Kadiliman 

1938 - Inang Mahal 

1938 - Alipin ng Palad 

1938 - Mariang Alimango 

1938 - Ang Pusong Wasak 

1939 - Anak ng Hinagpis 

1939 - Tatlong Pagkabirhen 

1939 - Palaboy ng Diyos 

1939 - Ang Magsasampaguita 

1940 - Awit ng Magulang 

1940 - Pangarap 

1940 - Lihim ng Lumang Simbahan 

1940 - Sa Duyang ng Pagmamahal 

1940 - Sawing Gantimpala 

1940 - Bahaghari 

1941 - Panambitan 

1941 - Paraiso 

1946 - Guerilyera 

1946 - Maynila 

1947 - Lantang Asahar 

1947 - Ang Kapilya sa Daangbakal 

1947 - Dahil sa Ina 

1948 - Ang Anak ng Dagat 

1948 - Pamana ng Tulisan 

1948 - Bulaklak na Walang Pangalan 

1948 - Dahil sa Iyo 

1948 - Tatlong Puso 

1948 - Maharlika 

1949 - Always kay ganda mo 

1949 - Ulilang Kalapati] 

1949 - Tala sa Umaga 

1949 - Milagro ng Birhen ng mga Rosas 

1949 - Sa Piling Mo 

1950 - Huwag ka ng Magtampo! 

1950 - Umaga na Giliw 

1950 - Kay Ganda mo Neneng 

1951 - Kasintahan sa Pangarap 

1952 - Barbaro 

1952 - Buhay Pilipino 

1952 - Cumbanchera 

1953 - Ang Ating Pag-ibig 

1953 - Sa Isang Sulyap mo Tita 

1953 - Vod-A-Vil 

1954 - Sa Isang Halik mo Pancho 

1955 - Maria Went to Town 

1956 - Mr. & Mrs. 

1957 - Bicol Express 

1957 - Yaya Maria 

1958 - Tatak ni Solomon

Bea Alonzo

Bea Alonzo is a Filipina actress. She was born on October 17, 1987. Her father is British while her mother is Filipino. She is a member of ABS-CBN's circle of homegrown talents collectively known as "Star Magic".

Biography:

Early Life - Bea Alonzo had always dreamed of being in show business. Growing up without a father since the age of four, Bea has nonetheless managed to strike it out on her own.

She joined beauty contests at a very young age and she was moderately successful in this endeavor. It was in a small town beauty contest that she was discovered by famed Filipino fashion designer Oscar Peralta who then brought her to the attention of talent manager Archie Ilagan. The latter presented Bea to the head of the ABS-CBN Talent Center Johnny Manahan who inducted her into the Star Circle Batch 10. There she would be given a wide-range of acting lessons which later helped her land a part in the teen-oriented drama / comedy K2BU.

Career - In 2003, at the age of 15, Bea would be cast as 20 year old lawyer Katrina Argos in the TV drama Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay. The role would garner her first "Best Actress" nomination at the 2003 PMPC Star Awards. She was the youngest ever to be nominated in that category.

Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay paved the way for the John Lloyd and Bea loveteam. After three successful teleseryes It Might Be You, Ikaw Ang Lahat Sa Akin and currently Maging Sino Ka Man and hit movies such as My First Romance (where Bea Alonzo was named "Best New Movie Actress" at the 2004 PMPC Star Awards), Now That I Have You, Close To You, All About Love and the recent One More Chance, they are now known as one of the country's premiere loveteam.

Other Media:

In 2005, Bea celebrated her 18th birthday. and she commemorated the occasion with Bea's Wildest Dreams at 18: Birthday TV Special. The show featured Bea and her best friend Shaina Magdayao going on an adventure in Singapore. And amid birthday greetings from fellow ABS-CBN talents, the TV special showcased Bea's singing and dancing prowess as well.

Awards:

• 2007 USTV Students Choice Awards, Best Actress for Maging Sino Ka Man
• 2006 Yes Magazine Awards, Most Popular Loveteam with John Lloyd Cruz
• 2006 Yes Magazine Awards, Young Female Superstar
• 2006 ANAK TV Seal Award, One of the Top 10 Most Well Liked Female Personality
• 2005 Miss FAMAS Screen Idol, FAMAS
• 2004 Princess of RP Movies for “Now That I Have You", Guillermo Mendoza
• 2004 Best New Movie Actress for “My First Romance", Star Awards for Movies
• 2003 Most Popular Love Team of RP Movies with John Lloyd, Guillermo Mendoza

Kuh Ledesma

Kuh Ledesma (born March 16, 1955) is a popular Filipino pop and jazz singer. Kuh Ledesma has been performing for 25 years in the musical industry which encompasses more than 300 concerts, numerous awards in the Philippines, and 18 albums in the Philippine recording industry. She was the first Filipino singer to become a recipient of the Salem Music Awards in London in March 1989. In 1997 she released her international debut album Precious in collaboration with the best American and Filipino songwriters, arrangers and musicians.

Personal:

Kuh Ledesma was born Maria Socorro Ledesma on March 16, 1955 in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, Philippines. She has a daughter named Isabella Gonzalez.

Career:

Philippine and international music industry - Ledesma's career in music began when she joined the Lastiko band (formerly known as Ensalada band) in Bacolod while she was still a Nursing student in college. Ledesma and her bandmates Toto Gentica and Jet Montelibano later went to Manila to form the Music & Magic band which became pivotal for her career. She later received the lead role in the pop ballet Rama Hari by Alice Reyes. She eventually went solo with Dito Ba?, Ledesma's first hit song.

1980's - In the 1980s, Ledesma has performed during solo concerts at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), the Araneta Coliseum, PICC and the Philippine Folk Arts Theater.

In 1982, Ledesma launched an all-Filipino concert, Ako ay Pilipino (I am a Filipino) at the Cultural Center of the Philippines that featured a repertoire of ethnic sounds, classic kundimans and beautiful pop songs, tapping into the rich node of indigenous art and contemporary pop music to produce alternative approaches to songs. Her show eventually became a television special followed by two albums. This was immediately followed by another production at the CCP, Inspired Madness in 1983, which was created in collaboration with Philippine film director Peque Gallaga and musical director Ryan Cayabyab.

During the political ambience of the 1980s, Ledesma paid tribute to Ninoy Aquino at the end of one of her shows at the CCP by singing her a cappella rendition of Impossible Dream and You'll Never Walk Alone (Hindi Ka Nagiisa). From 1984 to 1986, Ledesma joined the Apo Hiking Society in Ang Pinoy Nga Naman (1, 2, and 3) at the Folk Arts Theater.

In March 1989, Kuh Ledesma was chosen as the first Philippine singer to be the recipient of the Salem Music Awards after competing against other top singers from Asia at the Royal Albert Hall in London

1990's - In the 1990s, Ledesma had a series of concerts with foreign artists Noel Pointer, Jack Jones, Kenny Rankin, The Platters and Michel Legrand followed by other concerts with popular Philippine song artists such as Regine Velasquez (U.S. tour, 1999), Pops Fernandez and Jaya (Power of Two, 1999). After Ledesma's four-night concert with the jazz violinist, Noel Pointer, she released the album, The Voice, The Violin. In February 1994, Ledesma had the Two of Hearts concert with balladeer Jack Jones. During 1995's Valentine's season, she performed with Kenny Rankin. Ledesma started the new millennium in a Valentine show with The Platters. In 2002, Ledesma had Valentine presentation with Michel Legrand.

Ledesma has her own production company Headline Concepts and built concert venues such as the Music Museum (a combined theater-restaurant built in 1988 at Greenhills, Manila) and the Republic of Malate. The Republic of Malate is a facility located along Mabini Street in Manila, which houses a restaurant, a bar, a watering hole, a game room, a tobacco area a dance club and a theater. However, The Republic of Malate was destroyed by a fire in November 2001. Ledesma has plans of rebuilding the facility.

Kuh Ledesma had a regular monthly television special called Akuhstic Café which is a musical travelogue that presented viewers the urban night life of Metro Manila by visiting clubs, lounges and concerts. Akuhstic Café was a grand finalist in the Asian Television Awards in Singapore for best musical program.

In April 1997, Ledesma became the featured artist of the ‘’Muling Aawit ang Pasig’’, a benefit concert of former Philippine First Lady Ming Ramos for the restoration of the Pasig River.

In 1998, the centennial year of Philippine Independence, after producing a Valentine concert at Fort Santiago, Manila, Ledesma was commissioned by the National Centennial Commission to stage a three-night centennial concert of the year, Lahi…Kami ang Pilipino which was held the Expo Center at the former Clark Airforce Base.

2000's - Ledesma also owns Bravo Records, a music recording studio. Ledesma is known for building careers of new talented singers.

Ledesma celebrated her 25th year in the music industry by holding a series of shows at the Captain's Bar of the Mandarin Oriental Manila (Kuh Ledesma Presents). Ledesma has a goal of publishing a book of photographs to chronicle her career.

Kuh Ledesma is also a member of the Artista Para Sa Pagbabago (Artists for Change), an organization comprised of artists, environmentalists and businessmen. She was also the president of the Restaurant Owners Association of Malate.

During the 2001 Philippine national elections, Ledesma was chosen by the PINATUBO (Pinag-isang Lakas Tungo sa Pagbabago) Party as a first nominee for congress. The PINATUBO Party has the goal of alleviating poverty in the Philippines through grass-roots development.

Apart from performing and producing concerts and special shows, Ledesma also travels widely in the Philippines and abroad to deliver values formation lectures, and inspirational and motivational talks.

Philippine cinematography - Ledesma has appeared in films such as Oro, Plata, Mata, Tinimbang ang Langit, The Year of Living Dangerously.

Philippine theater - Ledesma performed in Rama Hari and Kapinangan

Philippine television - Ledesma produced several TV specials including the award-winning program, Kuh by Special Arrangement. She was also a co-host in the Sunday variety show A.S.A.P. Mania.

International performances - In March 1990, Ledesma appeared as a guest performer in a Gilbert Becaud's television show in Paris where she sang Bulaklak (The Rose) in three languages (Filipino, English and French). In July 1990, she was the Philippine's representative-performer at the international television special, Earth 90 in Tokyo, Japan. Earth 90 was a show that celebrated the importance of the environment and was aired simultaneously around 80 countries. Ledesma was then on stage with artists such as Olivia Newton-John and John Denver. On the same year, Ledesma also joined the NHK-KAYO parade in Tokyo.

In 1991, Ledesma accepted the invitation to become a member of the panel of judges during the Miss Universe Beauty Pageant in Las Vegas, U.S.A.

In 1984, Ledesma was chosen by international director Peter Weir to play the role of Tiger Lily in the film, The Year of Living Dangerously, to work with actors Mel Gibson and Sigourney Weaver.

After becoming a model for Lux soap in the Philippines from 1984 to 1990, Ledesma also appeared in a series of print ads and television commercials for Lux in Singapore from 1988 to 1989, and in Indonesia in 1992.

Rossana Roces

Jennifer Adriano-Molina also known as Rosanna Roces was born on May 24, 1972. She is a famous Filipina actress known in the early 1990s as one of the hottest TF (tiltilating film)/sexy flicks actresses. She has been a contract star of Seiko films from 1994 to 1996. After her years with Seiko, "Ligaya ang Itawag Mo Sa Akin" (They Called Me Joy, Reyna Films, opened January 1997) made her career more successful, as well as on TV.

Besides her being a film actress, Rosanna Roces also ventured into hosting by being a replacement to Dawn Zulueta for GMA's Startalk. Roces hosted the show until 2004 after the misunderstanding between her and her manager-friend Lolit Solis. Rosanna Roces, leaving GMA for ABS CBN, was replaced by Lorna Tolentino in the reformatting of Startalk. Roces also appeared major roles in various TV appearances, with Vic Sotto and Charlene Gonzales (1 for 3, GMA Network, 1997-2002), Rudy Fernandez (Daboy and Da Girl, 2002-2003).

She is presently seen as the mean Patria in ABS-CBN's "Sineserye Presents: Natutulog Ba Ang Diyos?" She had appeared on soap operas such as "Ysabella" (as Rosario, Ysay's loving mother) and "Maging Sino Ka Man" (appearance on the last episode of Book 1 and will be seen on the upcoming Book 2).

 

Rica Peralejo

Rica Peralejo (born Regina Carla Bautista Peralejo on March 7, 1981) is a Filipina actress, singer, and television host. She is a member of ABS-CBN's circle of homegrown talents collectively known as Star Magic.

Biography:

Peralejo began her career in show business as a child actress in the ABS-CBN children's variety show Ang TV. She eventually moved on to teen-oriented programs such as T.G.I.S. and Gimik. She was co-currently educated at the all-girls' School of the Holy Spirit.

Growing into adulthood, Peralejo began acting in movies and through the years she has gained popularity by periodically shifting into different movie genres. She starred in comedies such as Banyo Queen (with rapper Andrew E.) and action movies like Ex-Con. This was followed by her roles in "sexy" movies such as Balahibong Pusa, earning her the title "Bold Queen". More recently, Peralejo became well-known for her roles in horror movies such as Malikmata and it was because of these movies that the Philippine media alternately dubbed her "Horror Queen" and "Scream Queen". She is reportedly filming a new horror movie titled Matakot Ka Sa Karma which will be shown at the 2006 Metro Manila Film Festival.

Between making movies, Peralejo also appeared in television programs such as the sitcom Ok Fine Whatever and the weekly variety program ASAP. She was recently in the drama series Sa Piling Mo, which is currently available on video, and Pangarap na Bituin.

Ever the performer, Peralejo also found time for her singing career. In the late 1990s she released the album Ikaw Pa Rin At Ako which produced the hit single "Fallin'". She was also featured on the soundtrack of the movie Sa Huling Paghihintay, where she sang three songs: "Maghihintay Ako", "Can We Just Stop And Talk A While" and "Bakit Mahal Kita". Her current album is titled Bollywood Fever.

Trivia:

• Rica Peralejo is 5' 4" tall.
• She is the elder sister of former actress Paula Peralejo.
• Though she is 26 years old, at the time of this writing she is an incoming freshman at the Ateneo de Manila University, taking up creative writing.
• Actor Piolo Pascual admitted that he is still in love with her
• Bernard Palanca was once her boyfriend for a couple of years

Angelika Panganiban

Angelica Panganiban (born on November 4, 1986 in the Caloocan City, Philippines) is a television and film actress, commercial model and product endorser working in ABS-CBN. Angelica is now preparing for her newest teleserye in ABS-CBN entitled Iisa Pa Lamang with Gabby Concepcion and Claudine Barretto.
Biography:

Angelica's parents separated when she was two years old. She has no memories of her father. In her childhood, Angelica had thought that her grandfather, Alfredo Panganiban, was her real father.

Career:

Panganiban is a famous actress among of her credits are Mangarap Ka with Piolo Pascual, Vietnam Rose, Maging Sino Ka Man, Rounin, Ysabella and Maging Sino Ka Man: Ang Pagbabalik.

Trivia:

• She admits that people have always remarked on how much she looked like Julie Vega(one of the first Filipino soap opera icons).
• Angel on Earth:Angelica Panganiban's debut title which was aired on ABS-CBN.
• The movie Santa-Santita was Angelica Panganiban's launching movie under Unitel Pictures last 2004.
• She is currently in a relationship with model and actor Derek Ramsay.
• She currently plays golf and ultimate frisbee.

Valerie Concepcion

Valerie Concepcion (born December 21, 1987 in Manila, Philippines), is a Filipina actress. She is currently being managed by Becky Aguila and is a free lancer. Currently, she is a co-host of ABS-CBN's noontime show Wowowee.

Kissing Controversy:

On December 8, 2007, Jinky Pacquiao, wife of Manny Pacquiao, sent a text message to young actress Valerie Concepcion (when Jinky discovered Manny's torrid kissing scene with her in the 2007 Metro Manila Film Festival entry Anak ng Kumander): "This is Jinky Pacquaio, I saw you with my husband in a kissing scene. How sweet! Ito ang masasabi ko, kung isa ka rin sa bumabalak na manira at sirain ang pamilya ko, Hindi kita uurungan o kaya gusto mo, pupuntahan kita sa Wowowee at ipagsigawan ang kalandian mo. Balita ko, nagpahanap ka daw ng bahay. Pera ba ang kailangan mo? Subukan mo mga balak mo, lalabanan kita."

Betty La Fea:

She is being considered to play the lead for the local version of Betty La Fea, the same role that Asia's Songbird Regine Velasquez wanted to do as her first Valerie Concepcion teleserye on ABS-CBN.Other actresses like Angel Locsin, Bea Alonzo and Anne Curtis are also rumored to be on the short list. Though there is no word yet on who would be awarded the part, Valerie admitted that she already feels honored to have been thought of taking on such a challenging role.

KC Concepcion

Maria Kristina Cassandra Cuneta Pangilinan (born April 7, 1985), also known as KC Concepcion, is the daughter of Filipina actress Sharon Cuneta and former Filipino actor Gabby Concepcion. Her name "Kristina" came from her mom, and "Cassandra" from her dad who loved the movie Cassandra Crossing. She has two half-sisters named Simone Francesca Emanuelle (Frankie) and Mariel Daniella Sophia (Miel) from her mother's second and current husband, Philippine Senator "Kiko" Francis Pangilinan.

She is legally adopted by Francis Pangilinan. Legally, her surname is Pangilinan but she uses her biological father's last name as screen name.

As a teenager, Concepcion auditioned for theater roles, eventually landing the leading role for the musical play Little Mermaid. She sees her mom as her inspiration.

Her modeling career skyrocketed as she signed a deal with clothing line Human.

She was an MTV Asia VJ in 2003 and appears regularly on her mother's self-titled show Sharon,

She recorded the soundtrack for the musical Beauty and the Beast directed by Ryan Cayabyab.

In August 2007, Concepcion graduated from the American University of Paris with a degree in Bachelor of Arts in International Corporate Communications with a minor in Theatre Arts.

She recently signed a contract with ABS-CBN, her mother's home television station. She did a documentary special entitled, KC: From Paris to Pinas which details her college years in Paris. The documentary won an award from the Philippine Movie Press Club.

She currently has several endorsements and deals under her belt, including the clothing line Bayo and Enervon, a multivitamin tablet.

In February 2008, Concepcion starred in her first television acting role in an episode of the biographical series, Maalaala Mo Kaya. There are plans of another lifestyle show for her and also movies.

Shortly after, Concepcion was appointed by United Nations as the World Food Programme Ambassador in the Philippines.

Marian Rivera

Marian Gracia Rivera, more popularly known as Marian Rivera (born August 12, 1984 in Madrid, Spain) is a Filipino actress and commercial model. Her first TV role came in 2005 via TAPE Inc.'s afternoon drama, Kung Mamahalin Mo Lang Ako. However, her breakout role did not come until 2007 when she was cast for the title role in the Philippine remake of MariMar.

Biography:

Early life - Rivera was born in Madrid, Spain to an interracial couple; Spaniard named Francisco Javier Gracia and a Filipina named Amalia Rivera. When her parents separated 2 years after her birth, Rivera and her mom left Spain and flew back to her mother's hometown in the Philippines. However, her mother had to leave to continue her work commitment abroad that she was sent to her maternal grandmother, Francisca Rivera in Bacoor, Cavite.

Education - Rivera attended local private schools in Cavite including Saint Francis of Assisi College System where she spent her Elementary and High School years and De La Salle University-Dasmariñas for college. She had a 3-month practicum at the National Mental Hospital, after which she graduated with a degree in A.B. Psychology.
Television Career:

Early work - Rivera left her hometown to pursue a career as a ramp and commercial model. Not long after, she landed an appearance on TV advertisements for Skin White Lotion and Sky Flakes crackers where she was seen by TAPE Inc.'s executive producer, Tony Tuviera. From then on, she starred in a series of afternoon soap operas for TAPE Inc. and GMA Network such as Kung Mamahalin Mo Lang Ako, Agawin Mo Man Ang Lahat (where she was named as the Best New Female TV Personality at the 2006 PMPC Star Awards) and Pinakamamahal along with Oyo Boy Sotto as her main leading man. GMA Network then cast her into mother roles for the afternoon Philippine-Malaysian drama Muli with Alfred Vargas and the primetime telefantasya Super Twins.

MariMar - Rivera rose to fame when she won an audition for the title role of MariMar, the remake of the Mexican telenovela which starred Thalía. Before the auditions, Rivera knew little about the character as she was only 11 years old when the original soap opera aired on Philippine TV. Rivera then took the time out to do a research about the role over the internet. Other actresses who took part on the auditions were Nadine Samonte, Katrina Halili, Jennylyn Mercado, Karylle, Jewel Mische, and Bianca King.

MariMar premiered on August 13, 2007 with a 36.6% rating. Her participation in the show led her to becoming a household name among the Filipino audiences that some would refer to her as Marimar/Bella even when she's out of her character, and with critics from the Guillermo Mendoza Memorial Scholarship Foundation, Inc. honoring her as Phenomenal TV Star in the 38th Box-Office Entertainment Awards.

Dyesebel - After MariMar, Rivera will play the role of Dyesebel Dingdong Dantes, who was her leading man in MariMar, will pair up with Rivera as Fredo.

Film Career:

In 2006, Rivera was casted in the horror movie, Pamahiin along with Dennis Trillo and Iya Villania. The following year, she starred in two MMFF movie entries: Bahay Kubo and Desperadas. Rivera's first leading movie opposite Richard Gutierrez is the romantic-comedy My Best Friend's Girlfriend. The film received positive reviews and was successful enough that it grossed over PHP140,000,000 at the box office.

Marian Rivera is set to do a romantic movie in 2008 tentatively titled Amnesia with Dingdong Dantes and Iza Calzado. She was supposed to be in a comedy film with Philippine top comedians Dolphy and Vic Sotto, but was later dropped according to the March 29, 2008 telecast of entertainment news program Startalk.

Other Projects:

Following the success of the series MariMar, Rivera was featured on the cover of fashion magazines such as the Philippine editions of Cosmopolitan and Marie Claire, as well as Manual men's magazine. She was also chosen as an endorser for apparel brand Karimadon and shampoo brand Sunsilk along with Heart Evangelista, Nikki Gil and Maja Salvador. The Sunsilk campaign is the Philippine version on the product's Life Can't Wait campaign featuring Madonna, Shakira and Marilyn Monroe.

Rivera also appeared on the album cover of Marian Rivera Dance Hits, a compilation of dance music produced by Universal Records Inc., wherein she presented a dance choreography for each track. The said album has reached a Gold status, and later Platinum - being the first album released in the Philippines by a Filipino artist on the year 2008 to reach such status.

Valerie Concepcion

Valerie Concepcion (born December 21, 1987 in Manila, Philippines), is a Filipina actress. She is currently being managed by Becky Aguila and is a free lancer. Currently, she is a co-host of ABS-CBN's noontime show Wowowee.

Kissing Controversy:

On December 8, 2007, Jinky Pacquiao, wife of Manny Pacquiao, sent a text message to young actress Valerie Concepcion (when Jinky discovered Manny's torrid kissing scene with her in the 2007 Metro Manila Film Festival entry Anak ng Kumander): "This is Jinky Pacquaio, I saw you with my husband in a kissing scene. How sweet! Ito ang masasabi ko, kung isa ka rin sa bumabalak na manira at sirain ang pamilya ko, Hindi kita uurungan o kaya gusto mo, pupuntahan kita sa Wowowee at ipagsigawan ang kalandian mo. Balita ko, nagpahanap ka daw ng bahay. Pera ba ang kailangan mo? Subukan mo mga balak mo, lalabanan kita."

Betty La Fea:

She is being considered to play the lead for the local version of Betty La Fea, the same role that Asia's Songbird Regine Velasquez wanted to do as her first Valerie Concepcion teleserye on ABS-CBN.Other actresses like Angel Locsin, Bea Alonzo and Anne Curtis are also rumored to be on the short list. Though there is no word yet on who would be awarded the part, Valerie admitted that she already feels honored to have been thought of taking on such a challenging role.

Sunshine Dizon

Sunshine Dizon is a Filipina actress. She started in show business when she was only three years old. On her teens, she became a sweetheart. Through time, she was molded into one of the greatest serious actresses of her generation.

Biography:

Born as Margarette Sunshine Cansancio Dizon on July 3, 1983 to Isagani Benzon Dizon and Dorothy Cansancio Dizon, Sunshine is the sister of drummer Mike Dizon of Sandwich, the youngest and only girl in their family. At a young age, her mother who was then a producer of films and TV shows, noticed her interest in show business. She entered Philippine show business at the age of three.

When she was six, his dad left for the States. After a few months, she and her mom followed. When they went to the States, she was then shooting for the movie "Kung Kasalanan Man" with Dina Bonnevie and the scene in the movie where she is flying for the States is actually true because after shooting that scene, they proceeded to the airport immediately. She spent her seventh birthday in the United States.

She entered elementary and spent her Grade 1 in St. Joseph College and she even ranked three in the entrance examination. The funny story is that she was able to make it when the truth is that she is does not know how to read during that time. She didn't go through pre-school because she is already acting during that time that's why she has no knowledge in reading and writing. What she did was she told the proctor that she left her eyeglasses that's why she can't read the test question and asked for the proctor to read it for her. The school was impressed by the results of her examination. During this time, her mother also decided to focus on her academics and take a break from show business, they rejected a number of movies and projects. Later, she was asked to read a phrase from their book, that was the time that they discovered the truth that Sunshine can't actually read.

Sunshine was doing well in her classes. She one of the brightest students in her class, but she can't resist the call for acting because of the many offers she has been getting. She got an offer to star with Dolphy which they could not resist.

She transferred school to Sunny Hill when she was in Grade 2. At her young age, she is juggling acting and schooling yet she managed to be in the list of honorees. Still, despite her absences she got good grades and was even running for honors in her last year in elementary. But she wasn't given the award because a parent threatened the school that he would complain if Dizon gets an award because of her absences.

Acting Career:

Sunshine, the Childstar:

Sunshine Dizon started acting at the age of three. Her screen name then was simply "Sunshine". Her mother was a producer then, and her mom would always bring her in her meetings. Her mother's co-producers were amazed and delighted by her personality; that's why they told her that she could be a child actress. The first movie that she did was "God’s Little Children".

At a young age, she has already worked with some of the icons in the local industry. She worked with Dina Bonnevie in "Kung Kasalanan Man" (1989); Fernando Poe Jr. in "Hindi Pa Tapos Ang Laban" and "Kahit Butas ng Karayom Papasukin Ko" where she got her first acting recognition as Best Child Actress from FAMAS.

In television, she became a regular in the longest-running gag show in the Philippines Bubble Gang. She also became part of "That's Entertainment" for six months. After which, VIVA signed her and cast her in "DATS", the show that replaced That's Entertainment.

Sunshine Dizon, the Teenstar:

From a childstar, she then became a teenstar. VIVA relaunched her and casted her as one of the leads in the TV Series Anna Karenina with Antoinette Taus and Kim delos Santos. The three with pairs Dingdong Dantes, Polo Ravales and Dino Guevara were the hottest youngstars during the 90s and they were dubbed as the VIVA Teens Barkada. The group were also introduced as the new cast of TGIS (Thank God It's Sabado). She starred in teenybopper flicks which were box office hits like "Honey, My Love, So Sweet" (1999) and "Kiss Mo Ko" (1999).

Sunshine Dizon, the Drama Actress:

In 2001, GMA Network got her to star with Angelika dela Cruz in the primetime television drama "Ikaw Lang Ang Mamahalin". But during the course of the series her character was killed. This was because she was given a solo soap, the critically acclaimed "Kung Mawawala Ka" where she was paired with Cogie Domingo. She proved her versatility as an actress when she tried comedy by being casted in "Masikip sa dibdib" (2004) and the TV sitcom "Daboy En Da Girl" (2002). Meanwhile she was also casted in drama flicks, her forte like "Mga Batang lansangan... ngayon" (2002), "Filipinas" (2003) and "Sabel" (2004). She also starred in the GMA mini-series "Umulan Man o Umaraw" and "Tuwing Kapiling Ka."

But the turning point of her career was when she was casted as Sang'gre Pirena in Encantadia saga (2005-2006). It was in this series that her acting prowess was recognized by critics. She even got two Best Actress Awards from ENPRESS (Golden Screen Entertainment TV Awards) and Gawad Amerika and various nominations for Encantadia.

She continued showing her comic antics in the sitcom Bahay Mo Ba To? (2005). Her Encantadia stint was followed by "Captain Brabell" TV Series (2006) where she played a pivotal villain. She was later pulled out from the show to give way for her biggest break on Philippine television, she was chosen to be the title roler in "Carlo J. Caparas' Bakekang", a role which was once played by Superstar Nora Aunor. Nevertheless, she was able to pull it off and was critically acclaimed for her magnanimous portrayal of the ugly yet warmhearted movie fan. The show also topped the ratings chart which elevated her status into a serious actress and primetime queen. She was awarded Best Actress by PMPC Atar Awards for her portrayal in Bakekang.

This was followed by Impostora(2007) where she plays a dual role. And now, La Vendetta (2007), a drama-thriller series.

GMA Network recently signed her as an exclusive contract star. While her television career is on its peak, she still has to prove herself in the box office. She was casted in the GMA Films' movie Dagaw which to be aired in 2008.

Yeng Constantino

Josephine "Yeng" Constantino (born December 4, 1988) is a popular reality TV winner of Pinoy Dream Academy—a Philippine edition of Endemol's Star Academy—a reality TV singing search in the Philippines.

Biography:

Yeng Constantino is the youngest child of Susan Constantino and Joselito Constantino and was born in Rodriguez, Rizal.

Josephine Constantino a.k.a Yeng is the first Grand Star Dreamer from ABS-CBN's Talent Reality Show, PINOY DREAM ACADEMY (PDA) or FAME Academy in other countries. At Age of 18, Yeng showed the filipino viewers her versatility in singing, Rockista Appeal and love for Writing and Composing her original songs. One of her very own composition "HAWAK KAMAY" topped most of the radio station's both in manila and provinces. and won the Best Theme Song at the MMFF as it was use by Star Cinema's "KASAL KASALI KASALO" as its official theme. After Winning at PDA, Dream Big Production launched her debut album called "SALAMAT" with its carrier single "SALAMAT", the album reached GOLD from its 1st week and later was reached 3x Platinum. Most of the tracks from the album such as Pangarap Lang, Cool Off, Time IN, Salamat topped most of the radio station's. Yeng also done a successful series of Concert Tours Worldwide and was debuted her very 1st and overwhelming concert in the philippines, entitled "ROCK ENROLL- Yeng Constantino's Rock to School Concert". Now, yeng was a mainstay at ABS-CBN's no.1 Variety Show "ASAP'07"

Grand Star Dreamer:

As the "Grand Star Dreamer", Constantino received a brand-new Suzuki Swift, a condominium unit at G.A. Towers, a 60-inch SXRD Sony Bravia TV, a Touch music video unit, a Belgian Waffle dine-in franchise, a recording contract with Star Records, and 1 million pesos from Fitrum.

Career:

Constantino won the competition becoming the first "Grand Star Dreamer" of Pinoy Dream Academy, garnering a total of 697,648 votes (37.32%); followed by Jay-R Siaboc (first runner-up) with 612,767 votes (32.77%). Her career continuously booms in radio and TV airwaves.

After Winning as the Grand Star Dreamer, Star Records/ Dream Music launched Yeng's debut albut titled "salamat" which was overwhelmingly accepted by public as it reached 3x platinum reords or sold over 90,000 copies.

Other than having a concert tour worlwide, Yeng is doin some Print add modelling for such products as Persi and Globe. Yeng being new to the showbizness receives ton's of awards such as "Best new Artist", "Pop Album Awards", "Best Movie Theme song for Kasal Kasali Kasalo", Yeng also has been choosen to sing theme songs from Judy Ann Santo's Teleserye "ysabella" and Movie " Sakal Sakali Saklol".

And On February 15, Her Musch awaited sophomore Album title "Journey" will be launch on ASAP 08. The Album contains 12 tracks, and most of it are all written by Yeng here self. The carrier single of the said album is calle "Di Na Ganun".