While many of the celebrities we’re currently fond of are either products of reality shows or scions of the most influential families in the local entertainment scene, there are still many artists who started off as child or teen actors.
As the industry continues to grow and evolve, only those with huge potentials and unwavering determination who are able to pursue their career into adulthood. With the remarkable performances they exhibited on-screen, it’s indeed likely to happen for the promising child and teen stars in this Kapamilya Snaps feature!
Andrea Brillantes
Just like several of the brightest stars we have in the industry at present, Andrea also began her journey in the defunct kiddie gag show Goin’ Bulilit. She went on to appear in a slew of teleseryes until she finally scored her first-ever titular role via the 2013 remake of the 1980s drama Annaliza.
But it was in the hit afternoon drama Kadenang Ginto where her acting chops was truly highlighted as she astounded viewers as the antagonist Marga Bartolome. And she’s yet to amaze us anew with her portrayal of a blind girl named Mira in the upcoming series Huwag Kang Mangamba.
Francine Diaz
From playing young counterparts of Kapamilya actresses in various teleseryes, Francine finally took the spotlight when she was tapped to play main protagonist Cassie Mondragon in Kadenang Ginto. The combination of her good looks and on-point acting easily won over the hearts of the viewers.
She went on to headline the iWant Original series “Bawal Lumabas: The Series” alongside Kim Chiu and the forthcoming teleserye Huwag Kang Mangamba with The Gold Squad.
Mutya Orquia
Her role as a young mermaid in the 2011 popular TV series Mutya paved the way for her to make a name for herself. From fantasy to comedy, she became a mainstay in Goin’ Bulilit and a significant part of Be Careful With My Heart as Abby.
Mutya was able to display her growth and maturity as a promising teen actress in her latest project, the primetime family drama Pamilya Ko, wherein she played the bubbly Cherry Mabunga.
Sophia Reola
Another product of Goin’ Bulilit is Sophia, who wasn’t able to ‘graduate’ after she had to make an early exit to do her biggest break so far – as the lead character in the 2019 daytime series Nang Ngumiti Ang Langit.
It may have shortened her Bulilit journey, but her impressive portrayal of Mikmik caught the attention of the audiences and made them root for her.
Jana Agoncillo
Taking on the role of the wide-eyed and witty girl named Baby in the 2014 series Dream Dad, it wasn’t hard for Jana to capture the hearts of our Kapamilyas. Thus, she was once again tapped to star the drama Ningning as the titular character.
She once again snagged the titular role in the 2019 primetime series Starla, wherein she amused us a wishing star with the same name. Besides, she also got to work alongside a stellar cast ensemble which included Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo and Charo Santos-Concio.
Heart Ramos
First appeared on It’s Showtime as one of the contestants of “Mini Me Season 2”, wherein she impersonated Anne Curtis, we eventually saw Heart playing the titular role in the 2017 primetime series My Dear Heart. Among her co-stars were Zanjoe Marudo, Bela Padilla, Ria Atayde, and veteran actress Coney Reyes.
Her latest remarkable gig was in Nang Ngumiti Ang Langit, wherein she played the role of Britney.
Krystal Mejes
She first gained popularity as Becca, the daughter of Julia Montes’ character Kara in the successful afternoon soap opera Doble Kara. Impressing everyone with her promising acting chops, she continued to receive more projects after that, including Nang Ngumiti Ang Langit.
Krystal played Amber, one of the major supporting roles that viewers arguably loved to hate because of her effectiveness as a kontrabida.
Xyriel Manabat
Her ticket to the industry was by joining Star Circle Quest: Search for the Next Kiddie Idol at the age of 5, wherein she placed 3rd runner-up. Despite coming up short in the talent competition, Xyriel was still able to establish an acting career and went on to appear in a slew of movie and television projects, such as Rod Santiago’s Agua Bendita (2010), Elena M. Patron’s Momay (2010), and 100 Days To Heaven (2011).
In 2017, she astounded us with her portrayal of young Lily (Maja Salvador) in the controversial revenge series Wildflower.
Xia Vigor
This Filipino-British child performer rose to stardom after winning the “Mini Me 2” segment of It’s Showtime as the little impersonator of Hollywood popstar Selena Gomez. Xia further showed off her impersonating skills in Your Face Sounds Familiar Kids Season 1 (2017), wherein her depiction of prominent American songstress Taylor Swift went viral on the worldwide web.
Aside from singing and dancing, she was also able to prove her acting skills, such as in the 2016 daytime series Langit Lupa in which she played the main character Princess.
Criza Taa
The only product of a reality program in this roster, Criza first came to popularity as one of the former housemates of Pinoy Big Brother Otso under Batch 1.
Her stay may just be short-lived after she got evicted, but that didn’t hinder her from establishing a showbiz career after having her acting debut in Kadenang Ginto as Roxanne. Now, her avid followers have been anticipating her participation in the much-awaited iWant series “He’s Into Her!”
At their young ages, these actresses are already working hard to succeed in their respective careers in showbiz. Indeed, we’re looking forward on their future appearances!