Seemingly, there are actors who were born to portray main characters in films and TV. But in reality, they have to work their way to the top by accepting other parts in projects in order for them to not only showcase their acting chops, but to hone their skills as well that will prepare them to the next or big role they’re going play.

And in this Kapamilya Snaps feature, let’s meet the lead stars who we once loved to hate as kontrabidas in the teleseryes they starred in!

 

Coco Martin was hated as an enemy before becoming Cardo

At present, he is perceived by many as a real-life hero after his remarkable portrayal of Cardo Dalisay in the long-running action drama series FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano didn’t just affect the lives of millions of viewers in its almost seven year-run, but of countless people behind the cameras as well.

However, before his epic fight for peace, justice, and freedom along with Task Force Agila, the Primetime King was able to immediately show his caliber as an actor by taking on antagonist roles in his first initial projects as a Kapamilya, which includes Ligaw Na Bulaklak (2008), Komiks Presents: Tiny Tony (2008), Tayong Dalawa (2009), and Kung Tayo’y Magkakalayo (2010).

 

Jodi Sta. Maria became a kontrabida after her teen star years

Being in the industry for more than two decades has allowed Jodi to evolve and become one of versatile actresses in the country. Among her works, its her portrayals of fierce characters like Amor Powers from Pangako Sa ‘Yo (2015), Marissa from Ang Sa Iyo Sa Akin (2020), and Jill from The Broken Marriage Vow (2022) that astounded us the most.

And it seems that playing villain roles in the early years of her acting career, such as in Pablo S. Gomez’s Kampanerang Kuba (2005), Walang Kapalit (2007), and Palos (2008) had helped the “Silent Superstar” nail her performances.

 

Ivana Alawi took on antagonist roles on her first year as a Kapamilya

After waiting for years, Ivana has finally landed her first-ever lead role in the well-loved series A Family Affair, wherein she currently impresses us as Cherry Red.

Even though she is best known for her mesmerizing splendor and sexy physique, it’s her hardwork, determination, and talent that helped her earn her big break. A product of another network’s reality talent search, the phenomenal superstar played a kontrabida character in her Kapamilya debut Precious Hearts Romances Presents Araw Gabi in 2018. On that same year, she stunned as the seductive and cunning Madonna in FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano.

 

Jake Cuenca is among the bankable on-screen villains of his generation

One of the finest actors in the industry at present, Jake surely won our hearts as the admirable hunk Isagani in Precious Hearts Romances Presents Los Bastardos (2018) and as the endearing father Troy Ramones in Viral Scandal (2021). But his acting career was initially established with antagonist roles.

Those who were able to follow his journey as a Kapamilya could probably remember that he often portrayed the rivals of the characters played Gerald Anderson and Coco Martin, such as in Sana Maulit Muli (2007), Tayong Dalawa (2009), Ikaw Lamang (2014), and Ikaw Lang Ang Iibigin (2017).

Anne Curtis was able to unleash her full potential through a kontrabida role

Aside from being one of the gregarious hosts of It’s Showtime, Anne is also known for her versatility as an actress. We’re truly impressed by her portrayals of the hunchback Imang in Pablo S. Gomez’s Kampanerang Kuba (2005), as the multi-faceted heroine Josephine in Dyosa (2008), and as the determined titular character in Mars Ravelo’s Dyesebel (2014).

But prior to being hailed as “Dyosa,” we once abhorred the national sweetheart for her compelling portrayal of the bratty kontrabida Stephanie Borromeo in the classic Kapamilya soap opera Hiram, which described as “the best decision” because it allowed her to exhibit her true potential as an actress.

Angelica Panganiban

Prior to taking a hiatus from showbiz to focus on the new chapter of her life as a first-time mom, Angelica last starred in the action drama Walang Hanggang Paalam (2020) and the romantic comedy Playhouse (2018).

While she’s been admired for her unmistakable charm and astounding acting prowess ever since she was still a kid, there were points in her career that the award-winning actress agitated viewers as a kontrabida. Those were in Iisa Pa Lamang in 2008 and in Pangako Sa ‘Yo (2015) as the iconic teleserye villain Madam Claudia Buenavista.

 

Julia Montes

Without a doubt, Julia is one of the most versatile actresses of her generation as she’s able to already showcase her chops in playing various roles in the past 20 years, such as in FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano, Doble Kara (2015), and Asintado (2018).

Well, all of these opportunities are thanks to her breakthrough role in the 2010 remake of the classic Mara Clara as the iconic kontrabida Clara del Valle.

 

Dimples Romana

There’s no doubt that she’s one of the biggest names in showbiz at present. But prior to touching our heart with her portrayals in Viral Scandal and Huwag Kang Mangamba, which were both broadcast in 2021, Dimples used to play supporting roles in the projects that she did in the previous years.

These include her acting debut via the 1997 soap opera Esperanza, wherein she immediately impressed viewers as the antagonist Paula. And 11 years after, she astounded us anew with her compelling take on the now iconic feisty character Daniela Mondragon in the controversial afternoon series Kadenang Ginto in 2018.

Who among these Kapamilya stars do you wish to see again in another kontrabida role?