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- Actor
- Producer
- Soundtrack
Manuel Luis Jacinto is a Canadian actor born in the Philippines. After several small roles on television, his breakout role came starring as Jason Mendoza on the NBC sitcom The Good Place (2016-2020). He has appeared as Waring 'Wade' Espiritu in the Neo-noir thriller film Bad Times at the El Royale (2018) and as Fritz in the action drama film Top Gun: Maverick (2022).- Actor
- Writer
- Producer
Born in Manila, Philippines, Bryan Callen made his television debut as a series regular on Mad TV (1995) and the HBO prison series Oz (1997). He was recently seen as Kirstie Alley's wisecracking assistant on Showtime's comedy series Fat Actress (2005). Callen has appeared on several television series including Sex and the City (1998), 7th Heaven (1996), Stacked (2005), The King of Queens (1998), Las Vegas (2003), Significant Others (1998), The West Wing (1999), CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (2000), Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (1999), NYPD Blue (1993), Suddenly Susan (1996), Frasier (1993) and NewsRadio (1995), among others. In addition, Callen has appeared in such feature films as Bad Santa (2003) and Old School (2003) and has performed stand up comedy on several TV shows.- Susan Penhaligon was born on 3 July 1949 in Manila, Philippines. She is an actress, known for A Fine Romance (1981), Count Dracula (1977) and Patrick (1978). She was previously married to Duncan Preston, David Munro and Nicholas Loukes.
- Actor
- Soundtrack
Santos was born in Manila, Philippines and moved with his family to the United States when he was sixteen, residing in Gresham, Oregon and attending Gresham's Centennial High School. Santos studied acting at Southern Oregon University. He worked for several years in the costume department of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. He later moved to California where before getting his big TV break, Santos regularly performed as a stand-up comic. He was also part of the talk show round-table Chelsea Lately.- Actress
- Producer
- Soundtrack
Neile Adams was born in Manila, the Philippine Islands on July 10, 1932 as María Ruby Neilam Arrastia y Salvador of Eurasian descent as her DNA attests. Her bloodline, to clarify erroneous reports, consists of 26% mixture of Chinese, Japanese, Mongolian, 7% Polynesian and 67% Spanish Basque and English, although her maternal grandmother's name was changed from Sulse to Schultz when that family emigrated to Spain from Germany. She spent WW2 in Japanese-occupied Manila, came to America in 1948, graduated high school the following year from Rosemary Hall (now Choate Rosemary Hall) in Greenwich, Connecticut and immediately went to New York to study dancing where she got a scholarship at the Katherine Dunham School of Dance. To ward off being cast exclusively as a "señorita" or in just plain old Spanish-speaking parts because of her name, her mother claimed Adams was her father's middle name. Never having seen nor met her father she soon became Neile Adams.
In 1953, she was cast as a dancer in "Kismet" and shortly became one of the lead dancers in the show. When the show closed in 1955 she was offered a showy role in the Versailles Nightclub where George Abbott and Bob Fosse caught her performance and offered her the Carol Haney role in "The Pajama Game" just as soon as her contract ended with the club. To meet both deadlines she performed at night and rehearsed during the day. She met Steve McQueen shortly thereafter and married four months after their formal introduction. The couple had two children, Terry McQueen (born 1959) and Chad McQueen (born 1960). The marriage legally ended in 1972. Neile is the grandmother of actor Steven R. McQueen. She remarried in 1980 to Alvin Toffel, a political campaign manager and president of the Norton Simon Museum. This union lasted until Toffel's passing in 2005.
Broadway credits: featured dancer in "Kismet", starred in "Pajama Game" opposite John Raitt and Julie Wilson, and Broadway-bound "At The Grand" opposite Paul Muni. She married McQueen while filming MGM's This Could Be the Night (1957) when she was under contract. Adams opened the Tropicana Hotel in Las Vegas in 1958 with Dick Shawn and Vivian Blaine. Television revues later became her main staple as she raised her family. She appeared on such programs as Perry Como's Kraft Music Hall (1948), The Bob Hope Show (1950), The Pat Boone-Chevy Showroom (1957), The Patrice Munsel Show (1956), The Eddie Fisher Show (1957) and The Walter Winchell Show (1956), among others. She played opposite McQueen and villainous Peter Lorre on a macabre episode of Alfred Hitchcock Presents (1955) and starred in two other Hitchcock episodes. In the '60s and '70s she guest-starred in almost all the popular dramatic shows, such as The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (1964), Vega$ (1978), Fantasy Island (1977), The Rockford Files (1974), The Bionic Woman (1976) and Love, American Style (1969), to name a few. On film, she played Burt Reynolds' wife in Fuzz (1972), was directed by Billy Wilder in Buddy Buddy (1981) and appeared in Chu Chu and the Philly Flash (1981). Adams continues to perform her cabaret shows in L.A., New York, London and Paris.- Actress
- Producer
- Soundtrack
While at high school she wanted to be a vet. She moved to New York to earn money for medical school by modeling and was soon appearing in magazines and advertisements. An agency sent her for a film audition resulting in her getting a role in 'Grasslands' filmed in South Dakota in 1971. The title was changed to 'Hex' but wasn't released. She fell in love with her Grassland co star Keith Carradine in 1972, moved to Los Angeles to pursue her career and to be with Keith.- Actress
- Music Department
- Soundtrack
Lea Salonga began her singing career at the age of ten, when she recorded her first album, Small Voice. She also hosted her own musical TV show, "Love, Lea". She starred in "Miss Saigon" and was then offered the role of the singing voice of Jasmine in the Disney film Aladdin (1992). She has continued to record albums. Lea has performed for Queen Elizabeth II, George Bush, and Bill Clinton.- Actress
- Additional Crew
- Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
Dolly De Leon was born on 12 April 1969 in Manila, Philippines. She is an actress and assistant director, known for Triangle of Sadness (2022), Ang duyan ng magiting (2023) and Verdict (2019).- Actress
- Writer
- Producer
Meiling Melançon was born to a Chinese/Japanese father and French mother, but was raised by her step-father who is American. Her childhood was spent in countries in Asia and Europe. At the age of five she learned to play guitar and was in a Summer children's band called The Blossoms that toured around Japan. In her early teens, her family moved to the United States for the first time. She originally was aiming to pursue a career in Law. However, things changed when at the age of 18, her friend submitted her to the renowned modeling agency Kim Dawson in Dallas, Texas. Thus began a successful career as a model in both print and commercials. To date, she has appeared in over 75 commercials worldwide. From the advertising side, casting directors started calling her in for theatrical roles. Mei has trained extensively for the last 12 years under Larry Moss and Nancy Banks.
She co-wrote and acted in the Americana thriller American Romance in 2014.
She directed a short film Cafe On A Staircase; wrote a comedy short Inner Beauty, starring Liz Carey and Victoria's Secret model Frankie Rayder for Funnyordie.com; Co-wrote a short film entitled Stephany + Me with Ben Duhl co-starring Tara Summers which won an audience award at the Palm Spring Film Festival.
Mei produced a PSA starring comedian Todd Glass called Is It? Which won a student Emmy and has been covered by The Huffington Post, Perez Hilton, and Upworthy, among other news outlets.
As a creator, Mei has numerous projects in development. She is also a freelance writer for Giant Robot Magazine.
She resides in Los Angeles with her fiancé and child.- AJ Raval was born on 3 September 2000 in Manila, Philippines. She is an actress, known for Death of a Girlfriend (2021), Ang probinsyano (2015) and Sitio Diablo (2022).
- Actress
- Producer
- Writer
Lourdes Faberes was born in Manila, Philippines. She is an actress and producer, known for The Sandman (2022), Boiling Point (2021) and Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre (2023).- Christine Bermas was born on 30 August 2001 in Manila, Philippines. She is an actress, known for Beyond the Sky (2022), Bedspacer (2024) and Batang Quiapo (2023).
- Actor
- Soundtrack
Born in the Philippines, Paolo is one of two children. The Montalban family moved to America when Paolo was just one year old. He lived in an apartment in Manhattan, and then in New Jersey, where he grew up in a neighborhood surrounded by mostly Filipinos. He grew up in a musical family: his father played the piano, two aunts studied the violin and piano at Juilliard, and his mother was involved in the theater while a student at St. Paul's College in Manila. Like many other Filipino American children, he learned how to play the piano, as well as the violin and saxophone. And like many Filipino American children, he doesn't play anymore. When Paolo was attending grade school, he auditioned for his school's production of "Oliver" and got the lead role.
Paolo graduated with a pre-med course at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. After graduation, he had his eyes set on Broadway. His parents only wish was for him to get a college degree, which he did. However, after he got his diploma, he went straight for Broadway. His parents did support him in his decision primarily because he had a New York agent during his last year in college, with whom shortly after signing, secured him his first professional job on a national tour with "Man of La Mancha".
Paolo's success has convinced many Filipinos that he is the next best thing to happen to them since Lea Salonga. In an interview, he laughs saying "I wouldn't put myself in the same scale. She's a star. I'm just a guy." Though he may think he is just a guy, he too is considered a star to many people. Paolo understands the disadvantages of being an Asian actor in Hollywood. There isn't much in Hollywood for a stereotypical Asian who knows Kung-fu, who's a gangster or delinquent, or a wise munk of some sort. Still, nothing is stopping him. In the mean time, he's busy auditioning for other roles and relaxing playing video games and watching the cartoon channel.- Born Rita Hernandez in Manila, Philippines, Pilar Seurat moved to Los Angeles in her childhood and started out as a dancer in Ken Murray's "Blackouts" troupe. In the late 1950s she started her acting career in several guest TV appearances, and was often considered at the top of the list whenever a part for an Asian woman needed to be filled. Off screen she used the name Pilar Cerveris after marrying her second husband, Don Cerveris. She died June 2, 2001, in Los Angeles due to lung cancer, at the age of 62.
- Writer
- Producer
- Director
Brian Yuzna was born on 30 August 1949 in Manila, Philippines. He is a writer and producer, known for Beyond Re-Animator (2003), The Dentist (1996) and Faust (2000). He is married to Cathy Yuzna. They have four children.- Actress
Joanna Cindy Veron Miranda (born November 19, 1990) is a Filipina actress and winner of the Binibining Pilipinas Tourism 2013 beauty pageant.
She is the daughter of Ana and Tony Miranda. She has four siblings. Miranda finished her degree in Tourism at the University of Santo Tomas in 2011 with cum laude honors.
In 2011, she joined the cast of Pinoy Big Brother: Unlimited. She became co-host of the variety game show Wil Time Bigtime from 2012 to 2013.
Miranda competed and won the Binibining Pilipinas Turismo 2013 pageant and won the Binibining Petron and Cream Silk Beyond Beautiful Woman Award.
She represented the Philippines in the Miss Tourism Queen International 2013 pageant in Xianning, China on October 3, 2013 At the end of the pageant, she placed in the Top 10.
Her debut in feature films date back to 2015 with the film No Boyfriend Since Birth (2015) with a supporting role, then it would take her 3 years to return to the big screen with Ang pambansang third wheel (2018) alongside the also gorgeous Yassi Pressman and she would not stop working in movies anymore. His best known movies are Maria (2019) (2019) starring the beautiful Cristine Reyes, Adan (2019) with a leading role alongside Rhen Escano, Nerisa (2021) (2021) alongside AJ Raval and Sheree among others, My Husband, My Lover (2021) (2021) together with Kylie Verzosa, House Tour (2021) (2021) together with Sunshine Guimary or the thriller Reroute (2022) (2022) with Nathalie Hart.
In 2022 she has started shooting the mini series Iskandalo (2022).- Actress
- Writer
- Producer
Born in the Philippines and raised on the island of Guam, Rain Valdez is a trailblazing force in the entertainment industry, breaking boundaries as an accomplished actress, writer, and producer. Rain made history with her stellar performance in the groundbreaking series Razor Tongue, catapulting her to become the first Filipino American Transgender Actress nominated for a Primetime Emmy in the "Outstanding Actress in a Short Form Comedy or Drama Series" category. Her exceptional talent garnered not only this prestigious recognition but also a 'Special Recognition' GLAAD Award.- Elena Wohl was born on 25 April 1963 in Manila, Philippines. She is an actress, known for Spotlight (2015), The Invention of Lying (2009) and Quantum Leap (1989). She is married to Dave Wohl. They have two children.
- Actor
- Producer
- Soundtrack
Paolo Contis was born on 14 March 1984 in Manila, Philippines. He is an actor and producer, known for Banal (2008), Through Night and Day (2018) and A Faraway Land (2021).- Actor
- Soundtrack
Also played the character Ho-Jon on the television series M*A*S*H. He played the cabin boy to Hawkeye Pierce (Alan Alda) and Trapper John McIntyre (Wayne Rogers). He appeared in 7 episodes in the first and second seasons (1972-73). He left in Season two when money was raised for him to come to the states to attend college.- Actress
- Music Department
- Writer
Regine Velasquez was born on 22 April 1970 in Manila, Philippines. She is an actress and writer, known for Paano kita iibigin (2007), Diva (2010) and Urduja (2008). She has been married to Ogie Alcasid since 22 December 2010.- JC De Vera was born on 10 March 1986 in Manila, Philippines. He is an actor, known for Best. Partee. Ever. (2016), Babangon ako't dudurugin kita (2008) and Pati ba pintig ng puso? (2007).
- Actress
- Producer
Carla Perez was born on 11 August 1970 in Manila, Philippines. She is an actress and producer, known for Power Rangers (2015), Turbo: A Power Rangers Movie (1997) and Mighty Morphin Power Rangers (1993). She has been married to Matthew Camarillo since 28 August 2004. They have one child.- Actress
- Soundtrack
Marie Rachel Salman was born to Jose Fazil Taleon and Cleo Salman (whose father hailed from Bethlehem), in Mar 4 1969. She studied at the Karilagan in Magallanes and Assumption College for her elementary education, and Colegio de Santa Rosa for high school. She first appeared on television as a model for a toothpaste commercial, immediately catching the attention of the public. She then guested on various television shows as a singer and dancer. Vic del Rosario and Mina Aragon of Viva Films encouraged Rachel, she of the alabaster skin and angelic face, to join the film industry. When she was just starting out in films, Rachel, using the screen name "Dawn Zulueta," immediately entranced the movie public with her performance in _Pangarap na Ginto (1990_ qv, Robin Good (1991), _Akin and pangarap mo (1991)_ qv, and _Hanggang may buhay (1992)_ qv. Dawn could combine delicate, doe-eyed innocence with strong-willed romantic personas, as seen in performances like _Apoy sa puso (1992)_ qv and the remake of the terrific ghost story, _Patayin sa sindak si Barbara (1995)_ qv, but she could also carry a movie, top-billed, when given the chance, as in the sensational, biographical rape-story, _Maggie de la Riva Story (1994)_ qv. Ms de la Riva personally chose Dawn to portray her in this searing indictment of criminal perversion. (Ms de la Riva, a beautiful actress of the 1960s, was raped in 1967, her case became controversial and dragged on in court for 5 years. The four principally accused were meted the death sentence in 1972). Dawn was nominated at the "Gawad Urian Awards" qv for her supporting role in _Kasalanan bang sambahin ka? (1990)_ qv. She won best supporting actress honors from the "Film Academy of the Philippines" qv and the Filipino Academy of Movie Arts & Sciences ("FAMAS" qv), for _Una kang naging akin (1991)_ qv; and the Best Actress honor from the "FAMAS" qv, for _Hihintayin kita sa langit (1991)_ qv, which also earned her an URIAN nomination. She was also nominated as Best Actress for _Apoy sa puso (1992)_ qv, at the URIAN awards. In 1993 Dawn represented the Philippines' movie entry, _Hihintayin kita sa langit_ qv, at the 4th ASEAN Film Festival in Bangkok, Thailand. Dawn took a respite from films after her 1997 movie _To Saudi with Love_, and made a comeback in the family ensemble-drama _Filipinas (2003)_ qv. In between, she got married to Davao businessman Anton Lagdameo in December 27, 1997. They have a child. On television, Dawn plays the Queen of Fairyland, "Inang Reyna/Mine-a," in the 2005 soap _Encantadia_ qv.- Actor
- Camera and Electrical Department
- Additional Crew
George Estregan was born on 10 July 1939 in Tondo, Manila, Philippines. He was an actor, known for Kid kaliwete (1978), Sa bulaklak ng apoy (1984) and Lumakad kang hubad... Sa mundong ibabaw (1980). He died on 8 August 1988 in Santa Mesa, Manila, Philippines.- Duke Fishman was born on 15 July 1906 in Manila, Philippines. He was an actor, known for The Doris Day Show (1968). He died on 22 December 1977 in Palm Springs, California, USA.
- Actress
- Writer
- Producer
Aina Dumlao was born on 12 October 1988 in Manila, Philippines. She is an actress and writer, known for The Unusual Suspects (2021), Grey's Anatomy (2005) and Ballers (2015). She is married to Bru Muller.- Pía Reyes was born on 3 July 1964 in Manila, Philippines. She is an actress, known for Alien Abduction: Intimate Secrets (1996), Indecent Behavior III (1995) and Return of the Living Dead III (1993).
- Angeline Aril was born on 21 July 2004 in Manila. She is an actress, known for Cheaters (2024).
- The 1981 Manila International Film Festival was designed by First Lady Imelda Marcos as an elaborate showcase of Filipino culture. To everyone's horror, the only film that sold to the world was a midget spy film - a miniature mockery of Western pop iconography, and a joyously naïve celebration of Filipino Goon Cinema - called For Y'ur Height Only. Its star, a two-foot nine primordial dwarf named Weng Weng, became the most famous Filipino celebrity of his generation both inside the Philippines and abroad, yet curiously, less than 30 years later, the real Weng Weng story has all but been forgotten even by those who worked alongside him. Blame faulty or selective memories, or a fad-driven culture that never pauses long enough to ask "who?", "what?" or "why?" - truth is, the story of Weng Weng has become one of the Philippines' greatest urban legends, and the wildest and woolliest of stories fill in the gaps. Stand-up comedian married to a porn actress, real-life secret agent, hit karaoke chanteur with Imelda, the flow is endless. Once the horsecrap hardens, it's almost impossible to extricate truth from fiction, the right from the rot.
It's taken me over a year, three visits to the Philippines and more than 40 interviews with the people closest to him, including his only surviving relative, brother Celing de la Cruz, to glean the following information. There are still enormous gaps, but this is the most detailed portrait of Weng Weng I am able to put together; my documentary The Search For Weng Weng is as complete as it ever will be.
Weng Weng was born Ernesto de la Cruz, the youngest of five brothers, on 7th September 1957 in Balacaran, a district of Pasay City (now part of the sprawling 17-city Metro Manila). A condition known as primordial dwarfism caused him to be born, in the words of his brother Celing, "no bigger than a coke bottle", and he spent the first 12 months of his life in an incubator. He was not expected to live. Naturally, it was declared a miracle when he did, and in a country that venerates miraculous acts of faith, it is no surprise that Weng Weng was dressed as the Christ-child figure at the head of Baclaran's yearly Santo Nino parade.
A cheerfully mischievous child, his family nicknamed him Weng Weng, an epithet usually reserved for toy dogs. He was obsessed with martial arts and trained almost daily, until his instructor contacted film producer Peter Caballes and said, "You just have to see THIS." Peter and his wife, the successful businesswoman Cora Ridon Caballes, took Weng Weng on the rounds of film producers, including Bobby A. Suarez, whose novelty kiddie films The Bionic Boy (1977) and Dynamite Johnson: The Bionic Boy Part 2 (1978) were already international hits. Suarez turned down the idea of Weng Weng as a midget Superman, but successful indie producer/director Luis San Juan, who specialized in kung fu films for the export market, cast Weng Weng in a cameo in a film whose name is now lost to the sands of time. Peter Caballes then introduced Weng Weng to the King of Philippines Comedy, Dolphy, who cast him as his kung-fu kicking sidekick in his spy caper The Quick Brown Fox (1980) and western parody Da Best In Da West (1981).
Weng Weng, meanwhile, was a frequent visitor of the Marcos family at the Presidential Palace, where he was made an honorary Secret Agent by future President General Ramos, and was presented with a badge and a 25-callibre pistol. This act may have been the direct inspiration for Weng Weng's first starring role as Agent OO in the James Bond parody For Y'ur Height Only, produced by Peter and written by Cora Caballes for their company Liliw Productions. Eddie Nicart, renowned stunt director for the SOS Daredevils, trained Weng Weng every day for three months to be a professional stuntman, and was given his first opportunity to direct.
It's hard to pin down the appeal of For Y'ur Height Only - whether it's the inadvertently genius deconstruction of both Western action films and their Pinoy counterparts, surreal pot-addled dubbing by American expats (and Apocalypse Now survivors) Jim Gaines and Nick Nicholson, or inspired casting of every Bad Guy (or "Goon") still alive at the time, and the James Bond of the Philippines himself, Tony Ferrer aka Agent X44, as Weng Weng's boss. It all adds up to an absurdist masterpiece of gloriously bad cinema, one which was sold all over the world and became one of the Philippines' most successful exports.
Weng Weng became an instant superstar, appearing on TV and at parties, film festivals, movie openings. Liliw Productions quickly cranked out a much less successful Agent OO sequel, The Impossible Kid (1982), and a modern Pinoy western D'Wild Wild Weng (1982), starring Weng Weng as a government agent known as "Mr Weng", which doesn't appear to have made it beyond the Philippines borders. There may be other Weng Weng film appearances, including a starring role in Agent OO (c.1981) and a guest cameo alongside the stick-thin Palito's character "James Bone", but even in the Philippines information is sketchy at best, if not non-existent.
As the profits diminished, Cora Caballes moved on to a political career and Liliw Productions folded. As a result, Weng Weng found himself no longer flavour of the month and without a film career. According to his brother, his family was poor before he became famous, and afterwards remained as poor as ever. In a bizarre twist of fate, General Ramos decided to put Weng Weng through paratrooper training; this time he was given a genuine Agent badge and was sent on infiltration missions where his size would been used to its maximum advantage. Thanks to the Caballes' connections at Manila Airport, Weng Weng was seen patrolling the Arrivals Lounge in the mid-Eighties in his blue uniform as the unlikeliest "Welcome To Manila" banner.
He continued to live in the family home in Baclaran, gained weight and, according to some reports, drank heavily, and developed hypertension after a severe reaction to eating crabmeat. His health declined steadily over the next twelve to eighteen months, and he died of heart failure on 29th August 1992, just short of his 35th birthday.
The Philippines' tiniest film icon is buried in a modest white marble tomb with his parents, grandparents and great-grandmother in Pasay City Cemetary. - Kevin Santos was born on 15 June 1988 in Manila, Philippines. He is an actor, known for My Husband's Lover (2013), Darna (2009) and The Good Daughter (2012).
- Actor
- Producer
Rudy Fernandez was born on 16 March 1952 in Manila, Philippines. He was an actor and producer, known for Bitayin si... Baby Ama! (1976), Bingbong: The Vincent Crisologo Story (1991) and Pasukuin si Waway (1984). He was married to Lorna Tolentino. He died on 7 June 2008 in Quezon City, Philippines.- Actress
- Writer
- Producer
Rosa Vilma Santos started as a child actress at the age of 9 in Trudis liit (1963). The same movie that gave her first FAMAS best child actress award. She was married to Eduardo Manzano, with whom she has a son named Luis Philip. The birth of her son gave more success to her movie career; the reason why she calls him "Lucky". Several years afterwards, her marriage with Eduardo Manzano ended with divorce. In the middle of the 90s, her second marriage, to a rich politician, Ralph Recto who is now a senator, took place. She was blessed with another son, Ryan Christian. Vilma, now in her late 40s, entered into the political arena when she won in the local elections as city mayor of her husband's home residence. She has proven to her detractors that showbiz people can also be an effective public servant. She enjoys the title, 'Star for all seasons' of the Philippine Movie Industry as she continues to shine by reaping more acting awards and box office success.- Music Department
- Producer
- Actor
Vic Sotto was born on 28 April 1954 in Manila, Philippines. He is a producer and actor, known for Enteng ng Ina mo (2011), Si Agimat si Enteng Kabisote at si ako (2012) and Si Agimat at si Enteng Kabisote (2010).- Actor
- Writer
- Producer
Ramon 'Bong' Revilla Jr. was born on 25 September 1966 in Manila, Philippines. He is an actor and writer, known for Ang panday (2009), Ang panday 2 (2011) and Pieta: Ikalawang aklat (1984). He has been married to Lani Mercado since 1997. They have six children.- Actor
- Soundtrack
Inigo Dominic Pascual was born on 14 September 1997 in Manila, Philippines. He is an actor, known for Relaks, It's Just Pag-ibig (2014), For the Hopeless Romantic (2015) and Four Sisters Before the Wedding (2020).- Actor
- Producer
- Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
Gabby Concepcion was born on 5 November 1963 in Manila, Philippines. He is an actor and producer, known for Una kang naging akin (1991), Narito ang puso ko (1992) and Dapat ka bang mahalin? (1984). He has been married to Genevieve Yatco Gonzales since 2004. They have one child. He was previously married to Sharon Cuneta, Jenny Syquia and Grace Ibuna.- Actress
- Writer
- Producer
Jennifer is an award-winning actor, writer, producer, and advocate for authentic storytelling. Born in the Philippines, and raised in the Seattle area, Jennifer made her professional debut as a performer with Broadway, touring, and regional credits. As an emerging screenwriter, her original pilot won the Outstanding Screenplays TV Pilot Competition 2021 as a top selection from judge Susan Soon He Stanton (Emmy Award-winning, WGA and Peabody Award-winning writer/producer on HBO's "Succession"). Jennifer is a 2022 cohort with the Unlock Her Potential mentor-ship program with show-runner/producer Brian Yorkey, a 2023 NAMT Writers Residency Grant recipient, and a 2024 cohort with the prestigious Johnny Mercer Foundation Writers Grove residency at Goodspeed Musicals.- Mara Hautea Schnittka known professionally as Julia Montes, is a Filipino actress of German descent. She began acting as a child on television by playing guest roles and starring in Goin' Bulilit. Montes gained widespread recognition with her first significant role and breakthrough playing the mean and spoiled Clara del Valle in the remake of Mara Clara (2010-11), following which she made her film debut in the family drama Way Back Home (2011).
After Mara Clara ended, she starred in the critically acclaimed romantic drama Walang Hanggan (2012), as Katerina Alcantara, for which she won the Princess of Philippine Television Award, and in Muling Buksan Ang Puso (2013), as Sarah Beltran. For her role as Mona Hidalgo in the period drama Ikaw Lamang (2014), she won a Gawad Tanglaw Award for Best Actress and received a nomination for the PMPC Star Award for Best Drama Supporting Actress. Montes subsequently won her second Gawad Tanglaw Award for Best Actress and received a nomination for the PMPC Star Award for Best Drama Actress when she headlined the melodrama Doble Kara (2015-17), as identical twin sisters Kara Dela Rosa and Sara Suarez. She stars in the lead role of Ana Dimasalang in the political drama Asintado (2018).
In films, she starred in the romantic drama A Moment in Time (2013), as Jillian Linden, for which she was nominated for the FAMAS Award for Best Actress, and the romantic horror Halik sa Hangin (2015), as Mia Generoso, for which she earned a nomination for the Young Critics Circle Award for Best Performance. Other film appearances include the romantic comedy The Reunion (2012), the horror adventure The Strangers (2012) and the independent drama Padre de Familia (2016).
Julia Montes was born Mara Hautea Schnittka on March 19, 1995, in Pandacan, Manila, Philippines, to a Filipino mother, Gemma Hautea, and German father, Martin Schnittka. Schnittka left them when Montes was still a baby, and only her deaf mother raised her with the help of her grandmother, Flory Hautea. She has two younger brothers, Patrick and Paolo. She describes education as one of the tools to have a good life and she hopes to continuously work not just for herself but for her family as well. Montes has other relatives in Germany. In 2011, she finished high school with good grades at the Blessed Hope Christian School.
At the age of 5, Montes began attending auditions and modeling agencies. She recalls the struggles she and her grandmother went through: commuting to castings, hurrying from school to shoots and missing a lot of family time in the process until she was cast in a milk brand, chocolate snack and fast food chain endorsements. However, she said she never competed with anyone and was just in the entertainment industry out of needs. Describing her ambitions as a child, Montes has said, "Since I was a child, I only had three dreams: to become a soldier, a chef and a flight attendant."
Montes started as a commercial model before appearing in various television shows. She began her acting career with minor roles when she was cast in a number of GMA shows such as Sana Ay Ikaw Na Nga in 2001 as the daughter of actors Robin Da Rosa and Angelu de Leon, and in some episodes of the now defunct drama anthology Magpakailanman. Montes went on to play guest roles on ABS-CBN's television shows such as Hiram (2004) and Maalaala Mo Kaya before landing a permanent spot in the kiddie gag show Goin' Bulilit in 2005. She also appeared in other television series in 2008 including Ligaw na Bulaklak and I Love Betty La Fea. These parts led her to being cast as a series regular in Goin' Bulilit in which she played various roles in different comedic situations until her departure that year. Also that year, Montes, as Abby, starred in a Maalaala Mo Kaya episode titled "Card", a story of a girl who is longing for the love of her parents while under the care of a nursemaid. The following year, she appeared in Katorse with a guest role in the series' finale episode playing a shy girl Nellie. She was then cast as the teenage Mara, a character with her same name, in the youth-oriented show Gimik 2010.
In 2010, Montes' breakthrough role came when she portrayed the role of Clara del Valle/David in the remake of Emil Cruz, Jr.'s longest-running classic soap opera Mara Clara, a drama about teenage sibling rivalry, alongside her co-star and off-screen best friend Kathryn Bernardo. Montes changed her screen name from "Mara Montes" to "Julia Montes" to avoid confusion and complications, since the titular character Mara will be played by Bernardo. The finale episode of the series earned a 43.4% national ratings based on Kantar Media, making it the highest-rating teleserye episode to date aired on ABS-CBN that year. Montes' portrayal as the main antiheroine of the series received generally positive reviews and landed her lead roles in films and television series in her future projects.
In 2011, Montes made her film debut in the family drama Way Back Home, which opened in August 2011 to positive reviews, as Jessica "Jessie" Lorraine S. Santiago, alongside Mara Clara co-star Kathryn Bernardo. Montes garnered largely positive reviews by critics, with Abby Mendoza of Philippine Entertainment Portal writing, "One should applaud Julia Montes for deviating from the classic snotty, mean girl character who makes life miserable for the downtrodden Mara. It is Julia's strength to gain the sympathy of the audience while playing the angsty girl who harbors much pain. She has the ability to make her audience understand the pain her character is going through, and more importantly make them see where it is coming from. Julia was astounding." That same year, she worked with Bernado for the third time in the youth-oriented show entitled Growing Up, in which she portrayed the role of Samantha "Tammy" Magtoto, the daughter of an OFW who entrusted his care to Mikaella Dimalanta (played by Bernardo).
In 2012, greater success came to Montes when she starred with Coco Martin in the romantic drama series Walang Hanggan. The critically acclaimed series is loosely based on the 1991 film Hihintayin Kita Sa Langit, a film based on the Emily Brontë classic novel, Wuthering Heights. Walang Hanggan features the undying love that revolves around characters from three different generations - the love triangle among Virginia, Margaret, and Joseph; the ill-fated lovers Marco and Emily; and young sweethearts Daniel and Katerina. The series includes Martin as Daniel Guidotti, Richard Gomez as Marco Montenegro, Dawn Zulueta as Emily Guidotti, Susan Roces as Virginia "Henya" Cruz, Helen Gamboa as Doña Margaret Montenegro, and Montes, as Katerina Alcantara.This also marks the first on-screen team-up of Coco Martin and Julia Montes, and the reunion project of eternal loveteam Richard Gomez and Dawn Zulueta. Writing for Philippine Entertainment Portal, Mark Angelo Ching considered Montes' decision to jump to a mature role after playing a teenager in Mara Clara seemingly to be a "gamble" at first, but all doubts are dispelled once she is seen holding her own against Martin, and believed that her "natural naïveté" works against the mature outlook of the actor's character.
The series and Montes' performance both earned widespread acclaim from critics as it maintained the top spot and dominated the viewers' ratings for most of its run, being the only Philippine drama of 2012 to exceed the 40% margin in ratings. The finale episode of the show garnered a 45.4% viewership rating nationwide. Walang Hanggan emerged as the most watched show during the second half of 2012, ruling the list with a whopping national TV rating of 38.4% based on Kantar Media. Due to the series' phenomenal success, Walang Hanggan was aired internationally in foreign countries along with Ina, Kapatid, Anak, and Be Careful With My Heart. The series earned Montes the title of "Phenomenal Primetime Princess;" eventually she was named as the "Princess of Philippine Television" during the 44th Box Office Entertainment Awards (GMMSFI). Martin, on the other hand, acquired the title "Prince of Philippine Television". For their rapport in Walang Hanggan, Montes and Martin also placed 2nd as the most popular loveteams at the 4th FMTM Awards.
In June 2015, Montes completed a culinary course at the Center for Culinary Arts, Manila along with her fellow actress Yam Concepcion. She is a practicing Catholic. In December 2016, Montes was reunited with her birth father, Martin Schnittka, at Bellini's, Cubao, Quezon City. She revealed via Instagram about her encounter with her father and expressed gratitude towards her German cousin Michelle Lloyd and CocoJul fans for paving the way to meet him.
In 2017, Montes had entered talks to star in Brillante Mendoza's independent film Doctors to the Barrio. In 2018, Montes stars in the political drama Asintado alongside Lorna Tolentino, Paulo Avelino, Shaina Magdayao, Agot Isidro, Cherry Pie Picache, and Aljur Abrenica. She plays Ana Dimasalang, a paramedic who became Gael Ojeda's personal nurse after saving him from an accident and fell in love with him; she becomes involved in an assassination plot arranged by the del Mundos and Ojedas upon witnessing their plan. - Actress
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Cherry Pie Picache was born on 27 May 1970 in Metro Manila, Philippines. She is an actress, known for Foster Child (2007), Kaleldo (2006) and Manay po! (2006).- Myra Manibog was born on 5 February 1969 in Manila, Philippines. She is an actress, known for Maalaala Mo Kaya (1991), Fortunato Salas: Kilabot ng Pampanga (1984) and Oras ng kagitingan (1986).
- Actress
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Carla Abellana was born on 12 June 1986 in Manila, Philippines. She is an actress, known for Shake Rattle and Roll 12 (2010), My Husband's Lover (2013) and Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story (2011). She has been married to Tom Rodriguez since 2021.- Actor
- Additional Crew
- Producer
John Lloyd Cruz was born as John "Juward" Lloyd Espidol Cruz on June 24, 1983 to Luisito Llora and Aida Espidol Cruz. He is the youngest in the family. His family and some very close friends called him by his nickname "Idan". He finished his grade school at Marikina Catholic School in 1995. He was discovered by a talent scout in a mall while he was hanging out with his friends. Due to financial problems since his father's marble business was not doing well, he decided to enter showbiz to help his family.- Actor
- Production Manager
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Piolo Pascual was born on 12 January 1977 in Manila, Philippines. He is an actor and production manager, known for Don't Give Up on Us (2006), The Seventies (2002) and Silong (2015).- Actress
- Stunts
- Director
Janice Hung was born on 2 September 1992 in Manila, Philippines. She is an actress and director, known for Ang probinsyano (2015), Enteng ng Ina mo (2011) and The Cure (2018).- Actor
- Producer
Joseph Estrada was born on 19 April 1937 in Manila, Philippines. He is an actor and producer, known for Kumander Alibasbas (1981), Geron Busabos: Ang batang Quiapo (1964) and Hoy, tukso layuan mo ako! (1980). He has been married to Dr Luisa Pimentel Ejercito since 1959. He was previously married to Laarni Enriquez.- Actor
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At early age he was discovered while dancing in the top of the bowling alley, he then become part of an afternoon show called "That's Entertainment" in the Philippines. He then had the name of Billy Joe but he changed it recently to Billy Crawford.
He moved back to the United States during his teenage years and started a career in music. He is now performing mostly in the UK, sometimes visiting schools too, to do a gig.- Actor
- Producer
- Director
Christopher De Leon was born on 31 October 1956 in Manila, Philippines. He is an actor and producer, known for Dirty Affair (1990), Moments in a Stolen Dream (1977) and This Is How We Were Before, How Are You Doing Now? (1976). He has been married to Sandy Andolong since 27 March 2001. He was previously married to Nora Aunor.- Actress
- Script and Continuity Department
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Maria Margarita Amada Fteha Isidro was born on 20 July 1966 in Manila, Philippines. She was the granddaughter of film producer Narciso Isidro. Her first taste of the klieglights was when she appeared as cover girl for a magazine at 18. She then graduated in 1989 with an Interior Design degree. She worked in Singapore for a while then went to New York to study Fashion and Merchandising in New York's Fashion Institute of Technology.
She joins her sisters, who are back up singers for Sharon Cuneta, sometimes and that's where she got discovered and was asked to pinch-hit for then-pregnant Lara Melissa de Leon in Sa Linggo NAPO Sila. And as they say, the rest is history.
She continues to appear in TV guestings but has layed low ever since she got married to Manu Sandejas in 2000.- Actor
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Geoff Eigenmann was born on 23 March 1985 in Manila, Philippines. He is an actor, known for Basahang ginto (2010), Rosalinda (2009) and Ang probinsyano (2015).