Teleseryes play a massive role in the lives of every Filipino. It seems like every Filipino household tunes in to watch the dramatic and thrilling plot of teleseryes. Aside from the story, a teleserye wouldn’t be even complete without the child stars with charm and impressive acting skills that get us hooked.
Some Filipino child stars are known to play the younger version of various teleserye characters, and some of them even became leading characters in their shows.
But we can’t help but wonder what happened to them as they grew up. Here’s what some Filipino child stars from teleseryes look like now that they’re all grown-ups.
1. Rhed Bustamante
Have you heard the latest TikTok trending sound wherein a young girl keeps on saying ‘Nakakainis’? It turns out that the trending sound came from Liza, the child antagonist in the 2015 Kapamilya teleserye, Flordeliza.
Bustamante played the role of Liza in the daytime television drama. Bustamante was also known to portray younger versions of characters in projects such as Wansapanataym’s mini-series in 2015 and 2018 and The Gift in 2019. She was also a part of the horror films Maria, Leonora, Teresa in 2014 and Seklusyon in 2016.
She was also a part of the films ‘Girl, Boy, Bakla, Tomboy’ in 2013, ‘D’ Ninang’, and ‘Alter Me’ in 2020.
She may not be an active actress right now in the entertainment industry, but as seen in her Instagram posts, she grew up to be a stunning and stylish girl.
2. Ashley Sarmiento
Sarmiento portrayed the role of Flor, the leading character in Flordeliza, which Liza loathes.
Like Bustamante, Sarmiento was known to portray younger versions of various characters in teleseryes such as ‘Dyesebel’ in 2014, ‘The General’s Daughter’ in 2019, and some episodes of ‘Maalala Mo Kaya’.
She was also a part of Goin’ Bulilit. She also recently posted that she will be a part of the GMA sitcom Happy Together on her Instagram page.
Sarmiento is not as active in showbiz as other former child stars, but fans can also see on her Instagram page that she grew up to be a beautiful girl having fun moments with her friends and showing off her stylish poses.
3. Nathaniel Britt
Filipina actress Andrea Brillantes rose to prominence when she portrayed the leading character in the 2013 Kapamilya teleserye, ‘Annaliza’. But do we all remember PJ, Annaliza’s best friend, and crush?
Former child star Nathaniel Britt portrayed PJ. He also portrayed the younger version of different characters in teleseryes such as the Kapamilya teleseryes, ‘Dahil Sa Pag-Ibig’ in 2012, ‘The Greatest Love’ in 2016, and some episodes in ‘Maalaala Mo Kaya’.
Britt may not be active in the Philippine entertainment industry. But according to his bio on his Instagram page, he enjoys sports such as swimming, cycling, running, and volleyball. He also enjoys playing the online game League of Legends.
4. Jillian Ward
Who wouldn’t forget the hit GMA afternoon teleserye, ‘Trudis Liit’? Jillian Ward rose to popularity when she portrayed the leading character in a remake of the 1963 Philippine film with the same name.
Jillian Ward was also a part of various teleseryes in GMA. In 2018, she portrayed the role of ‘Odette’ in the hit GMA teleserye, ‘My Special Tatay’, which featured top-billed Filipino actor Ken Chan.
In 2022, she portrays ‘Mayi,’ one of the leading characters in the GMA afternoon teleserye ‘Prima Donnas’. In the same year, Jillian Ward posted on her Instagram page that she had bought her first sports car at the age of 17.
She also has a YouTube Channel with over 300,000 subscribers.
5. Buboy Villar
Villar was a child star known for his breakthrough performance for his character ‘Buboy’ in the GMA teleserye, ‘Dyesebel’, starring Marian Rivera, in 2008. He reunited with Rivera as he also rose to popularity for his role as ‘Ding’ in superhero teleserye ‘Darna’ in 2009.
He was also best known for portraying young Manny Pacquiao in the acclaimed film ‘Kid Kulafu.’
Villar was also a part of different projects in GMA and ABS-CBN.
It was reported in 2016 that Villar was living with his former girlfriend, Angilyn Gorrens. The couple has two children. However, it was also reported that they broke up in 2018.
In 2021, he was a part of the GMA teleserye, ‘Owe My Love’, portraying the character of Gwaps. In the same year, he also guested in Toni Gonzaga’s ‘Toni Talks’ segment, wherein he shared his experiences about being a father at 17 years old.
Villar also has a YouTube channel with over 1 million subscribers, wherein he uploads vlogs about his daily fun adventures with showbiz and non-showbiz friends.
6. Mutya Orquia
Mutya was best known for portraying ‘Abby’ in the 2012-2014 hit Kapamilya teleserye, ‘Be Careful With My Heart’. But before she rose to fame as Abby, she was the leading character in the 2011 teleserye, ‘Mutya’, in which she portrayed a character who is a mermaid.
Mutya also gained nominations and awards from Gawad Tanglaw Awards, FMTM Awards, and PMPC Star Awards.
As she grew up, Mutya’s acting skills continued to flourish as she portrayed younger versions of characters in various teleseryes. She also portrayed the fun and bubbly ‘Cherry Mabunga’ in the Kapamilya teleserye, Pamilya Ko.
She also has a YouTube channel that currently has 175,000 subscribers.
7. Xyriel Manabat
Manabat rose to fame when she played the younger version of the twins Agua and Bendita in the 2010 ABS-CBN Teleserye, ‘Agua Bendita’.
Through this teleserye, Manabat’s impressive acting skills were noticed, which eventually led her to bag more Kapamilya projects. She won awards such as Best Child Performer from MMFF Award in 2010, Golden Screen Award Nominee in 2011, and Best Child Actress from FAMAS Award in 2012.
She was also the leading character in the 2010 teleserye ‘Mommy’ and the 2011 teleserye ‘100 Days To Heaven’. She portrayed the role of the younger Anna Manalastas (portrayed by Coney Reyes).
Manabat wasn’t seen on teleseryes for a while until her portrayal of the younger version of Lily Cruz/Ivy Aguas (portrayed by Maja Salvador) in the Kapamilya teleserye, ‘Wildflower’ last 2017.
Now, Manabat is active in endorsing various products on her social media accounts. She has also graduated from high school last 2020. She also has a YouTube Channel called ‘Xyriel Manabat Vlogs.’ Last February, Manabat also had her dermal piercings, making rounds online.
8. Zaijan Jaranilla
Who wouldn’t remember the famous ‘Bro’ from the 2009 Kapamilya Teleserye, May Bukas Pa?
Jaranilla rose to fame as he played the role of ‘Santino,’ the main character of the 2009 Teleserye. Santino, an orphan, often meets with Jesus, whom he calls ‘Bro,’ who also gives him the power of healing that helps out people in their town.
He also bagged various Kapamilya projects such ‘Noah’ in 2010, ‘Lorenzo’s Time’ in 2012, and ‘Hawak Kamay’ in 2014, alongside Xyriel Manabat.
His acting skills were also recognized by award-giving bodies such as PMPC Star Awards and Gawad Tanglaw Awards. He also won ‘Best Actor in Single Drama Performance’ from the 9th EdukCircle Awards for his role in a ‘Maalala Mo Kaya’ episode.
As he grew up, Jaranilla still took on projects such as ‘FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano’, ‘The Story of Us’, and ‘Bagani’.
In 2021, he had a cameo appearance in the 2021 Kapamilya Teleserye, ‘Ang Sa Iyo Ay Akin’ in which he played the older version of Jacob, the son of Jodi Sta. Maria’s character, Marissa.
In 2022, He reunited with Sta. Maria in ‘The Broken Marriage Vow,’ the remake of the hit British drama series, ‘Doctor Foster.’ He is currently portraying the role of Gio Illustre, the son of Dr. Jill Illustre and David Illustre.
Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/arwenashley13/, https://www.instagram.com/zaigj/, https://www.instagram.com/nathbritt/, https://www.facebook.com/JhyllianneWarde
Source: https://www.imdb.com
