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Kapamilya Snaps: Meet the celebrities who are born in the Year of the Dragon

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Mary Ann Bardinas

Happy Chinese New Year! It’s the time of the year again when some of us, regardless if we have Chinese blood or none, are curious to know what our fate is going to be based on our Chinese zodiac sign for the year ahead.Just in case you aren’t aware yet, 2024 heralds the Year of the Dragon, which is fifth in the 12-animal in the cycle. People who are born this year after the Lunar New Year, which will be celebrated this coming February 10, as well as in 2012, 2000, 1988, 1976, 1964, 1952, and so on belong to the horde of dragons.According to the website China Highlights, Dragons “usually possess natural courage, tenacity, and intelligence, often displaying enthusiasm and confidence.” While you’re contemplating if you or someone you know who is part of this group exhibits these traits, let’s find out who among our favorite stars are also Dragons in this Kapamilya Snaps feature!<div> </div>Sarah Geronimo, July 25, 1988Those who were born in 1988 are Earth Dragons, who are known for their being “smart, ambitious, and hardworking.” And this speaks true to Sarah, who has been in the industry for decades now, astounding us with her versatility as a singer, actress, dancer, and host.Going on 35 this year, the Popstar Royalty is already regarded as an icon in the local music scene, with her music allowing her to stay relevant throughout the different stages of her career.<div> </div>Paulo Avelino, May 3, 1988Another celebrity Earth Dragon is Paulo, who is among the bankable heartthrobs of his generation. Due to his unmistakable charm and versatility as an actor, there’s no wonder that he has been an in-demand leading man of ABS-CBN through the years. Regardless of who his onscreen partner is, the <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/linlang2023" target="_blank">Linlang</a> star never fails to provide viewers with compelling performances.<div> </div>JM de Guzman, September 9, 1988Did you know that, like his <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/linlang2023" target="_blank">Linlang</a> co-star Paulo, JM is also an Earth Dragon? And just like him, he has also proven his versatility as a dramatic actor as he can definitely step into the shoes of any character that he does. JM might have gone through setbacks in the past, yet he’s able to bounce back and prove that he deserves to be in the spotlight.<div> </div>Alexa Ilacad, February 26, 2000Born in 2000, Alexa is a Metal Dragon, who is known for being “outspoken, simple, and natural in personality” based on the website Your Chinese Astrology. And we can definitely observe that in her, especially during media interviews and her <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/pbbs10" target="_blank">Pinoy Big Brother Kumunity Season 10</a> stint, as she isn’t afraid to speak her mind and stand her ground. The <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/paraiso2023" target="_blank">Pira-Pirasong Paraiso</a> star might have suffered from body dysmorphia, but she’s able to conquer it and is now confident in expressing herself inside and out.<div> </div>Vivoree Esclito, August 3, 2000Another Metal Dragon babe is Vivoree, who is able to overcome her low self-esteem through her participation in <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/pbbseason7" target="_blank">PBB Lucky Season 7</a>, as she used to see herself not at par with society’s beauty standards. And in the years that she’s been in the limelight, she has already found a place for herself in showbiz as a good singer and actress. So far, her resume includes <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/cantbuymelove" target="_blank">Can’t Buy Me Love</a> and “Tabing Ilog: The Musical 2023.”<div> </div>Kaori Oinuma, July 22, 2020Just like her fellow PBB alumna Vivoree, Kaori is also a Metal Dragon. Five years into her entertainment career, she has already shown us her caliber as an actress through the projects that she did, with her appearance in the controversial flick “A Very Good Girl” being the latest and the most talked about. She may still be quite new in the industry, but she has already made her presence felt.<div> </div>Melai Cantiveros, April 6, 1988She might have already won millions in various reality shows of ABS-CBN, but Melai has remained humble, hardworking, and true to herself. These qualities are what made her loved by many, aside from her relatable and hilarious personality. And the <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/magandangbuhay" target="_blank">Magandang Buhay</a> host showed these to the world when she accepted the Best Actor Award at the Asia Artist Awards held here in the Philippines for the first time.<div> </div>Yeng Constantino, December 4, 1988With how smart, ambitious, and hardworking she is, there’s definitely no doubt that Yeng is the epitome of a Metal Dragon. Apart from her incredible talent as a singer-songwriter, the Pop-Rock Royalty also astonished us when she and her husband Yan Asuncion revealed that they’re able to build their own vacation house in Zambales. Besides, she has also started the process of re-recording some of her songs in pursuit of changing the arrangements and lyrics, as well as owning and profiting from her catalog. Amazing, right?<div> </div>Enchong Dee, November 5, 1988Breaking away from his teeny-bopper roles, Enchong is able to secure his spot as a truly versatile actor. From dramas to superhero action to comedy to historical films, he is spreading his wings and enjoying creative freedom. And we’re looking forward to seeing him fly further as his latest movie, “GomBurZa”, has reached US theaters.<div> </div>RK Bagatsing, May 9, 1988He may not be the first one in their family to enter showbiz, but RK is able to earn his name and place in the industry through his own talents and efforts. In the 13 years that he’s been in showbiz, he is able to showcase how an effective actor he is in portraying both protagonist and antagonist roles.<div> </div>Joseph Marco, October 4, 1988While his good looks and toned physique are enough for us to catch the attention of fans, Joseph is able to prove that there’s definitely more to him than meets the eye. Through his teleserye and movie portrayals in the past almost two decades, he has showcased his full potential as an actor, may it be in drama or in action.<div> </div>JC Santos, November 19, 1988While theater, film, and series are different battlefields, JC is able to successfully break and thrive into these platforms because of how a passionate actor he is. With his dedication and sincerity in each performance, it’s no surprise that he continues to be cast in different projects, such as <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/dirtylinen" target="_blank">Dirty Linen</a>.<div> </div>Gary Valenciano, August 6, 1964Ever since he rose to popularity four decades ago, Gary has been a household name in the Philippines. After all these years, he still lives up to his moniker “Mr. Pure Energy” and serves as an inspiration to his fellow artists, especially the younger ones. Despite the influx of new talents in previous years, he still stands out and never fails to provide us with electrifying performances – as a Wood Dragon that he is.<div> </div>Zsa Zsa Padilla, May 28, 1964Just like her contemporary and fellow <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/asap" target="_blank">ASAP Natin ‘To</a> mainstay, Zsa Zsa continues to stand amidst the ever-growing number of newer and younger breeds of artists joining the industry. And that’s because of her powerful presence onstage and distinct voice that solidified herself as an OPM legend, which has kept her music career alive and thriving. Apart from being an iconic performer, Zsa Zsa is also an award-winning actress, who astonished us with her acting chops both in film and TV.<div> </div>Jaclyn Jose, October 21, 1964Due to her unfading talent in acting that she’s able to showcase through her movie and teleserye portrayals, Jaclyn has earned not just local recognition, but also international awards. Since making her debut in the ‘80s, the veteran actress continues to astound us with her skills, such as her present depiction of the stern Chief Dolores Espinas in <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/batangquiapo" target="_blank">FPJ’s Batang Quiapo</a>.<div> </div>Roselle Nava, March 28, 1976Hailed by <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/asap" target="_blank">ASAP</a> as one of the OPM gems in 2018, Roselle rose to fame in the ‘90s as a singer and actress. She’s the beautiful voice behind the hits “Bakit Nga Ba Mahal Kita” and “Dahil Mahal Na Mahal Kita”, which are still among the karaoke and singing contest staples among Filipinos. She might have stepped out of the limelight for quite some time, but Roselle is now making a return as one of the hurados of Tawag ng Tanghalan Kids.<div> </div>Jhong Hilario, August 11, 1976From being one of the talented members of the popular Pinoy dance group Streetboys, Jhong is able to transcend to acting and hosting, in which he’s able to thrive as well. A lot of talents may have already come and gone, yet he continues to shine not only because of his talents, but of his comedic chops and cheerful facet, too, that we’re able to witness through his hosting stint in <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/itsshowtime" target="_blank">It’s Showtime</a>.<div> </div>Vice Ganda, March 31, 1976Arguably one of the most powerful and prominent dragons that we know, Vice is able to get to where she is at present through her hardwork and talent. And we could perhaps credit it to her being a Fire Dragon, who is described by astrologyk.com as a self-reliant, hands-on, and dependable leader, as well as “always truthful and impartial” and “able to lead the crowds of people admired by his bright personality” – which is how she is in <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/itsshowtime" target="_blank">It’s Showtime</a> and the other projects that she did. Thus, there’s really no doubt that she’s the Unkabogable Star!Kung Hei Fat Choi, Kapamilya! Regardless if you believe in Chinese traditions or not, we still wish you a prosperous and great Year of the Wood Dragon!