Jan Angelo Batongbakal

ON THIS DAY: Look back on the characters of ‘Got to Believe’ and where its cast is now, 13 years later

Article (news)

Nikka Avegail Sabio

Push Team

<p>On this day 13 years ago, one of the most popular Kapamilya series, <em>Got to Believe</em>, introduced viewers to the magical love story of Chichay and Joaquin.</p><p>tarring then-onscreen pair Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla, the romantic-comedy drama followed Chichay, a hardworking young woman from a humble family, and Joaquin, the son of a wealthy family. Their lives crossed in unexpected ways, leading to a story filled with romance, family conflicts, friendship, heartbreak and second chances.</p><div> <strong> <img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1787755444487OTD_31-GotToBelieve.png" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/> </strong> </div><p>The series, which ran from August 2013 to March 2014, became one of the memorable teleseryes of the KathNiel era. It also brought together a star-studded cast of veteran actors and young stars, some of whom continue to make their mark in the entertainment industry while others eventually took different paths.</p><p><em>Got to Believe </em>also reached audiences outside the Philippines, further extending the appeal of Chichay and Joaquin’s story in countries such as Vietnam, Kazakhstan, Indonesia and Malaysia. </p><div> </div><div><strong></strong> <iframe width="874" height="481" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hEgOnHCpCgQ" title="Got to Believe Trailer" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><strong></strong></div><div><strong> </strong></div><p>More than a decade since the series premiered, here&#x27;s a look at where some of its cast members are now.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Kathryn Bernardo</strong></div><p>From playing the cheerful and hardworking Chichay Tampipi, Kathryn Bernardo has grown into one of the country&#x27;s biggest stars. After <em>Got to Believe</em>, Kathryn continued to headline successful television series and films, including <em>The Hows of Us</em>, <em>Hello, Love, Goodbye</em>, <em>A Very Good Girl</em> and <em>Hello, Love, Again</em>.</p><p>This year, she made her teleserye comeback through <em>Someone, Someday</em>, where she stars alongside James Reid and Maja Salvador. The series also made an impressive debut on Netflix Philippines, becoming the platform&#x27;s most-watched show in the country less than 12 hours after its release.</p><p>Kathryn also reached another career milestone this year with the unveiling of her wax figure for Madame Tussauds Hong Kong, making her the latest Filipino personality to be immortalized by the attraction.</p><div> </div><div><strong></strong></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-8" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DSMLz79ASFV/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=432&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A8%2C%22os%22%3A12620317.299999952%2C%22ls%22%3A1677791.7000000477%2C%22le%22%3A1678341.2000000477%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="925" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-8" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><div><strong>Daniel Padilla</strong></div><p>Daniel Padilla became even more established as an actor and recording artist after playing Joaquin Manansala. He worked with Kathryn in several projects, including <em>The Hows of Us</em> and <em>The House Arrest of Us</em>, before taking on more action-oriented roles.</p><p>Last year, Daniel returned to do a television project on the action drama series <em>Incognito</em> along with Richard Gutierrez, Baron Geisler, Maris Racal, Anthony Jennings, Kaila Estrada, and Ian Veneracion. Daniel played the agent Andres Malvar. The series, which became highly successful, is currently in talks for another season.</p><div><strong><br/></strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-10" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DXHPX9eGDYz/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=432&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A10%2C%22os%22%3A12668571.399999976%2C%22ls%22%3A1677791.7000000477%2C%22le%22%3A1678341.2000000477%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="901" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-10" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe><strong> <script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></strong></div><div><strong>Manilyn Reynes</strong></div><p>Manilyn Reynes played Elizabeth “Betchay” Tampipi, Chichay&#x27;s loving and protective mother.</p><p>A veteran in the entertainment industry, Manilyn has continued to work in television and remains a familiar face in the industry. After <em>Got to Believe</em>, she continued appearing in various television projects, including a long-running sitcom with Michael V.</p><div> </div><div><strong></strong></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-12" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DcYZAo_ICpC/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=432&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A12%2C%22os%22%3A12725734.899999976%2C%22ls%22%3A1677791.7000000477%2C%22le%22%3A1678341.2000000477%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="726" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-12" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><div><strong>Carmina Villaroel</strong></div><p>Carmina Villarroel portrayed Juliana San Juan-Manansala, Joaquin&#x27;s strict and initially disapproving mother. After <em>Got to Believe</em>, Carmina continued building her career as an actress and television host.</p><p>More than a decade later, she returned to the Kapamilya network through the psychological drama <em>The Loyalty Game</em>, where she joined Janine Gutierrez and Jericho Rosales.</p><p>Aside from acting, Carmina has also explored digital content through her podcast <em>Wala Pa Kaming Title</em>, which she hosts with close friends Candy Pangilinan, Gelli de Belen and Janice de Belen.</p><div> </div><div><strong></strong></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-14" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DaPvbL7y2FT/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=432&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A14%2C%22os%22%3A12804340.700000048%2C%22ls%22%3A1677791.7000000477%2C%22le%22%3A1678341.2000000477%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="880" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-14" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><strong></strong></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Ian Veneracion</strong></div><p>Ian Veneracion played Jaime Manansala, Joaquin&#x27;s father and Juliana&#x27;s husband. The actor has remained active in television and film, taking on roles in projects such as <em>The Iron Heart</em> and <em>Incognito</em>, where he once again worked alongside Daniel Padilla.</p><p>Ian has also been exploring his musical side. Under his artist name stephn, he released the EP <em>Searching for stephn</em>, featuring tracks including “I Walk Alone,” “Searching for stephn,” “Tryin’” and “Lights On.” He is also part of the web series <em>Drug War: A Conspiracy of Silence</em>.</p><div> </div><div><strong></strong></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-16" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DYmUgadD6f8/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=432&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A16%2C%22os%22%3A12850782%2C%22ls%22%3A1677791.7000000477%2C%22le%22%3A1678341.2000000477%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="567" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-16" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><strong></strong></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Benjie Paras</strong></div><p>With his mix of comedy and drama, Benjie Paras brought life to Chito “Papa Bear” Tampipi, Chichay&#x27;s father. The former basketball star successfully transitioned into entertainment after his basketball career, appearing in numerous television shows and films.</p><p>More recently, Benjie has been part of projects including <em>A Secret in Prague</em>, the iWant original series <em>Ghosting</em> and the film <em>Drags to Riches</em>. He has also continued to share the spotlight with his sons, Andre and Kobe Paras, who have both carved out their own careers in entertainment and sports.</p><div> </div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:600px;display:block" width="600"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1787756714238491924246_1267419928717011_6658579198319718826_n.jpg" style="width:600px;display:block;height:auto" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="600"/><span class="fr-inner">Credits FB: Benjie Paras Official</span></span></span></div><div><br/><strong>Joonee Gamboa</strong></div><p>Veteran actor Joonee Gamboa played Francisco “Lolo Isko” Tampipi, Chichay&#x27;s grandfather. With a career spanning several decades, Joonee has appeared in more than a hundred films and television projects, establishing himself as one of the respected veteran actors in the country.</p><p>Joonee just recently turned 90 years old. He is also currently part of the cast of <em>Sigabo</em>, starring Coco Martin and Julia Montes.</p><div> </div><div><strong></strong> <iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FDreamscapePH%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02wz73Bjy6Xx1gRQwfBqpKN7c9bdhuZQQeMS2x897bLFamy7iQefLQbFagh1hcYD9tl&amp;show_text=false&amp;width=500" width="500" height="498" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><strong> </strong></div><div><strong>Al Tantay</strong></div><p>Al Tantay portrayed Tatay Poro, the Manansala family&#x27;s driver who treated Joaquin like his own son. After <em>Got to Believe</em>, Al continued working in the entertainment industry not only as an actor but also as a director.</p><p>He has appeared in projects including the films <em>Only We Know</em> and <em>Wonderful Nightmare</em>, as well as the television series <em>The Alibi: Ang Buong Katotohanan</em>.</p><div> </div><div><strong></strong></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-18" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DTUwlZoAk1z/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=432&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A18%2C%22os%22%3A13120122.799999952%2C%22ls%22%3A1677791.7000000477%2C%22le%22%3A1678341.2000000477%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="880" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-18" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><div><strong>Irma Adlawan</strong></div><p>Seasoned actress Irma Adlawan played Yaya Puring in <em>Got to Believe</em>, serving as one of the mother figures in Joaquin&#x27;s life.</p><p>The award-winning actress has remained active in television and film, taking on a wide range of dramatic roles throughout her career. Among her more recent projects are <em>FPJ&#x27;s Batang Quiapo</em>, <em>The Alibi</em>, <em>Love Is Never Gone </em>and <em>Sigabo</em>.</p><div> </div><div><strong></strong></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-21" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DcODpbFAv4P/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=432&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A21%2C%22os%22%3A13243473.100000024%2C%22ls%22%3A1677791.7000000477%2C%22le%22%3A1678341.2000000477%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="925" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-21" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe><strong> <script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></strong><strong><br/></strong></div><div><strong><strong>Hyubs Azarcon</strong></strong></div><p><strong></strong>Hyubs Azarcon played Whitey in <em>Got to Believe</em> and has continued to take on supporting roles in television and film. Fans may also remember him from other ABS-CBN projects such as <em>Luv U</em>, <em>The House Arrest of Us</em> and <em>2 Good 2 Be True</em>. He was also part of the iWant’s <em>Ghosting</em>.</p><p>Beyond his acting career, Hyubs has remained close to Daniel Padilla. The two have been friends for years and are often seen spending time together along with their circle of friends, including Zanjoe Marudo and basketball player LA Tenorio.</p><div> </div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-23" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/Dbhsk7XGMND/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=432&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A23%2C%22os%22%3A13343639.399999976%2C%22ls%22%3A1677791.7000000477%2C%22le%22%3A1678341.2000000477%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="925" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-23" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong><strong>Kristel Fulgar</strong></strong></div><p><strong></strong>Kristel Fulgar played Didith Pantoja, one of Chichay and Joaquin&#x27;s schoolmates. Over the years, Kristel expanded her career beyond acting and became known as a content creator, particularly for sharing her love for Korean culture and her life as she shuttled between the Philippines and South Korea.</p><p>She eventually married South Korean Ha Su-hyuk and has continued to give her followers glimpses of married life and her experiences in Korea.</p><div> </div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-25" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DVm9djQgZJX/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=432&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A25%2C%22os%22%3A13404098.600000024%2C%22ls%22%3A1677791.7000000477%2C%22le%22%3A1678341.2000000477%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="925" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-25" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><strong><strong></strong></strong></div><div><strong><strong>Chie Filomeno</strong></strong></div><p><strong></strong>Chie Filomeno played Amanda Lopez in <em>Got to Believe</em>. Since then, Chie has continued to build her career as an actress, model and social media personality. She was also previously part of the girl group GirlTrends.</p><p>Over the years, she has taken on different acting and entertainment projects while maintaining a strong presence on social media. Chie recently celebrated her 30th birthday, marking another milestone in her personal journey.</p><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-32" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DcA3CE5kYGo/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=432&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A32%2C%22os%22%3A13663119%2C%22ls%22%3A1677791.7000000477%2C%22le%22%3A1678341.2000000477%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="925" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-32" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><strong><strong>Liza Soberano</strong></strong></div><p><strong></strong>Liza Soberano joined <em>Got to Believe </em>in its second season as Alexa “Alex” Rodriguez, another important role in the early part of her acting career.</p><p>After the series, Liza went on to star in successful projects including <em>Forevermore</em>, <em>Dolce Amore</em>, <em>My Ex and Whys </em>and <em>Alone/Together</em>. She later began pursuing opportunities outside the Philippines, eventually expanding her career into Hollywood.</p><div> </div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-30" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DYP8hIHjzwq/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=432&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A30%2C%22os%22%3A13637815.899999976%2C%22ls%22%3A1677791.7000000477%2C%22le%22%3A1678341.2000000477%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="880" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-30" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>In 2026, Liza continues to pursue international projects. She is set to lend her voice to Raissa in DreamWorks Animation&#x27;s <em>Forgotten Island</em>, an upcoming animated film inspired by Filipino folklore and mythology, alongside Grammy-winning singer H.E.R.<strong></strong><br/></p>

<p><b>Today marks the 13th year since the beloved KathNiel series ‘Got To Believe’ aired.</b></p>

Today marks the 13th year since the beloved KathNiel series ‘Got To Believe’ aired.