Arzen Rose Dulzura

Then vs. Now: How these 5 Kapamilya child stars secured their spot in today’s primetime

Article (news)

Kyla Dennise Magbanua

<p>Do the famous names Santino, Anna Manalastas, Ningning, Mutya, and Becca ring a bell? These are some of the teleserye characters made iconic by our well-loved child stars from ABS-CBN, who, at a young age, had already showcased their exceptional talent to viewers, making them household names in the industry. </p><p>As the years go by and these child stars grow up, they are gradually breaking away from their sweet, innocent roles to portray more mature characters, proving their artistry. From child stars to rising lead stars, here are 5 of our beloved Kapamilya child stars who have grown and secured their place as today’s sought-after actors. </p><div> </div><div><iframe width="1265" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rsoOEY7N_GE" title="Kapamilya Child Stars who Grew to be Leading Stars | PushPins" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div> </div><div><strong>Xyriel Manabat </strong></div><div><br/></div><p>Before becoming one of the most well-loved actresses of her generation, did you know that Xyriel Manabat starred in several ABS-CBN shows during her childhood years? The Kapamilya actress began her journey in 2009 when she joined the reality competition show “Star Circle Quest: Search for the Next Kiddie Superstar,” where she finished in third place. </p><p>After her “SCQ” days, Xyriel took on minor television roles, including her stint in “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/articles-photos/throwback-the-star-of-agua-bendita-2010-14806"><strong><u>Agua Bendita</u></strong></a>,” which was so well received by the public. This warm reception paved the way for her big break in 2010, when she starred in the primetime series “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/articles-photos/throwback-photos-of-xyriel-manabat-as-momay-2010-14817"><strong><u>Momay</u></strong></a>,” playing the role of a ghost child. At just six years old, Xyriel had already showcased her effortless acting, making her one of the most memorable child stars of her time. </p><p>Her fame continued to rise as she starred in the hit teleseryes “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/2025/4/23/throwback-coney-jodi-and-xyriel-in-100-days-to-heaven-2011-2358"><strong><u>100 Days to Heaven</u></strong></a>” as the iconic Anna Manalastas, and “<strong>Ikaw Ay Pag-Ibig</strong>” where Xyriel further showcased her acting prowess. These roles made her become a household name in the industry. </p><p>After spending a few years away from the limelight to focus on personal matters and academics, Xyriel made her acting comeback as Tonet Pavia in the mystery drama series “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/dirtylinen/articles-videos/xyriel-reveals-behind-the-scenes-stories-about-her-big-acting-in-dirty-linen-19072"><strong><u>Dirty Linen</u></strong></a>.” Some of her scenes even went viral online due to her impressive acting skills. </p><div> </div><div><strong>Zaijan Jaranilla </strong></div><div><br/></div><p>When you hear the names “Bro” and “Santino,” it’s impossible not to think of Zaijan Jaranilla, who brought to life the iconic Santino---a kind-hearted boy who reminded us of the importance of keeping a close relationship with Jesus---in the 2009 hit series “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/2025/9/14/how-playing-santino-in-may-bukas-pa-influenced-life-and-career-of-zaijian-through-years-0020"><strong><u>May Bukas Pa</u></strong></a>.”  </p><p>The teleserye made Zaijan unforgettable to viewers, thanks to his innocence, sincerity, and compelling acting skills. He later starred in other Kapamilya shows such as “<strong>Ikaw Ay Pag-Ibig</strong>,” “<strong>FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano</strong>,” and “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/2024/11/26/behind-the-scenes-pasilip-sa-mga-kaganapan-sa-set-ng-bagani-1624"><strong><u>Bagani</u></strong></a>.” </p><p>Breaking away from his child star roles, Zaijan embraced a more intense and mature character when he portrayed Gio, the son of Dr. Jill Ilustre, in the 2022 drama series “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/tbmv2022/articles-videos/15-times-gios-rebellious-phase-stirred-conflict-in-the-broken-marriage-vow-17254"><strong><u>The Broken Marriage Vow</u></strong></a>.” In this role, he revealed a different side of himself as a grown-up actor.   </p><p>Zaijan continues to grace our screens with mature portrayals---further establishing himself as one of the most versatile actors of his generation.  </p><div> </div><div><strong>Mutya Orquia  </strong></div><div><br/></div><p>Mutya Orquia has been impressing us with her acting skills all her life. At only 4 years old, the Kapamilya star quickly became a household name when she delivered a standout performance in “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/2024/11/26/throwback-mutya-2011-0014"><strong><u>Mutya</u></strong></a>” (2011), playing the role of a young mermaid.   </p><p> Her popularity grew even more when she starred in the 2012 family series “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/bcwmh/articles-photos/throwback-be-careful-with-my-heart-2012-14521"><strong><u>Be Careful With My Heart</u></strong></a>” as Abby Lim, the daughter of Ser Chief who shared a close bond with her nanny. Mutya’s sweet portrayal made her well-loved by viewers. </p><p>More than a decade later, Mutya continued to prove her acting prowess as a grown-up in the drama-thriller series “<a href="http://whatliesbeneath.abs-cbn.com"><strong><u>What Lies Beneath</u></strong></a>,” where she portrayed young Louisa---a role that stood apart from her previous characters and revealed a different side of her as an actress.  </p><div> </div><div><strong>Jana Agoncillo </strong></div><div><br/></div><p>Jana Agoncillo began appearing on television at the early age of 6, but it was in 2014 that she made her main cast debut in “<strong>Dream Dad</strong>,” where she played Baby, the daughter of Zanjoe Marudo’s character in the series.  </p><p>Following this, she starred in several shows, including “<strong>Ningning</strong>” in 2015 as the lead star, and “<strong>Starla</strong>” in 2019 as Stella, where she became well-known to audiences for her excellent portrayals.   </p><p>After a few years away, now a teenager, Jana made her acting comeback in 2023 through “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/cantbuymelove/articles-photos/meet-the-cast-of-cant-buy-me-love-16410"><strong><u>Can’t Buy Me Love</u></strong></a>,” where she played young Bettina Tiu, and in 2024 with “<a href="http://abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/lavenderfields"><strong><u>Lavender Fields</u></strong></a>” as Mira---more serious roles that perfectly suited her age and growth as an actress.  </p><div> </div><div><strong>Krystal Mejes </strong></div><div><br/></div><p>Did you know that “<a href="http://pbb.abs-cbn.com"><strong><u>Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Collab Edition 2.0</u></strong></a>” housemate Krystal Mejes was once a child star who captured our hearts? At a young age, she had already fulfilled her dream of becoming an actress. Her first major role was in the 2015 drama series “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/2025/10/29/throwback-photos-of-julia-montes-with-her-doble-kara-daughters-krystal-mejes-and-myel-de-leon-0140"><strong><u>Doble Kara</u></strong></a>,” where she played Becca, the daughter of Julia Montes’ character.  </p><p>Later on, she starred in several Kapamilya teleseryes, including “<strong>Nang Ngumiti Ang Langit</strong>” in 2019 alongside fellow child star Miguel Vergara, “<a href="http://abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/lavenderfields"><strong><u>Lavender Fields</u></strong></a>” in 2024 as Myrtle, and most recently “<a href="http://whatliesbeneath.abs-cbn.com"><strong><u>What Lies Beneath</u></strong></a>” as young Erica. </p><p>As Krystal continues to balance her personal life and showbiz career, she never fails to impress us with her acting skills. The Kapamilya actress is currently one of Kuya’s housemates in “<a href="http://pbb.abs-cbn.com"><strong><u>PBB Collab 2.0</u></strong></a>,” and fans expect to see more of her acting prowess once she returns to the outside world.  </p><p>These Kapamilya stars prove that real talent knows no age, and their journey reminds us that true artistry grows stronger with time.</p>

<p>From child stars to lead stars, here are 5 of our beloved Kapamilya child stars who have grown and secured their place as today’s leading actors.</p>

From child stars to lead stars, here are 5 of our beloved Kapamilya child stars who have grown and secured their place as today’s leading actors.