Allyzza Kay Trinidad

CHIUwenty Years: Kim Chiu revisits the iconic milestones of her two-decade showbiz career

Article (news)

Kyla Dennise Magbanua

<p>It has been a remarkable 20-year journey for Kim Chiu as she celebrates two decades in showbiz. Dubbed the “Chinita Princess,” Kim has charmed audiences and captured hearts with her exceptional acting and hosting skills. From noontime to primetime, she has remained a beloved figure among Kapamilya viewers. </p><p>On June 3—her exact showbiz anniversary—Star Magic released a YouTube exclusive in which Kim takes a trip down memory lane, revisiting where it all began, the milestones of her career, and the highs and lows of her journey in “CHIUwenty Years of AdvenCHIUres with Kim.” </p><p>Everything started for Kim when she joined “Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition” in 2006. Nostalgia set in as she looked back at photos from The Big Night, where she garnered more than 60% of the votes to emerge as the Big Winner. Reflecting on that moment, she said, “Eto ‘yung mga panahon na boboto ka pa sa 2366. Wala pa talagang social media, mga online votings.” She described the experience as the stepping stone to a successful career she never imagined lay ahead. </p><div><br/></div><div><iframe width="916" height="543" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vZBzcFFdgds" title="CHIUwenty Years of AdvenCHIUres with Kim" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br/></div><p>Her “PBB” stint opened countless doors. In 2007, she starred in her first teleserye, “Sana Maulit Muli,” alongside her loveteam partner Gerald Anderson, where she played Jasmin “Poknat” Sta. Maria. Kim recalled undergoing acting workshops to prepare for the role and receiving guidance from co-star Glydel Mercado throughout the series. “And the rest is history of the teleseryes I have today,” Kim affirmed. </p><p>That same year, beyond her acting projects, Kim also ventured into the music scene as a recording artist. She released her debut studio album, “Gwa Ai Di,” which featured the Chinese song “Peng You,” a track she had previously performed inside Bahay ni Kuya. Kim recalled holding sold-out mall tours to promote the album, which eventually earned Double Platinum status.</p><p>A shift from her usual teleserye roles came in 2012 with “My Binondo Girl,” where she played Jade Dimaguiba, a character who disguised herself as a man. Recalling the experience, Kim shared, “Then eto maraming prosthetics, naka-wig, tapos sa Binondo kami.” For her, portraying Jade was both fun and challenging, making it one of her most memorable experiences on set. </p><p>Kim also starred in films that remain memorable to audiences today, including the 2012 supernatural horror film “The Healing,” where she portrayed Cookie. She expressed her delight in working with the Star for All Seasons, Vilma Santos, and recalled one of their intense scenes together.  </p><p>In 2015, she appeared in the romantic drama “Etiquette for Mistresses” as Ina Del Prado, a role she considered the beginning of her transition to more mature characters, as Ina was morally gray. Kim also fondly remembered the bond she formed with co-stars Cheena Crab, Iza Calzado, Claudine Barretto, and Kris Aquino. </p><p>The Kapamilya star is likewise known for her 2015 OPM hit “Mr. Right” from the EP “Chinita Princess,” which Kim herself described as “iconic.” She revealed that she personally conceptualized the music video from start to finish. The EP eventually achieved Double Platinum status, marking another milestone in her career. </p><p>The 2020s added more significant chapters to Kim’s journey. From occasionally guest co-hosting “It’s Showtime,” she became a regular host in 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. She described the experience as surreal, while also highlighting her Magpasikat performances.  </p><p>In 2024, her acting was once again recognized when she won Outstanding Asian Star at the Seoul International Drama Awards for her performance in the series “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/linlang2023/articles-videos/10-gigil-scenes-made-us-despise-kim-chiu-in-linlang-22551" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>Linlang</u></strong></a>.” </p><p>A recent highlight showcasing Kim’s kind heart came in 2025, when she donated construction materials to help rebuild homes for residents of Cebu following the earthquake. “Nandun kami nito for the taping ng ‘The Alibi.’ Habang nagta-taping kami, lumindol talaga at humati ‘yung floor sa harap namin,” Kim recalled.  </p><p>Emotions ran deep as Kim reminisced about the beginning of her journey and the experiences she has endured. For her, life is truly a mystery box—you never know what awaits.  </p><p>“Nakakasurprise ‘yung life kung saan ka niya dadalhin. Magpadala ka na lang and never give up,” she said, ending with a reminder to enjoy life and fully embrace its ups and downs.  </p><p>Kim currently stars in the romantic thriller drama “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/the-alibi" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u><em>The Alibi</em></u></strong></a>” as the feisty yet determined Stella Morales, showcasing a different side of her and further proving how much she has grown as an actress over the years. </p><p>Catch “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/the-alibi" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u><em>The Alibi: Ang Buong Katotohanan</em></u></strong></a>” weeknights at 8:45PM on ABS-CBN sa ALLTV2, A2Z, and Kapamilya Online Live (KOL). Episodes drop seven days ahead on <a href="https://app.iwanttfc.com/dFR6MWHAcVb" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>iWant</u></strong></a>. </p><div> </div><div><strong>More on this story: </strong></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/2026/4/14/from-bold-to-bubbly-kim-chiu-s-delightful-behind-the-scenes-energy-in-the-alibi-0454" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>From bold to bubbly: Kim Chiu&#x27;s delightful behind-the-scenes energy in “The Alibi&quot;</u></strong></a></div><div><br/></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/linlang2023/articles-videos/from-chinese-cutie-to-chinita-princess-the-stellar-showbiz-journey-of-kim-chiu-21467" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>From “Chinese Cutie” to “Chinita Princess”: The stellar showbiz journey of Kim Chiu</u></strong></a></div><div><br/></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/articles-photos/throwback-the-cast-of-my-girl-14896" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>Throwback: Kim Chiu as Jasmine in “My Girl” (2008)</u></strong></a></div><div><br/></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/linlang2023/articles-videos/10-gigil-scenes-made-us-despise-kim-chiu-in-linlang-22551" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>10 ‘gigil’ scenes that made us despise Kim Chiu in “Linlang The Teleserye Version”</u></strong></a></div><div><br/></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/2025/3/7/from-nene-tamayo-to-fyang-smith-all-the-big-winners-of-pbb-0100" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>From Nene Tamayo to Fyang Smith: All the Big Winners of PBB</u></strong></a></div>

<p>Kim Chiu revisits her iconic career milestones, and the highs and lows of her journey, for her 20th showbiz anniversary.</p>

Kim Chiu revisits her iconic career milestones, and the highs and lows of her journey, for her 20th showbiz anniversary.