Shaina Magdayao

Early life

Shaina Garcia Magdayao was born on November 6, 1989, in Quezon City, Philippines to Enrique Magdayao of Cebu and Deanne Magdayao of Padada, Davao del Sur. She is the youngest of four siblings, including singer-actress Vina Morales. Magdayao attended high school at the UST Angelicum College in Santo Domingo, Quezon City.

Career

1995–2002: Early work and breakthrough

Magdayao's first film appearance was a supporting role in Campus Girls (1995) which stars her sister Vina Morales. At age 7, Magdayao made her television debut in the series Lyra which premiered in April 1996 under GMA Network. The show won "Best Daytime Drama Series" while Magdayao won "Best New TV Personality" at the 10th PMPC Star Awards for Television. The following year, she transferred to ABS-CBN and appeared in the show Kaybol, Ang Bagong TV. The same year, she played Jennifer Matias in the drama series Mula sa Puso. In 1998, she appeared in two films Pagdating ng Panahon and Hiling, where she stars with Camille Prats and Serena Dalrymple. In 1999, she starred in the fantasy film Wansapanataym: The Movie with Christopher de Leon, Angel Aquino and Serena Dalrymple. The same year, she reunited with Camille Prats and Serena Dalrymple in the afternoon series Marinella.

In 2000, Magdayao was cast in the family drama Tanging Yaman as Carina. Her performance was met with critical acclaim, winning Most Popular Child Actress at the Box Office Entertainment Awards, Best Child Actress at the FAMAS Awards, and Best Performance at the Young Critics Circle, while the film became a success at the Philippine box-office with total earnings of over ₱167 million. The following year, she appeared in two television shows: Sa Dulo ng Walang Hanggan and Ang TV 2. In 2002, she starred the film Mga Batang Lansangan...Ngayon with an ensemble cast and played a supporting role in Ang Agimat: Anting-anting ni Lolo. The same year, she played Violeta Garcia in the afternoon weekend show K2BU with Bea Alonzo and Pia Wurtzbach. She then released her self-titled debut album Shaina under Star Records.

2003–2010: Continued film and television appearances

In 2003, Magdayao was cast as Seven Montecillo in the comedy film Ang Tanging Ina. The film was a box-office success, becoming the highest grossing Philippine film of all time at that time with earnings of nearly ₱180 million. She continued making appearances in television through sitcoms Bida si Mister, Bida si Misis and Ang Tanging Ina (TV series) where she reprised her role as Seven. In 2005, she played Hazel Gerochi-Fontanilla in the drama series Ikaw ang Lahat sa Akin. Magdayao made appearances in a number of anthologies in 2006. She starred in several episodes of Komiks the first being the lead roles Agua and Bendita. She next appeared in Your Song, Love Spell and Star Magic Presents. In 2007, Magdayao starred as Selene in one of the most expensive Philippine television shows, Rounin and topbilled her first film in four years opposite Rayver Cruz titled Happy Hearts.

The same year, Magdayao appeared in two more films Katas ng Saudi and Bahay Kubo: A Pinoy Mano Po!, which were official entries at the Metro Manila Film Festival. In 2008, she played Gabby Dizon in the fantasy drama series Lobo. The series marked Magdayao's first ventured into mature roles. It was followed by the series Dragonna where she played the titular role. It also marked the first time she portrayed a superhero character. The series received 15.2% TV ratings upon its premiered, becoming the fifth most watched TV show. The same year, she reprised her role as Seven Montecillo in the sequel Ang Tanging Ina N'yong Lahat. The film broke numerous records at the Philippine box-office, grossing ₱200 million. In 2009, she starred alongside Maja Salvador, Jake Quenca and Geoff Eigenmann.

The same year, she starred with Melissa Ricks in the fantasy drama series Kambal sa Uma. The show dominated its timeslot, averaging 24.9% ratings from April 19–25. She also made a guest appearance in the finale episode of the series May Bukas Pa. Magdayao had three releases in 2010. She starred with an ensemble cast in the family drama Sa 'yo Lamang. Writing for Philippine Entertainment Portal, Elvin Luciano praised Magdayao's ability to "portray intense emotions." She then appeared in two films which were entries at the Metro Manila Film Festival. She starred in another horror film in the franchise Shake, Rattle and Roll XII. For the fourth time, she reprised her role in the comedy film Ang Tanging Ina Mo (Last na 'To!).

2011–2023: Critical acclaim

Magdayao starred in two television shows in 2010. She played Maribel Dela Fuente in the romantic drama Rubi. She next played the titular role in her first solo lead role Alyna, based on the PHR pocketbook Dominic. Due to the overwhelming reception, the show, which was initially scheduled to conclude in November 2010, was extended until February 2011. The series became the No. 1 daytime soap opera throughout its run, becoming one of the most successful Precious Hearts Romances titles. Magdayao continuously appeared in numerous episodes of Maalaala Mo Kaya, notable for her performances in the episodes "Picture" and "Tubig". Magdayao appeared in three films in 2013. She played a supporting role in the crime thriller On the Job. Magdayao's next role in 2013 was in Cathy Garcia-Molina's comedy drama Four Sisters and a Wedding. The film was well-received at the Philippine box-office, earning ₱120 million in its first two weeks. For her portrayal, she won Best Supporting Actress at the Gawad Pasado Award alongside Angel Locsin, Bea Alonzo and Toni Gonzaga.

Her final film appearance in 2013 was a supporting role in the supernatural horror Pagpag: Siyam na Buhay. For her performance, she was nominated for Best Supporting Actress at the Metro Manila Film Festival. Magdayao also played a supporting role in the fantasy drama Juan dela Cruz. In 2015, Magdayao returned to primetime block through the Christian drama Nathaniel. According to Kantar Media, the series ruled its timeslot, receiving 42% TV rating for its series finale episode. The series also received a nomination for Best Family Program at the New York Festivals World's Best TV & Film. For her portrayal, she was nominated for Bsst Drama Actress at the PMPC Star Awards for Television. In 2016, Magdayao was introduced as Lucia Cristobal in the season 2 of the drama The Story of Us. The same year, she starred in two films. She played as a communication coach named Billie Pono in the political romantic comedy My CandiDate alongside Derek Ramsay and Iza Calzado. She next played a supporting role in the suspense thriller Dukot. The film was shortlisted by the Film Academy of the Philippines as one of the contenders to represent the Philippines at the Academy Awards. For her performance, Magdayao received her first nomination at the Luna Awards for Best Supporting Actress.

The following year, Magdayao returned to Kapamilya Gold afternoon block through the drama The Better Half. According to Kantar Media, the series registered its highest national TV rating of 18.3% in September 8, 2017, beating its timeslot rival Haplos with only 13.7%. In 2018, Magdayao starred in the action drama Asintado with Julia Montes, Paulo Avelino and Aljur Abrenica. The show drew consistent viewership on throughout its run and achieved its highest TV rating of 19.9% in its finale episode, beating its timeslot rival My Special Tatay with only 11%. For her performance, she received a nomination for Best Drama Supporting Actress at the PMPC Star Awards for Television. The same year, she played Lorena Haniway in Lav Diaz's acclaimed Season of the Devil. Magdayao has represented the film in numerous film festivals around the world such as Tokyo International Film Festival, Berlin International Film Festival, and Festival Internacional de Cine Cartagena de Indias. For her performance, she received a nomination for Best Supporting Actress at the FAMAS Award.

In 2019, Magdayao reunited with director Lauv Diaz in the dystopian drama film The Halt. The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in May 22, 2019 and was only one of the two other Asian films selected to compete at the festival. She returned to television through the daytime drama Nang Ngumiti ang Langit. In late 2019, Magdayao starred in the horror series The Haunted with Jake Cuenca and Denise Laurel. According to Kantar Media, the show achieved its highest TV rating of 24%, ahead of its timeslot rival Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko with 21.8%. In 2020, Magdayao reunited with Coco Martin in the action drama Ang Probinsyano, where her role was initially intended as guest but was later extended until the show’s finale. The same year, she reprised her role as Gabby in the prequel Four Sisters Before the Wedding in a cameo appearance. In December 2022, Magdayao returned to the musical variety show ASAP after eight years. A mainstay of the show, she had dance segments such as "Supah Dance" and "MASH" with Maja Salvador. Magdayao appeared in two films in 2023. She played as Esmeralda Stuart in Lauv Diaz's Essential Truths of the Lake which premiered at the Locarno International Film Festival in Switzerland. She next played a supporting role in Brillante Mendoza' s Apag. The film competed at the first ever Summer Metro Manila Film Festival. In October 2023, she made a guest appearance in the romantic drama Can't Buy Me Love where she played the mother of Belle Mariano' s character, Divine Almazan.

2024–present: Established actress

Magdayao returned to primetime and was cast in the family drama Pamilya Sagrado. As one of the jury of the 23rd New York Asian Film Festival at Film at Lincoln Center, she represented the Philippines as part of the uncaged competition.

Acting style and reception

Often dubbed as the "Empress of Drama" for her acclaimed acting performances across film and television, she has been described by critics as "one of the finest actresses of her generation." Filipino director Joe Carreon praised Magdayao's acting prowess in the film Mga Batang Lansangan... Ngayon. Kathryn Bernardo also praised Magdayao's professionalism in the film Pagpag: Siyam na Buhay, where they both first worked together. Critic Gerry Plaza praised Magdayao's portrayal of an OFW in an episode of Maalaala Mo Kaya, saying: "Shaina Magdayao gave a portrayal that should make you remember her for a long time, a legacy that will place her in a different league among her peers." The success of her daytime soap operas have also earned her the moniker "Kapamilya Gold Queen", among them include Kambal sa Uma (2009), Precious Hearts Romances Presents Alyna (2010), Kung Ako'y Iiwan Mo (2012), The Better Half (2017) and Asintado (2018).

Magdayao was featured in Yes! Magazine's Most Beautiful Stars list in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2014, and 2016. Among the products she endorsed include Bench, Coca-Cola, Calayan, Cose Bags and Accessories, Charmee, Freshlook and Ystilo Salon. In 2023, she was chosen as the first celebrity endorser of IVO Water Purifier. Magdayao has also graced the covers of numerous lifestyle, fashion and men magazines such as Cosmopolitan, Metro Magazine, Mega Magazine, Preview Magazine, Candy Magazine, Meg Magazine, Chalk Magazine and Seventeen Magazine. FHM ranked Magdayao at No. 28 in their annual list of the Philippines 100 Sexiest Women in 2008.

Other activities

Business ventures

In 2020, Magdayao initially launched a bag business "Ultimate Garment Bag" that expanded into a lifestyle brand "Organized Chicas" in 2022. This include shoes, linen dresses, accessories and blazers, and home accessories. She stated that the materials used in their products were locally sourced to show support to Filipino craftmanship.

Philanthropy

Shaina Magdayao works with diverse NGO's and orphanages such as Hospicio de San Jose and St. Luke Reach Out Foundation. In 2014, using her own funds and donations from her friends in and out of the show-business, she went to remote Typhoon Yolanda-stricken towns and brought relief goods to those who were affected. On her recent trip to Italy in 2015, she stayed in a convent at San Giovanni Rotondo and served children with terminal illnesses.

In 2013, Magdayao joined the PETA campaign, Free Mali. Mali is the only captive elephant in the Philippines; residing at Manila Zoo where she is alone, in a tiny enclosure and in need of adequate care. The campaign focus is to have her moved from the zoo to Boon Lott's Elephant Sanctuary.

Personal life

From 2008 to 2012, Magdayao was romantically involved with high-profile personalities such as actors John Prats and John Lloyd Cruz. In 2024, she also continues romance with Piolo Pascual.

Acting credits

Television / Digital series

Film

Awards and nominations

Discography

Notes

References

References

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