Since its inception in 2004, StarStruck has catapulted numerous fresh faces into the local film and TV scene. The competition series has served as a platform for many individuals to show off just what their made of, in hopes of being crowned as the "Ultimate Survivor." Below, we round up 9 of today's most beloved celebrities who first popped up on our screens as hopefuls on the reality show.
9 actresses who got their start as "StarStruck" contestants:
1. Jennylyn Mercado
Season 1 Ultimate Female Survivor
Audiences first fell in love with Jennylyn Mercado when she was just a small-town 16-year-old on the very first season of StarStruck. She went on to win the competition alongside her original romantic lead, Mark Herras. Now a tenured host, actress and singer, Jen's eagerly expecting her first child with real-life love team partner Dennis Trillo.
2. Yasmien Kurdi
Season 1 First Princess
Another finalist from the show's inaugural season was Yasmien Kurdi, who earned the title as the Philippines' Pop Sweetheart after her appearance. Since then, the actress has taken on the roles of Mira in Encantadia and of Salve Dizon de Leon in Babangon Ako't Dudurugun Ka, two of the most memorable characters in the history of local television.
3. Cristine Reyes
Season 1 Avenger
Since participating on the show almost two decades ago, Cristine Reyes has gone on to prove just how much her caliber as a performer has improved. She's become a blockbuster actress, a magazine vixen, and most importantly, a doting mom to her mini-me, Amarah.
4. LJ Reyes
Season 2 First Princess
LJ Reyes' podium finish on the show's second season was only the beginning of her blooming career. In 2016, she received the Gawad Urian award for Best Actress for her performance in Ang Anino sa Likod ng Buwan. LJ's also quite the fashionista; just check out her OOTDs from New York Fashion Week last year.
5. Megan Young
Season 2 Avenger
Before she became the first ever Filipina to win Miss World, Megan Young started out as an Avenger on Starstruck's second season. We might see her name in a movie's credit sequence one day, not as a cast member, but as a director or screenwriter. ICYDK, Megan's currently taking up filmmaking at the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde.
6. Arci Munoz
Season 3 Avenger
The absolute powerhouse that is Arci Munoz first popped up on our screens as a contestant on the show. Her resume has gotten pretty beefy since 2005, as she is a rock band vocalist and a Philippine Air Force sergeant alongside being a beloved actress.
7. Kris Bernal
Season 4 Ultimate Loveteam
Paired up with Mart Escudero, Kris Bernal won a title on the competition's fourth season and quickly became a primetime TV star. Beyond acting though, Kris has made a name for herself as an entrepreneur, and as a vlogger.
8. Sarah Lahbati
Season 5 Ultimate Female Survivor
Sarah Lahbati's victory as her season's Ultimate Female Survivor proves she's always been a femme fatale. Her vixen-like looks, impeccable sense of style, and firm dedication to being Zion and Kai's mom are reasons enough to adore her.
9. Ivana Alawi
Season 6 Top 22
Before there was social media sensation Ivana Alawi, there was 18-year-old Mariam Al-Alawi on the 2015 edition of StarStruck. It's safe to say that even without winning the show, the sensual star has made a huge name for herself, with millions of followers watching her every move.
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