Claudine: Teleserye Queen

Author: Malaya
Column: Entertainment

Claudine Margaret Castelo Barretto has been in the public eye for more than half her life, and she?s made the most of it, becoming a certified box-office star, an award-winning actress, an in-demand celebrity endorser, and one of the most iconic faces of her generation.

Despite beginning her career in such light fare as "AngTV" and "Home Along Da Riles," Claudine is known as the "Teleserye Queen" for a very good reason ? the mega hit "Mula sa Puso" marked the first time Filipino soaps went head-to-head in terms of quality and pacing with Mexican telenovelas, and her remarkable acting in her role as the central character Olivia was one of the key ingredients in making "Mula sa Puso," and its subsequent movie version, such a memorable hit. From there on, hit after hit followed for Claudine: her role as triplets in "Saan Ka Man Naroroon"; another dual role as a woman from the 1800s who dies tragically, and her modern-day incarnation in "Saan Ka Man Naroroon"; a modern girl searching for love in the weekly series "Buttercup"; a mermaid who longs to be a human in the groundbreaking fantaserye "Marina"; and a strong-willed woman searching for justice and her lost sister in "Ikaw Ang Lahat Sa Akin."

Even her movie hits are remarkable. From essaying supporting roles opposite such megastars as Sharon Cuneta and Maricel Soriano in "Madrasta" and "Soltera," Claudine quickly graduated to become a star on her own in such movies as "Dahil Mahal na Mahal Kita," "Got 2 Believe," "Kailangan Kita," "Milan," "Nasaan Ka Man," "Dubai," and 2006?s biggest hit, "Sukob."

All in all, her movie roles have netted her many nominations in awards derbies, with three Best Actress awards going to her from the Star Awards ("Nasaan Ka Man"), the FAMAS Awards ("Milan") and the Luna Awards ("Milan"). She was also named Box Office Queen in 2003. Claudine has always been blessed on TV, as well. In 1999, Claudine appeared on the shortlist for Best Television Actress in the Asian TV Awards, the Star Awards hailed her as the Best New TV Personality, while Parangal ng Bayan graced her with the Best Young Actress award. In 2003, the Star Awards gave her another honor by naming her its Best Female Variety Show Host.

Off the big screen, it seems Claudine?s leading a charmed life, as well. Married since March, 2006 to fellow actor Raymart Santiago, and already a mother to adopted daughter Sabina, Claudine is expecting her firstborn very soon.

With "Walang Kapalit," ABS-CBN?s newest drama, the "Teleserye Queen" is again aiming higher as she takes an even more adult role as Melanie, a woman whose life becomes complicated by her love for her stepbrother Noel (Piolo Pascual). "Walang Kapalit" marks a reunion for Claudine and Piolo. Wenng Deramas directs.

Source: Malaya