Throughout our lives, we’ve probably been asked many times if we’re happy with our name or what name we’d most like if we had the chance. It might be impossible for ordinary people to change their name on the fly, but not for celebrities who could just choose any name they wanted.
While there are some whose aliases are derived from their real names, there are others who have pseudonyms that are completely different from their birth names. And in this Kapamilya Snaps feature, let’s see which category the celebrities listed here fall into.
Vice Ganda
From being a stand-up comedian performing in comedy bars to being a guest on various television programs, Vice hosted three of the most successful ABS-CBN shows viz It’s showtime, Good evening, ViceAnd Everyone, sing!which made her one of the most popular and influential celebrities in the local entertainment scene.
In a June 2022 episode of the Noontime show, the Unkabogable star revealed the origin of his stage name. She explained, “‘Vice’ is from ‘Viceral,’ given to me by my parents. This ‘Beautiful’ from God was given to me.”
But as we all know, behind the fame and fortune is the humble Jose Marie Viceral, affectionately called “Tutoy” by her close family and friends.
Andrea Brilliant
Considering she continues to shine like a diamond, there’s no doubt that “Brilliant” is a fitting last name for Andrea. While her avid followers certainly know that it isn’t actually her birth name, not many know how her pseudonym came about.
In contrast to her absolutely feminine appearance, the High school Star actually has a male-sounding real name, which is Ramona Anndrew Blythe Daguio Gorostiza. She used to be referred to as “Blythe Gorostiza” in the beauty pageants and early shows she appeared in, but management suggested her a stage name that she could easily remember if she wanted to do her first headlining project Annalize In 2013.
In an exclusive interview with Star Magic in 2016, she revealed that “Andrea” is derived from her real first name “Anndrew,” while “Brillantes” comes from her grandmother.
Coco Martin
The former indie actor has definitely come a long way as he is currently one of the biggest stars in the country, with hugely successful series like Batang Quiapo of the FPJ as one of them. “Coco Martin” may have been a household name, but many are still surprised to learn that he is actually Rodel Nacianceno in real life.
When his best friend Vice Ganda asked how he got his name during his stay Good evening, Vice When he was a guest in 2014, he revealed that it was a given to talent manager Ed Instrella, who derived it from the names of international singers Coco Lee and Ricky Martin.
He was initially hesitant to accept it as he felt it was “Parang hindi seryoso”. Parang pinag-trip-an lang.” But he finally agreed to it out of respect for the esteemed star maker.
Julia Montes
Those who grew up in the early 2000s know that Julia was one of the series’ pioneers Goin’ Bullitt. Although she’s been in the industry since 2001, she had to wait about a decade before getting her first big break with the 2010 remake of the classic soap opera Mara Clara.
And after being given her real name, Mara Schnittka, she became known as “Julia Montes” since her starring role in this series. In her Crisis TV In an interview in 2015, she shared that it was actually management that gave her the award. Basically, it’s because her last name is difficult to pronounce and spell, while her first name could cause confusion among viewers since her namesake was played by Kathryn Bernardo and she was Clara.
Dimple Romana
Dimples began her acting career in the late 90s and has been in the industry for around 25 years. Although she uses her real last name, it appears that the The Iron Heart Star has not yet revealed how her showbiz first name came about. For now, we’re just assuming it’s because of the cute dimples that appear on her cheeks when she smiles.
Angel Locsin
In her two decades on the local entertainment scene, Angel has gained an enormous loyal fan base through her starring roles in a number of hit TV dramas and films. And she dedicates all her victories to her loved ones, especially her beloved daddy Angelo, who, according to her, is actually the real “angel”.
However, we can say that her stage name is also derived from her birth name, which is Angelica Locsin Colmenares.
Jessy Mendiola
Another celebrity who uses her nickname and middle name as a showbiz alias is Jessy, whose full name is Jessica Mendiola Tawile. We can say that the actress is now the proud mother of baby Isabella Rose and her wife I can see your voice Host Luis Manzano is indeed lucky to get a name that suits a beautiful and shining star like her.
Charlie Dizon
Although she was already credited as “April Matienzo” in her early film appearances, namely “Finally Found Someone” and “Seven Sundays”, which is derived from her real name April Rose Dizon Matienzo, she was still asked to change her name no ring.
In an exclusive media interview he said Pieces of paradise Star revealed that it was actually ABS-CBN top executive Charo Santos-Concio’s idea to use a unisex name, which she fully agreed with because she “also likes names that are suitable for both genders” . And in the end they ended up with Charlie, which is indeed a perfect fit.
Bela Padilla
While we probably all thought that she was related to the Padillas on her father’s side, it turns out that Bela is actually related to them on her mother’s side, as her mother Meg is actually a niece of their matriarch Eva Cariño. But considering how successful she is currently as an actress and filmmaker, it’s safe to say that she’s earned the right to use the name in her showbiz name.
Although we don’t know exactly how she came up with her stage name, which is completely different from her real name Krista Elyse Hidalgo Sullivan, as well as her first stage name Krista Valle, which she used in 2008 as part of Star Magic Batch 15, in a media interview however, in 2022, she claimed that it simply gave her more confidence.
Kiko Estrada
Just in case you don’t know, Kiko was actually born into the famous Ejercito/Estrada clan, who have been in show business and politics for decades. He is the son of former actress Chesca Diaz and former ’90s matinee idol Gary Estrada. And since he’s obviously proud of his paternal lineage, he also used his grandfather’s showbiz surname, Estrada.
However, we couldn’t help but wonder where “Kiko” came from since his birth name is Jason Joseph Francis Carlos Diaz Ejercito.
Kyla
Possessing an angelic magnificence and a soulful voice, we all agree that her name really suits her. However, many people are not yet aware that this mononym is neither her nickname nor a part of her real name, Melanie Hernandez Calumpad-Alvarez.
In a media interview in 2002, the “Queen of RnB of the Philippines” revealed that she actually used her real first name when she was still doing solo performances in the late ’90s to early 2000s. Until record producer Chito Ilacad gave her the name “Kyla,” which, according to her story, was easier to remember and had a stronger impact.
Vina Morales
Those who have followed her career surely know that her work as a chorister in a parish church in Cebu served as her springboard into show business. Their potential was initially discovered by the priest and songwriter Father Dr. Fritz Malinao, who also encouraged then nine-year-old Sharon Magdayao to perform as a performer for his song entry titled “Paglaum” at the 6th Cebu Pop Music Festival.
During this time, her paths crossed with entertainment executives Mina Aragon and Vic del Rosario, who gave her the opportunity to become a singer and actress. In a media interview in 2020, she said that along with the contract, she also gave them the stage name “Vina Morales”, which was derived from the first name of her daughter, who had already died at the time. The “Morales,” on the other hand, had no history to speak of, as they could only think of a last name that would go well with their first name.
Eric Gonzales
From a young Probinsyana who once only dreamed of making it into show business, Erich has already come a long way and is now one of the most famous actresses of her generation.
And those who have witnessed her journey are surely aware that in addition to the huge awards and her career in showbiz, she also received a new name after her triumphant appearance in the second season of Star Circle Quest. Since her real name, Erika Chryselle Gonzales Gancayco, is pretty lackluster, her talent scout mentors had agreed to let her use “Erich Gonzales” instead.
Which of these real celebrity names surprised you the most, Kapamilya?
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