March 12, 2006 was a victorious day for Marky Cielo, who bagged the First Ultimate Sole survivor title in GMA-7's StarStruck: The Nationwide Invasion.

That night, his showbiz career officially began as well.

During the search, Marky's dancing skill was already noted by choreographer Douglas Nierras.

The odd thing though was that the Best Male Dancer award was given to Vivo Ouano.

But in the end it was the favorite son of Mountain Province who became the famous dancer in their batch.

Marky got his first acting break via Bakekang, where he was paired with Lovi Poe and which was aired on September 11, 2006.

Prior to this project, he played the role of Arman in Encantadia: Pag-ibig Hanggang Wakas. He was the son of Sapiro King Ybrahim (Dingdong Dantes) and Heran Odessa (Pauleen Luna).

Marky with the cast of Bakekang. It was on December 1, 2006 that his character was killed.

Goodbye Bakekang, hello Asian Treasures.

Marky was given a more substantial role in Asian Treasures as Mateo Madrigal.

Here, he was in a deep discussion with Elias Pinaglabanan (Robin Padilla) and Gabriella Agoncillo (Angel Locsin).

It was this project that made him realize he was better at action than drama.

In this photo, Marky shared a light moment with (from left) Robin, Caridad Sanchez, Glaiza, and Angel.

Marky became the love interest of Stef Prescot (second from right) and Glaiza (third from right).

The cast also included other StarStruck alumni—(seated from left) Kiko Junio, Mart Escudero, and Aljur Abrenica; (second row, from left) Rich Asuncion, Kris Bernal and Jesi Corcuera.

Marky's show ended last January 13, 2008 and had a total of 31 episodes.

It was also aired in 8TV Malaysia and KBS2 in South Korea.

Zaido: Pulis Pangkalawakan gave Marky his first and last main role in the primetime block of GMA-7.

He portrayed the role of Alexis (or Zaido Green), the one and only hero in the original version.

The most admired space sheriff of the kids—Marky as Zaido Green or Disciple of Goodness; Dennis Trillo as Blue Zaido or Gallian, the crowned prince of planet Nalax; Aljur Abrenica as Zaido Red or Guardian of Freedom.

The TV series first aired on September 24, 2007, and ended last February 8, 2008.

As rumors have it, "Shaider" was solely intended for Marky, with Kris playing the role of Annie.

But in June 2007, it was announced that the project was shelved, and eventually, it became Zaido: Pulis Pangkalawakan.

After Zaido, Marky returned to the afternoon viewing slot as Eric Valderama in Kaputol ng Isang Awit.

He got to work again with Glaiza (second from right) and Lovi (second from left). The project also gave him the chance to work with Jolo Revilla (left).

StarStruck's roster of winners became Marky's closest friends in showbiz...

(From left) Kris, Marky, Mark, Mike, Ryza, Mart, and Jewel.

...especially the guys!

(From right) Mike Tan, Mart, Aljur (partly hidden) and Mark (front) became his buddies onstage, online for network gaming, and in real life.

Kapuso Network became Marky's home during his two-year stint in showbiz.

And he also got to update his fans about the latest in his life via GMA-7's mobile service Fanatxt.

Last August 30, Marky made time for the 5th anniversary dinner of Fanatxt.

With Glaiza during the inauguration of GMA-7's new building on the night of October 17, 2008.

The lady, along with Lovi Poe, was Marky's perennial screen partner.

On December 7, 2008, Marky Cielo's dance routine was forever put into a halt. The dance hearrthrob made an abrupt exit, which shocked and saddened his fans.

But the music will keep on playing in our heads and his moves will always be remembered.

Goodbye, Marky Cielo.