It's been 20 years since GMA-7 launched Pinoy Pop Superstar.
Launched in 2004, the show was the network's first original singing competition, whereas before it only aired blocktimer shows with similar content.
Having an original show discovering singing talents from around the Philippines allowed GMA-7 to grow its stable of homegrown singers.
Hosted by Regine Velasquez, Pinoy Pop Superstar was a hit that ran for three seasons and produced artists who not only recorded iconic theme songs for Kapuso teleseryes, but also went on to become big names in the industry.
Some of these talents remain active and under the stable of GMA-7, while there are others who decided to explore opportunities outside the network.
There are some who left the limelight and now work behind the scenes, while others have decided to live a private life outside showbiz.
PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) presents 13 Pinoy Pop Superstar contenders from different seasons and what their life has become years after they joined the contest.
JONALYN VIRAY
Jonalyn Viray, the last semi-finals winner of Pinoy Pop Superstar, was the first grand champion of the Kapuso reality show.
During the contest, she was known for her own renditions of Patti Austin’s version of “It Might Be You” and Whitney Houston’s “Run To You.”
After winning the contest, Jonalyn recorded the song “Close To Where You Are” and several theme songs for GMA-7 shows, including Darna, Bakekang, Faithfully, and My Husband’s Lover.
Jonalyn’s life story was also featured in Magpakailanman, where she was portrayed by Ciara Sotto.
Jonalyn also became part of the singing trio La Diva with fellow Pinoy Pop Superstar finalists Aicelle Santos and Maricris Garcia.
In 2016, Jonalyn decided to leave GMA-7 and transfer to ABS-CBN, where she was relaunched as Jona.
As Jona, she recorded several theme songs for movies like Barcelona: A Love Untold and My Ex & Whys, and for teleseryes Pusong Ligaw, Ngayon at Kailanman, and Init sa Magdamag.
Jona is currently an artist of VIVA Music.
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BRENAN ESPARTINEZ
Before Pinoy Pop Superstar, Brenan was already known to the masses as Agatom of the kiddie show Sineskwela.
As a teenager, Brenan became part of the pop group Kaya, which recorded the song “Tara Tena” with Kyla and V3 in 2000. The song won the Himig Handog Para Sa Kabataang Pilipino in the same year.
In 2004, Brenan pursued a solo career when he joined Pinoy Pop Superstar where he placed first runner-up. He was known for his versions of “Everytime I Close My Eyes” and “Home.”
He then became a regular performer of SOP. After this, he focused on becoming a vocal coach and voice talent.
More recently, Brenan became exposed again to mainstream media when he joined two reality competitions: Tawag ng Tanghalan in 2019 and Battle of the Judges in 2023.
Brenan now serves as a vocal coach for several artists. One of his most recent projects was the concert headlined by Julie Anne San Jose and SB19’s Stell Ajero, Ang Ating Tinig.
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CHARMAINE PIAMONTE
Charmaine Piamonte was known for her rendition of Fantasia Barrino’s “I Believe” and Lara Fabian’s “I Will Love Again,” which became her contest pieces during the grand finals of Pinoy Pop Superstar held at Araneta Coliseum.
Unfortunately, being sick at the time of the grand finals could have affected Charmaine's performance, and she was eliminated before the final round. This was depicted in her Magpakailanman episode, where she was portrayed by Yasmien Kurdi.
But even if she did not win the contest, Charmaine still landed a spot as a regular performer in SOP and even headlined a musical-themed episode of GMA-7’s horror program Wag Kukurap with Brenan Espartinez.
However, projects dwindled for Charmaine, and this led to her exit from showbiz.
Now, Charmaine is happily living a private life. She and her husband recently celebrated their first wedding anniversary.
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MICHAEL ANTHONY GARCIA
Michael Anthony Garcia was the first Pinoy Pop Superstar to meet the minimum requirement to be a grand finalist, which was to win for four consecutive weeks during the semi-finals.
He was known for his version of “If You’re Not The One” by Daniel Bedingfield.
Michael had a short stint in SOP and his life story was also featured in Magpakailanman, with JC de Vera portraying him in the show.
Michael then moved back to his hometown in Iligan City and took up a career in radio. He has been a radio DJ named Mico Moto in YES FM Iligan since 2019.
Based on his Facebook post, Michael is now based in Malaysia.
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KRISTEL ASTOR
Kristel Astor was the second grand finalist of Pinoy Pop Superstar’s first season. She was known for her rendition of “If You Don’t Know Me By Now.”
After the grand finals, Kristel did not pursue a career in showbiz. However, she kept on performing at gigs and singing engagements.
In 2023, Pinoy Pop Superstar viewers were amused by Kristel's short reunion with Jona, with Jona even asking her to sing on the video.
Based on Kristel’s Facebook posts, she now enjoys a private life but still does covers every now and then.
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GERALD SANTOS
Gerald Santos was the grand champion of the second season of Pinoy Pop Superstar. One of his pieces in the final battle was his rendition of Martin Nievera’s “Kahit Isang Saglit.”
After winning Pinoy Pop Superstar, Gerald became a part of SOP and also had acting stints, including the primetime series I Luv NY with Jolina Magdangal. Just like other contestants from the show, his life story was also depicted in Magpakailanman where he played as himself.
In 2010, Gerald decided to transfer to TV5 and became part of the Kapatid shows P.O.5 and Hey It’s Saberdey.
Gerald also entered the world of theater, headlining the musicals Sino Ka Ba Jose Rizal, San Pedro Calungsod: Teen Saint at Seventeen, and San Pedro Calungsod: The Musical.
In 2016, he got the role of Thuy for the international tour of Miss Saigon, where he performed the character 533 times.
Three years later, Gerald played Anthony Hope in Atlantis Theatrical’s staging of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, which was staged in 2019 at The Theater at Solaire in Manila, and in 2020 at the Singapore Marina Bay Sands Theatre.
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AICELLE SANTOS
Aicelle Santos placed first runner-up in Pinoy Pop Superstar’s second season. She became a grand finalist after winning for eight weeks during the semi-finals, the maximum number of weeks a champion can defend her place.
Aicelle was known for her version of Whitney Houston’s “All The Man That I Need” and Michael Jackson’s “Man In The Mirror.”
After the show, Aicelle became a regular performer on SOP and Party Pilipinas. She was also given assignments to sing theme songs for GMA-7 shows, including the second theme songs of Bakekang and Impostora, and the OSTs of The Rich Man’s Daughter, Ika-6 na Utos, Tadhana, Haplos, The Stepdaughters, Bilangin ang Bituin Sa Langit, and Unica Hija.
Some of her hit songs include “Ikaw Pa Rin” and “Kapangyarihan ng Pag-ibig.”
She also became part of the trio La Diva with Jonalyn Viray and Maricris Garcia, where they recorded the theme songs of GMA-7 shows Gaano Kadalas Ang Minsan, Ang Babaeng Hinugot Sa Aking Tadyang, Rosalinda, and Basahang Ginto.
Even after the group was disbanded, Aicelle and Maricris continued singing together OSTs for GMA-7 shows Adarna and Beautiful Strangers.
Aicelle also had acting stints in the shows Buena Familia and Impostora.
In 2013, Aicelle tried out theater and became part of the musicals Katy!, Rak of Aegis, Maynila sa Kuko ng Liwanag, and Himala: The Musical, to name a few.
She also had an international stint after playing Gigi in Miss Saigon UK Tour.
In 2019, Aicelle married journalist Mark Zambrano. In the same year, she recorded the inspirational theme song of StarStruck titled “Fight for You.”
Now, Aicelle continues to headline the Sunday musical variety show All-Out Sundays.
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HARRY SANTOS
Harry Santos was the first grand finalist of Pinoy Pop Superstar season two, and was known for being the Josh Groban of the season.
Harry had a short showbiz stint after being part of the grand finals until he decided to lead a private life.
Based on his Instagram account, Harry now enjoys traveling and spending time with his family.
In 2023, Harry appeared on TV again when Pinoy Pop Superstar graduates had a reunion on Family Feud.
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RONNIE LIANG
Ronnie was the eighth grand contender of Pinoy Pop Superstar’s second season, after defending his place for four consecutive weeks.
However, during his fifth qualifying week in the contest, host Regine Velasquez announced that he would no longer participate in the grand finals.
He was disqualified after violating a rule in the waiver that says no contender should have an existing contract with another manager.
Ronnie accepted the decision and admitted the mistake in an interview with Showbiz Central.
However, the disqualification did not end Ronnie’s dreams as he was able to join ABS-CBN’s Pinoy Dream Academy. While he did not win the contest, Ronnie was still able to make a name for himself.
One of his popular songs was “Ngiti,” which was a radio hit and became the theme song of ABS-CBN’s Hiram na Mukha starring Heart Evangelista. He also had a short acting stint in I Love Betty La Fea.
In 2010, Ronnie transferred to GMA and became a performer in Party Pilipinas.
In 2021, during the pandemic, Ronnie was a regular JukeBoss of TV5’s Sing Galing.
At present, Ronnie is now a licensed private pilot and a Philippine Army first lieutenant. He also founded the Ronnie Liang Project Ngiti Foundation Inc., which provides assistance for the needy, particularly children with cleft lip and cleft palate.
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DARYL ONG
Daryl Ong was a contestant in the second season of Pinoy Pop Superstar. However, he did not make it to the grand finals.
Years later, Daryl joined another reality singing competition search that would catapult him into stardom, The Voice of the Philippines season two as part of Coach Apl De Ap’s team.
After his stint in The Voice PH, Daryl was given a spot in ASAP as a singer. He also recorded hits, including his versions of “Ikaw Na Nga,” “Stay,” and “Basta’t Kasama Kita.” Later, he became part of the singing trio BuDaKhel with Bugoy Drilon and Michael Pangilinan.
In 2020, before the pandemic, the BuDaKhel trio started appearing in GMA-7 shows such as Eat Bulaga! and Wowowin. In June that year, Daryl published a post claiming that he was banned from appearing in ABS-CBN shows after an alleged leaked recording where he and Bugoy were heard talking about the network’s franchise renewal.
Since then, Daryl has appeared as a guest in Kapuso shows like All-Out Sundays and Tiktoclock.
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MARICRIS GARCIA
Maricris Garcia was the grand champion of the last season of Pinoy Pop Superstar.
After her win, she recorded her first OST—“Nang Dahil Sa ‘Yo”—the official theme of Mga Mata Ni Anghelita.
She also recorded the love theme song of MariMar titled “Mahal Kita,” which became the title of her first solo album, and “Kung Sana Bukas,” the OST of Babangon Ako’t Dudurugin Kita.
Maricris then joined fellow PPS graduates Jonalyn Viray and Aicelle Santos to form the group La Diva. Together, they recorded the theme songs of Gaano Kadalas Ang Minsan, Ang Babaeng Hinugot Sa Aking Tadyang, and Rosalinda. They also released their versions of “Angels Brought Me Here” and “Stand Up For Love.”
When La Diva was disbanded, Maricris continued recording OSTs for GMA-7 shows, including the theme songs of The Half Sisters, Destiny Rose, Sinungaling Mong Puso, Bihag, Dragon Lady, Magkaagaw, Love of My Life, and the Kapuso longest-running drama series Abot-Kamay Na Pangarap.
Maricris also had acting stints in the Kapuso drama series Mga Basang Sisiw, Yagit, MariMar 2015, My Love From The Star, and Asawa Ko, Karibal Ko.
In 2016, Maricris walked down the aisle with husband TJ Cruz. Four years later, in 2021, she gave birth to their first child, Adiah Denise. She even recorded a song for her daughter, “Nang Ika’y Dumating,” which later became the theme song of the afternoon drama series The Seed of Love.
Maricris occasionally appears in All-Out Sundays, among other Kapuso TV programs.
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BRYAN TERMULO
Bryan Termulo was Maricris’ first runner-up in the third season of Pinoy Pop Superstar.
After his occasional appearances in Kapuso shows, Bryan joined the World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) where he earned a silver medal.
In 2011, Bryan decided to move to ABS-CBN where he did acting appearances in the shows Budoy, Wansapanataym, Maalaala Mo Kaya, Huwag Ka Lang Mawawala, and Dream Dad.
He also recorded the love theme songs for the Kapamilya shows Walang Hanggan, Dahil sa Pag-ibig, Kung Ako’y Iiwan Mo, Juan Dela Cruz, Ina Kapatid Anak, and Honesto.
After his stint in ABS-CBN, Bryan had a quiet career, occasionally releasing singles in the years that followed.
In January 2020, Byran decided to move to the United States where he tried his luck as a singer. However, the pandemic hit, which halted his career.
In the same year, Bryan had a cryptic post on Twitter where he sympathized with Daryl Ong after he claimed that he was banned from ABS-CBN. However, when a netizen asked for Bryan’s story, he said that he did not want to share it anymore.
Two years later, in 2022, Bryan would still thank ABS-CBN for being his home, praying that it will still be given its franchise. He also released a digital single titled “Heart That You Break.”
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JENNIE GABRIEL
Before she broke into the masses as the Angel Locsin impersonator in It’s Showtime’s “Tawag ng Tanghalan,” Jennie Gabriel was first known as Jennie Escalada, a grand finalist in Pinoy Pop Superstar season three.
As she did not win the title, Jennie still tried her luck in other competitions, including Eat Bulaga! and then in It’s Showtime in 2016.
Jennie did not only impress the judges with her singing skills in “Tawag ng Tanghalan” that she became an 8-time defending champion, she also entertained them by imitating Angel Locsin’s way of speaking. Apparently, she also performs this impersonation in her gigs.
This talent earned Jennie guest appearances in ABS-CBN shows like Celebrity Playtime, Doc Ricky Pedia, and Umagang Kay Ganda, as well as the GMA-7 show Wowowin.
In 2020, Jennie tried her luck again in joining the music industry by joining the Kapuso reality singing competition The Clash, where she placed first runner-up.
After The Clash, Jennie signed a contract with Sparkle GMA Artist Center and became a regular performer in All-Out Sundays.
She also had acting stints in the shows Tadhana, Wish Ko Lang!, I Left My Heat in Sorsogon, and Unica Hija.
She also performed the official theme song of the afternoon drama Las Hermanas.
