Many of the most popular celebrities nowadays are born and raised in big cities where they are currently making a name for themselves in the showbiz industry and have hit it big time. Others were born into families of famous actors and musicians and never knew anything else.
However, some celebrities and personalities found their way to the limelight and superstardom from obscure beginnings in regular small towns that most people have never heard of. They went to regular schools, lived ordinary lives, and did normal things -- until they've hit the jackpot and became stars.
This list proves that where a person starts does not determine where they end up, and no matter where a person is from, all it takes is a little hard work, talent, determination, a lot of luck to wind up tantalizing the masses in both big and small screens.
Take a look at all the probinsyanos and probinsyanas that stayed true to their roots in this gallery:
The Kapuso Primetime Queen first starred in TV commercials. Before entering show business, Marian was actually a medical student taking up BA in Psychology in DLSU Dasmariñas. In an interview with Rhea Santos in Tunay na Buhay, Marian’s college professors shared some of the star’s good qualities during her younger years. They enumerated, “Mabait naman po. Magalang. Masipag magaral." Additionally, her lola Fransisca also attested to their observations. She explained, that even before, Marian has always been independent and responsible.
Despite the many challenges she had to face to make it to the top, the true-blue Caviteña never gave up and eventually landed the lead role in the Philippine adaptation of Marimar. She elaborated in her interview with Rhea Santos, "[Naisip ko,] ‘bakit ako.’ Alam kong pinagdasal ko ito, sumimba kami sa Quiapo nila lola ko, hiniling ko ‘yun, binigay naman sa akin.[Minsan nasasabi ko sa sarili ko,] parang, ‘wow, artista ako, hindi ako makapaniwala, kilala nila ako.’ Eh, probinsyana ako eh.”
Now a household name, Nora is still active in showbiz. She is now in GMA Telebabad's ‘Little Nanay’ as Annie Batongbuhay. As Bicolanos are known to be sweet and friendly, the superstar herself is engraved in the hearts of Pinoys for her approachable image, especially towards her loyal fans.
Nora Aunor is notably known for her famous line “Walang Himala!” Crowned as the Philippine Cinema’s Superstar, she captured the heart of the Filipinos with her impressive portrayals in several 1960’s to 1990’s movies. Born in Iriga, Camarines Sur, Nora practiced her singing in the province where she first learned the song “The Way of a Clown.”
Like most Cebuanos, Enrique Gil is also into performing. The triple threat is known to be a good singer, a versatile actor, and an excellent dancer.
Enrique Gil enrolled in musical theater workshops and even tried commercial modelling, mostly due to boredom. He eventually took the craft more seriously, and finally landed a role in a TV drama.
As Bicolanos are known to take full responsibility in earning financial support for their family while also putting high importance on education, Wally did both with enough effort and determination. He is now known as Lola Nidora in ‘Eat Bulaga’s Kalyeserye.’
The Naga-born comedian finished his studies at the Ago Foundation College, initially wanting to become a doctor, the now ‘Eat Bulaga’ host opted to take up the school’s Radiologic Technologist course instead to graduate earlier. After graduation, Wally found out about his love for performing. He became a part of the band Mixed Nuts, where he was able to sharpen both his singing and comedic timing skills. The actor was eventually discovered by the “King of Comedy Bars” Andrew De Real. Come the year 2000, Wally finally became a part of the ‘Eat Bulaga’ family.
Kapampangans are known to be religious, so it's no surprise to see Sheena staying true to her faith until now. The Christian actress recalled getting offers to do proactive love scenes and to endorse a cigarette or alcoholic brand, but the first thing she asked herself is if it was pleasing to God. Now, Sheena still leans towards more wholesome roles, such as her portrayal of April Rose Vergara in Destiny Rose.
The young Sheena Halili attended Sunday School as a child. The Kapampangan also remembers initially praying for a spot in the first edition of? ?'Starstruck.' She? ?recalled during her testimony at Christ in You church’s Evangelistic Service last 2012: “[Nag-pray ako na mapasama sa] Top 60. [Tapos] napasok ako sa Top 60.” She then prayed for a spot in Top 30, then Top 14. When she finally made it, she told God that even if she’s the first one to be eliminated, she’ll gladly accept it. However, the 'Starstruck' survivor made it further than last place, she recalled: “Natangal ako pang lima, sinabi ko kay Lord kahit una na ako, [pero] pang lima pa akong natangal sa 14.”
Alden was probably really destined to portray his kababayan Jose Rizal. The actor played the role for the historical TV drama Ilustrado. The portrayal also bagged him the Best Drama Actor at 29th PMPC awards. Nowadays, Alden is also busy with his various endorsements and as Maine Mendoza's love team in ‘Eat Bulaga's Kalyeserye.’ But even with his immense popularity, Alden is still known for staying humble despite his well-earned success.
Laguna, the homeland of our national hero Jose Rizal is also the Pambansang Bae’s birthplace. Even at a young age, people already took notice of Alden’s good looks. His lola Erlinda recalled, "Pag namamasyal kami sa mall, lalapit 'yung mga tao, sasabihin doon sa mommy niya, pwede po ba humalik sa anak niyo?” While some would ask, "Bakit hindi ka mag-artista?" Eventually, despite being timid, the young Alden Richards still joined school plays and even gained confidence after winning various pageants.
From hit movies to platinum albums, Regine is already at the prime of her career, but her simplicity still shines through even today. Now the wife of singer-songwriter Ogie Alcasid, and the mom of the adorable Nate Alcasid, Regine opted to live a humble life even now that she's a well-established celebrity. Plus, if you look at her Instagram account, you'll see that it's mostly filled with her son’s cute antics!
At a young age, Regine Velasquez already joined several singing competitions back in Bulacan. But her music career started when she won ‘Ang Bagong Kampeon,’ a singing competition that hailed the now Asia’s Songbird as their grand champion in the year 1984.
Elyson is still as hyper as ever! During one of his interviews, being the pilyo kid that he is, reporters even commented on the 16-year-olds natural sense of humor. And like most Cebuanos, he was also able to showcase his talent in singing and dancing, mostly during his stay in the competition.
‘Starstruck’ Season 6’s First Prince Elyson de Dios was just an ordinary high school student in Cebu before auditioning for the reality show. The showbiz newbie was discovered when he was spotted as a candidate in his school’s Mr. Intrams competition. He also stated that if he didn’t join 'Starstruck,' he would have pursued basketball instead. In an interview with the press during 'Starstruck' Season 6’s Final Four announcement at GMA Network, Elyson elaborated: “Gusto ng daddy ko, ng papa ko po, na maging basketball player po ako. Kasi dati gusto rin niya pero walang nagpro-provide sa kanya. So I want to continue his dreams po.”
In Kris Aquino’s self-titled morning talk show, Kim once talked about her roots and how the Cebuana’s faith strengthened because of her mom: "Ako ang lagi niyang kasama [magsimba.] Ilang beses na akong pumunta ng Manaoag. I always go there kapag may time. Hindi naman lahat [ng hinihiling ko,] pero halos lahat ay natutupad. Kapag natupad siya bumabalik ako doon to say thanks, to light a candle and to offer mass."
If Kim Chui didn’t win the teen reality show that paved way to her blossoming career, she would have opted to be a businesswoman instead. She modestly said in her 2006 audition video, "Gusto ko po patunayan sa sarili ko na kayang kaya ko lahat ng task na papagawa sa akin. Gusto ko maging artista, gusto ko makita sa TV, kasi gusto ko mapatunayan sa magulang ko, sa auntie ko, sa mga tao, na may talent ako. [Pero kung hindi ako makakapag-artista,] mag businesswoman na lang ako."
Like his kababayans, Carrot Man was well-received by the public not only for his visuals, but also because of his diligence when it comes to work. Due to the buzz he created, Jeyrick travelled from Bauko, Monamon Sur Mountain Province to Manila, and was even featured in GMA programs such as ‘Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho,’ ‘Wowowin,’ and ‘Sunday Pinasaya.’
Jerick Sigmaton, more popularly known as Carrot Man, took the web by storm when tourist Edwina T. Bandong shared the internet sensation’s eye-catching photos online. Netizens immediately took notice of the Carrot farmer’s good looks.
Going to barangays during ‘Eat Bulaga’s All for Juan, Juan for All’ segment, the simple Bulaqueña was nothing less but “game na game” even while going door-to-door in crowded areas under the sun’s scorching heat.
Before the phenomenal rise of ‘Eat Bulaga’s Kalyeserye’ love team, AlDub, the other half of the duo was first an ordinary culinary student. Now most notably known as Yaya Dub, the Bulaqueña rose to stardom after her Dubsmash videos went viral, making way for her entrance in the noontime variety show ‘Eat Bulaga.’ In one of her blog entries, Maine recalled her office girl days. She wrote, “Apparently, I had so much free time in the office. One time, I had the whole office to myself without anything to do. I got bored scrolling through different social media sites. (Which I didn’t think was even possible) And at that moment, Dubsmash was a hit…. The rest is history.”
Singer/comedian Nar Cabico revealed in his interview on 'Tunay na Buhay' that he was born in a far-flung island of Lamitan, Basilan on September 16, 1990. Nar is the youngest out of his three siblings.
Nar has been part of several Kapuso shows like 'Beautiful Strangers,' 'Superstar Duets,' 'My Love From The Star' and 'The One That Got Away.'
Morena beauty queen Ariella Arida is proud that she hails from the Southern Tagalog province of Laguna. Her family lives in Alaminos, but she was born in San Pablo. Both her parents worked as elementary school teachers.
Ariella won in the 2013 Miss Universe pageant, where she finished 3rd runner-up. She was also a co-host of Willie Revillame in 'Wowowin.'
Kapuso actor Dion Ignacio hails from the province of Laguna before starting his career in show business. In an episode of 'Eat Bulaga's Bawal Judgmental, Dion shared that showbiz columnist Leo Bukas discovered and asked him to audition for a contest before eventually landing a spot to join 'StarStruck.'
Though he did not bag the Ultimate Male Survivor in 'StarStruck,' Dion Ignacio's showbiz career took off after playing the leading man to Yasmien Kurdi in 'Sine Novela's “Saan Darating Ang Umaga?” Currently, he is starring in the hit GMA Afternoon Prime series 'Magkaagaw.'
Kapuso actress Joyce Ching is a loud and proud probinsyana hailing from the province of Bulacan. Her showbiz career started after luckily bagging a spot in GMA's acting workshop when she was a kid.
She told in 'Eat Bulaga's Bawal Judgmental episode, “Galing akong Bulacan, tapos pupunta ako sa lola ko sa Makati. Sa sobrang traffic sa tapat ng GMA, as in di gumagalaw yung kotse, sinabi ko sa parents ko na mag-audition na ako. Nung una ayaw nila pumayag pero dahil sa sobrang traffic, pinayagan nila ako at nagpunta kami sa audition.”
Since then, Joyce Ching started her television career when she joined 'Bubble Gang Jr.' and made dozens of TV and print ads, and even played a series of young roles. Her big break was when she landed a role as the young Shirley in GMA's remake of 'Endless Love' and appearing in the teen romance series 'Reel Love: Tween Hearts.'
Before being one of the regular hosts of 'Eat Bulaga,' Paolo Ballesteros auditioned for many TV and print ads that meant having to leave his family in Cabanatuan from time to time.
He recalls in an episode of Bawal Judgmental, “Nag-start ako ng mga 18 years old at nakita ako ng pinsan ko sa probinsya kasi nga taga-Cabanatuan kami. Sabi niya bakit 'di ako mag-commercial model. Siyempre, 'di ko naman alam kung paano tapos nung nag-college na ako, na-realize kong gusto ko mag-commercial model.
“So lumuwas ako sa Manila, ayun nag-audition na ako at ginalingan ko na lang sa acting. So sa pag-stay ko sa Manila na dapat one week lang, naging two weeks. After nun naging self-sustaining na ako. Nung bata pa ako gusto ko nang maging artista. “
Paolo Ballesteros is one of the regular hosts of the longest noontime show 'Eat Bulaga' since 2001. He is also renowned for his various impersonation of female and male artists and has earned international acclaim for his makeup skills.