There are plenty of Filipino celebrities who started out as child stars. For decades, this has been a popular stepping-stone or career path for those who wish to become a famous TV or movie star, or maybe a known recording artist in the Philippines.
Some see it as a way to a better life, while some kids simply develop a liking for acting or singing at a very young age.
There are also children who are exceptionally talented actors and singers and are the epitome of the cliché phrase “born to be a star.”
A number of Pinoy child stars have also found sudden fame as young sidekicks of protagonists in comedy and action films and TV series.
While some also skyrocketed to fame by winning talent competitions or kids' beauty pageants in TV shows.
Certainly, there are many ways on how kids can make their way to Philippine showbiz.
And there are also many different paths that child stars can take once they've officially become TV and movie stars or singing sensations.
There are those who enjoy longevity in showbiz and are blessed to take on different projects over the course of their careers.
Others are blessed to have a big fandom and become a superstar, which also means they get to enjoy countless projects, endorsement deals and big paychecks.
And there are also some who end up leaving the limelight and starting a new career in a different field that's far from the glitz and glamour of showbiz.
Can you remember some of the Pinoy child stars you used to see on TV, movies and concerts? Ever wondered where they are now and what they've been up to?
Well, you are about to find out just that. Discover where some of the famous Pinoy child stars are now in the gallery below.
BJ 'Tolits' Forbes became a household name after joining "That's My Boy" of 'Eat Bulaga' in 2003. In fact, he became a mainstay in the longest-running noontime show. Now, BJ is a father to baby girl named Janella Forbes, her daughter with partner Jane Jimenez.
Meryll Soriano's first movie project was 'Rocky Plus V,' which she did when she was just six years old. She is the daughter of 'Wowowin' host Willie Revillame and Bec-Bec Soriano, who is the sister of veteran actress Maricel Soriano. Now, Meryll is a mom of two. She recently welcomed her son with current partner, actor Joem Bascon. Meryll's firstborn, Elijah, is her son with her ex, actor Bernard Palanca.
Then: Multi-awarded child actor including Best Child Performer in the 1988 Metro Manila Film Fest and 1989 FAMAS
Now: A family man with two kids and works as motivational speaker and executive of a training company.
Then: Face of a popular fast-food commercial
Now: Serena just turned 30 on September 7, 2020. She also recently left her job at ViacomCBS as Manager (Procurement COE) in August 2020 and is ready to take on the next chapter in her life.
Then: Trina of the 1995 movie 'Batang X'
Now: Anna Larrucea got married to Robbie Pangilinan in 2013 and reportedly gave birth to a baby boy named Andrew Ryder in 2014.
Then: Known for her 'Goodbye, Carlo' TV commercial in the early '90s
Now: A mother to 11-year-old daughter Elliana and a yoga enthusiast
Then: Sambag of the 1996 fantasy film 'Magic Temple'
Now: Junell Hernando is married to a foreigner. They are blessed with four kids.
Then: 'StarStruck Kids' Ultimate Female Survivor in 2004
Now: Sam now works as a Security Consultant in a cyber security services and consultancy company.
Then: 'StarStruck Kids' finalist in 2004
Now: An active volunteer of a non-profit organization
Then: 'StarStruck Kids' Ultimate Male Survivor in 2004
Now: Kurt is now based in Australia
Then: Finalist in 'Eat Bulaga's Little Miss Philippines
Now: Corporate Services Responsibility Associate at PTT Philippines Corporation
Remember the cute friend of Princess Sarah (Camille Prats) named Lottie? Well, little Lottie is all grown up now. Her real name is Ani Pearl Aquino. In 2018, she was reunited with Camille in the latter's birthday episode on 'Mars.' Ani Pearl pursued her acting career and has recently performed in theatrical plays and TV commercials.