Social media recently exploded with jokes and witty banter centered around local singers with “no surnames.”
Singers with mononym stage names like Nina, Kyla, Sitti, Karylle, and Jaya all became subjects of funny memes, with people attaching hilarious made-up surnames.
Netizens for example dished out hilarious name puns to go with Nina's name like (Ina) Raymundo, (Tina Paner), (Dina) Bonnevie, and (Ina) Magenta, among others.
Bossa nova singer, Sitti, meanwhile, gamely joined the fun and shared a funny story of how she almost dated actor-model, Jon Hall.
“Hindi talaga pwede kasi kung sakaling magkatuluyan kami, magiging Sitti Hall pangalan ko! Kaya hindi talaga pwede,” Sitti hilariously recalled telling her friend.
Of course, there are a couple of reasons why some celebrities don't use surnames to go with their stage monikers.
One of the reasons is to establish a strong recall, making it easier for fans and the public to remember the name.
If played right, it can be a good marketing ploy to gain attention and make a mark in the minds of the audience.
And using mononym stage names is not new in local show business, particularly in the music scene.
So with that said, here are some hit-makers and performers from the past who didn't have surnames attached to their stage personas.
Maria Luz Lilet Navarro Jodloman, or Lilet, popularized the '80s hit songs “Kaibigan Lang Pala,” “Kahit Bata Pa,” “Kay Palad Mo,” and “Tulak ng Bibig, Kabig ng Dibdib.”
She eventually made a comeback and appeared on GMA shows including 'My Special Tatay,' 'Magpakailanman,' and 'Dear Uge.'
One of OPM's most respected singers is born Maria Teresa Magdalena Abellare Llamedo.
Dulce, whose titles include “Asia's Diva" and “Theme Song Queen,” is known for her many hits including her signature track, “Ako Ang Nasawi, Ako ang Nagwagi.”
The Pinoy folk icon's real name is Florante de Leon. Some of his hits were “Handog,” “Ako'y Pinoy,” and “Pinay.”
The '80s hit-maker produced the memorable hits “A Friend,” “Leaving Yesterday Behind,” and “Wish,” among others.
He also dabbled into acting, appearing in the teen action flick, 'Ninja Kids,' released in 1986.
Keno, whose full name is Joaquin Francisco Sanchez, co-hosted past GMA shows including the noontime program 'Lunch Date' and 'That's Entertainment.'
The good-looking singer eventually relocated to America in the early 90s, leaving behind a successful showbiz career here in the Philippines.
Before the likes of Charice Pempengco, there was Banig, whose full name is Josephine Roberto.
Banig impressed viewers when she joined 'Ang Bagong Kampeon' before taking her talents in 1989 to the American TV talent competition 'Star Search.'
She won in the contest's junior category and decided to stay in the U.S. to pursue an international career.
Let's face it, no one really knows what the E stood for when Andrew E first emerged into the music scene.
Unlike Francis M (Magalona), Andrew E was a total unknown when he got his mainstream break.
The rapper, whose full name is Andrew Ford Valentino Espiritu, entered the public consciousness in style with his massive hit "Humanap Ka Ng Panget" in 1990.
The country's “First lady of rap” is one of the pioneers of hip-hop in the local scene back in the early '90s.
The “Sa-sa-saddam” singer's real name is Dyan Villavicencio. And while not exactly a mononym stage name, the lack of a distinct last name makes Lady Diane one of the trailblazers in this field for female performers.