Sharon Cuneta
The Megastar

Sharon Gamboa Cuneta on January 6, 1966, Shawie (as she is lovingly called), the daughter of Elaine Gamboa and Pablo Cuneta (late former mayor of Pasay City), first made a splash (and not just as the child of a prominent family, but on her own) when, at 12, she sang Mr. DJ (it led to her first album, DJ’s Pet).  By the time she turned 15, when she was aired with future ex-husband Gabby Concepcion for Viva Films’ Dear Heart, she never looked back.

The success – and what made her an icon – came, mainly, from the repackaging of Cuneta as the “rags to riches” type; actually the complete opposite of the truth that she was raised in an influential rich political family.  After Dear Heart, Cuneta’s movies include P.S. I Love You (1991), Bukas Luluhod ang Mga Tala (1985), Pati Ba Pintig ng Puso (1985), Sana’y Wala Nang Wakas (1986), Pasan Ko Ang Daigdig (1987), Babangon Ako’t Dudurugin Kita (1989), Una Kang Naging Akin (1991), Madrasta (1996), and Crying Ladies (2003).

For her portrayals, her acting awards include Best Actress Awards from the Film Acdemy of the Philippines for Sa Hirap At Ginhawa (1984) and Madrasta (1997); FAMAS for Dapat Ka Bang Mahalin (1984); and Brussels International Independent Film Festival for Crying Ladies (2003).

Aside from memorable api-apihan portrayals (something gays can easily identify with), Cuneta also made a name as a singer – her and her breathy singing, which long served as her trademark.  Albums include the soundtracks of her films (e.g. Bituing Walang Ningning and Sana’y Wala Nang Wakas); Sharon Sings Valera; Sharon Sings Duets; 25 Years, 25 Hits; Now That You're Gone; Sharon Sings Alcasid; and Sharon Cuneta: Vicor 40th Anniversary.

And then there’s her TV career, her musical-variety show, T.S.C.S. (The Sharon Cuneta Show) one of the longest running television shows in the Philippines (1986 to 1997, and now changed to Sharon).

Other life highlights?  She had a daughter with Concepcion (Maria Kristina Cassandra or KC), whom she separated with, eventually.  And in 1996, she married former senator Francis Pangilinan (they have two children, Simone Francesca Emannuelle, and Mariel Daniella Sophia).

Why, again, is the 2004 Ten Most Outstanding Men of the Philippinesne '(TOYM) Awardee an icon?  Ask any Sharonian (her fanatics), and they will ask in return: Who can ever forget “I was never your partner, I was just your wife!” or “Guta-gutay na ang katawan n’yo; pati kaluluwa n’yo, gutay-gutay na rin,” among others.

And they are right, of course.