How does one “mother”? For the uninitiated, the slang term “mother” describes someone who starts trends from ground zero and leaves everyone else taking notes. A mother serves. A mother slays. To use the term in a sentence, as both a noun and verb: “Oh, she’s mother — she’s truly mothering, I could never mother like her.” In short — a mother is a star who excels, and it is a huge honor to be deemed as such.
Any fan of Philippine film and TV knows that the local industry has its fair share of mothers. An elite group of Filipina actresses are so exceptional in their craft, delivering memorable performances again and again, that they’ve earned their own monikers: The Queen of All Media, The Star for All Seasons, The Megastar, just to name a few. These women have transcended mere stardom, becoming the benchmarks for the industry. Their roles go far beyond the screen, shaping culture and reflecting the complexities of Filipino life.
With that, we revisit some of Philippine entertainment’s greatest Mothers (with a capital M!) and explore how their careers shaped the country’s cultural landscape.
Vilma Santos
Vilma Santos, a.k.a. The Star for All Seasons, is a cultural icon whose career spans over six decades, leaving an indelible mark on Philippine entertainment. Santos famously played the warrior-superhero Darna in four films, starting with Lipad, Darna, Lipad! Her filmography also boasts diverse roles in classics like Anak and Dekada ‘70. On television, she captivated audiences in her ‘80s variety show Vilma in Person, otherwise known as VIP. Recently, Santos starred in the 2024 revenge thriller Uninvited as the vengeful gatecrasher Lilia.
Why she mothered so hard: The star’s die-hard fans (a.k.a. Vilmanians) love her for her intense acting style, commanding presence, and impeccable delivery of killer monologues. Who could forget her iconic role as Josie the overseas Filipino worker in Anak, when she threw her bratty daughter Carla (a very young Claudine Barretto) around the sala in a heated fight? Or when she took on the very controversial role of burlesque dancer Virgie Nite in the drama Burlesk Queen? With so many iconic moments peppered throughout her acting career, Santos’ enduring appeal sets her apart from the rest of the film industry.
Paolo Ballesteros
This diva! Paolo Ballesteros, a Filipino actor, comedian, and drag queen, is best known as the host of the reality series Drag Race Philippines and as the starring role of LGBT comedy-drama Die Beautiful. Ballesteros is also a long-time co-host on the noontime show Eat Bulaga!, a role which established him as a comedic household name across the country.
Why he mothered so hard: “Pagod na ko sa pagiging kontesera. Wala namang narating ang mga susong ‘to.” This is just one of Ballesteros’ many iconic lines from Die Beautiful, where he plays transgender woman Trisha, who suddenly dies after being crowned winner of a gay beauty pageant. Ballesteros has built a career out of blending comedy with gravitas, effortlessly switching between humor and heartache with every role. Whether acting or hosting, Ballesteros masters the art of balancing sass and sincerity, making him a true powerhouse who mothers in every role he takes on.
Cherie Gil
As “La Primera Contravida” in both Philippine cinema and television, the late Cherie Gil is best known for her villainess roles. Gil’s performance as the mean-spirited singing diva Lavinia in Bituing Walang Ningning holds a special place in her fan’s hearts. Another honorable mention is Gil’s role as snake-haired Valentine, the number one arch nemesis of Darna, in Darna: Ang Pagbabalik.
Why she mothered so hard: Performing in over 100 films, series, and theatrical productions, Gil left a lasting legacy as one of the most versatile and unforgettable actresses in Philippine entertainment. And who can forget Gil’s best one-line as Lavinia: “You’re nothing but a second-rate, trying hard copycat.” Enough said!
Dolly De Leon
Although most audiences now know Mother Dolly for her role as cruise-maid-turned-badass-surivor Abigail in the critically acclaimed film Triangle of Sadness, OG fans know that she’s been a staple of Philippine theater, television, and film for years. De Leon started her career in theatrical productions such as The Merchant of Venice, Waiting for Godot, and Medea, among others, before making her cinematic debut in the third installation to the horror anthology, Shake Rattle & Roll. From there, De Leon worked relentlessly to make appearances on both the big and small screen, before finally earning a FAMAS Award for her role as Elsa in the crime drama Verdict.
Why she mothered so hard: Even after so much success, De Leon shows no signs of slowing down. After her Golden Globe-nominated performance in Triangle of Sadness, which pushed the actress into the global spotlight, De Leon immediately took on more international cinematic projects. Recently, De Leon received critical acclaim for her performance as a domineering Jewish mother in the American comedy-drama Between the Temples.
Vice Ganda
Vice Ganda has been a staple of Filipino comedy, noontime television, queer representation, and cinema for so long, it’s hard to imagine a time without her in the spotlight. From raunchy one-liners on the national variety show It’s Showtime to owning the big screen with box-office hits such as Praybeyt Benjamin, The Super Parental Guardians, and the more recent critically acclaimed drama And the Breadwinner Is…, there is truly nothing Ganda cannot do.
Why she mothered so hard: Beyond her award-worthy cinematic performances (Ganda pretty much receives buzz every year at the Metro Manila Film Festival), her sharp wit, fearless humor, and unapologetic authenticity have made her a role model and advocate for national LGBTQ+ visibility. Whether she’s delivering perfectly timed punchlines or slaying fashion looks, Ganda remains a true trailblazing diva.
Nora Aunor
Philippine cinema’s “Superstar” Nora Aunor has cemented her legacy as one of the country’s most important actresses. With 170 films under her belt, she’s known for her bold, transformative performances in films such as Himala, Minsan Isang Gamu-Gamo, and Andrea, Paano ba ang Maging Isang Ina?, which earned her the title of Best Actress in all five of the country’s major award-giving bodies. In 1992, Aunor entered the FAMAS Hall of Fame and earned the 1993 Film Academy of the Philippines’ Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2022, she was awarded the Order of National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts.
Why she mothered so hard: From her raw scream of “Walang himala!” as “miracle” worker Elsa in Himala to her groundbreaking role in T-Bird at Ako as closeted lawyer Sylvia, who finds herself falling for homicide suspect Sabel (Vilma Santos!), Aunor has consistently delivered performances that push boundaries and keep audiences coming back for more.
Judy Ann Santos
Dubbed as The Queen of Philippine Soap Opera, Judy Ann Santos has graced the country’s television screens for more than thirty years. A generation of Filipinos grew up watching Santos star as switched-at-birth twin Mara in the classic teleserye Mara Clara, where Santos went toe-to-toe with her twin Clara (Gladys Reyes) (Side note: Who can forget how our Juday stood her ground when Reyes gave her a hard slap across the face?) Her performances in other teleseryes, particularly Esperanza, Sa Puso Ko Lingatan Ka, and Basta’t Kasma Kita, cemented her status as a dominant force in Philippine television.
Why she mothered so hard: Even though she first made a name for herself in the teleserye world, Santos seamlessly transitioned to acting in dramatic and critically acclaimed films, earning multiple awards and cementing her place as one of the most versatile actresses in the Philippines. Her performances in films such as Mindanao, Ploning, and the more recent Espantaho, showcase Santos’ depth and range as an actress.
Hilda Koronel
Hilda Koronel’s cinematic journey has spanned decades, filled with exceptional roles and legendary collaborations. Her partnership with acclaimed director Lino Brocka yielded masterpieces like the violent drama Insiang, where Koronel’s performance as the vengeful titular character earned her the 1976 Metro Manila Film Festival Best Actress Award. Other major Brocka collaborations include Santiago!, Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang, and Maynila sa Mga Kuko ng Liwanag. Although Koronel has been based in the United States since the early aughts, she recently returned to acting in director Jun Lana’s upcoming gritty historical thriller Sisa.
Why she mothered so hard: “Once, twice, thrice, gaano ba kadalas ang minsan?” Koronel delivered this iconic line in the 1982 drama Gaano Kadalas ang Minsan? where the actress gave a performance oozing in melodrama and heartbreak as Elsa, a woman torn between her husband and best friend. Koronel’s ability to pour raw emotion into her roles, often portraying women navigating complex relationships and intense heartache, has long made her a beloved figure among fans.
Lorna Tolentino
For the past fifty years, Lorna Tolentino has wowed fans with her versatility, from her breakout role alongside the late Eddie Garcia in the Brocka-directed drama Lumuha Pati Mga Anghel to her performance as kontrabida Lily Ann Cortez in FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano. Her leading role as grieving mother Ellen in director Chito Roño’s drama Narito Ang Puso Ko earned her the title of “Grandslam Best Actress,” having won all Best Actress titles from the country’s major award-giving bodies. Recently, Tolentino starred as undead mother Rosa in the 2024 horror Espantaho.
Why she mothered so hard: Whether playing a heartbroken mother in Narito Ang Puso Ko or a fierce antagonist in FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano, Tolentino has consistently delivered standout performances that have earned her the respect and admiration of both critics and audiences.
Ai-Ai delas Alas
As the Philippines’ one and only Queen of Comedy, Ai-Ai delas Alas first gained widespread recognition for her iconic role as modern-day working mother Ina Monticello in the film series Ang Tanging Ina. Beyond the Ang Tanging Ina universe, delas Alas has starred in the superhero comedy Volta and has hosted several shows, including MTB: Ang Saya Saya, Lunch Date, and SST: Salo-Salo Together!, among others.
Why she mothered so hard: Ai-Ai fans can quote some of the comedy queen’ scenes by heart (“Practice makes perfect — then again, nobody’s perfect, so why practice?”) as they’ve become such important parts of Filipino pop culture.
Cherry Pie Picache
The quintessential mother of modern Philippine cinema, Cherry Pie Picache has been stunning audiences for years with outstanding performances in both mainstream and indie films. Her role as temporary foster parent Thelma in the indie pregnancy drama Foster Child established her as a force to be reckoned with, earning her the title of Best Actress at the Dubai International Film Festival. She went on to showcase her versatility in films like the drama Pauwi Na, in which Picache plays the stalwart matriarch Remedios whose family decides to travel from Quezon City to Bicol on a pedicab.
Why she mothered so hard: Picache is so talented, it’s almost terrifying how easily she slips into so many different roles. From playing a devoted wife in Mano Po 4: Ako Legal Wife to a bold burlesque performer in Twilight Dancers, Picache brings depth and authenticity to every character that you can’t help but be captivated.
Sharon Cuneta
The “Megastar” herself has long been a defining force in Philippine entertainment, with a career that spans film, music, and television. Cuneta got her first big break co-hosting the variety show C.U.T.E. alongside her aunt, the actress, Helen Gamboa. She was also the voice behind the karaoke banger “Mr. DJ” at only 12 years old. As an adult, Cuneta became a permanent figure on our television screens as a host of multiple shows, including The Sharon Cuneta Show (one of the longest-running shows of its kind in the country), Sharon, Star Power, and The Biggest Loser Pinoy Edition. Her recent role as influential TV host Miranda (how on the nose!) in the TV series Saving Grace marks Cuneta’s comeback, reinforcing her status as a timeless icon.
Why she mothered so hard: Cuneta has carved a place for herself in local pop culture, becoming a multi-dimensional icon who continues to dominate her chosen fields. Even with her brief semi-retirement from the small screen, Cuneta’s influence on the entertainment scene remains unparalleled.
Jaclyn Jose
The late Jaclyn Jose was a cornerstone of Philippine cinema. Jose made her acting debut in 1984 by starring in provocative films such as William Pascual’s Chicas and Chito Roño’s Private Show, the latter of which earned her a FAMAS Award nomination. She went on to deliver exemplary performances in acclaimed films such as White Slavery, The Flor Contemplacion Story, and Patay Na Si Hesus. On the small screen, Jose made waves in Filipino teleseryes, most notably as the secretive matriarch Magda in Mula Sa Puso.
Why she mothered so hard: Besides the fact that Jose dedicated nearly forty years to the silver screen, the actress earned global acclaim for her performance as Rosa, a sari-sari store owner turned meth dealer in Brillante Mendoza’s Ma’Rosa. Her powerful portrayal led her to win the Best Actress Award at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival, beating Hollywood A-listers such as Charlize Theron and Marion Cotillard.
Maricel Soriano
“Diamond Star” Maricel Soriano has been a dominant force in Philippine entertainment for almost six decades. She made her acting debut in the 1971 comedy My Heart Belongs to Daddy and rose to national fame as Shirley Puruntong on the sitcom John en Marsha.
Why she mothered so hard: Soriano has earned so many accolades for her acting skills over the years, it’s hard to keep track. She earned the title of Best Actress for her performances in films like Mano Po, Ikaw Pa Lang Ang Minamahal, and Babaing Hampaslupa, to name just a few. Even in recent years, her compelling roles in hit series such as The General’s Daughter and Ang Sa Iyo Ay Akin have solidified her place as one of the most celebrated actresses in the country.
