LIST: Pinay Thalia

Jessy Mendiola. Erich Gonzales. Carla Abellana. Marian Rivera.

Mid 90s, (I mean 1990s not 2090s), when Mexican sensation Thalia was a phenomenon in the Philippines. She hit the Filipino fans via Marimar. It is a timeless rags to riches telenovela with high speed pacing, which is something new to the Philippines where drama series run for years.

Marimar, Maria Mercedes, Maria la del Barrio and Rosalinda peaked their ratings at their times. This prompted Philippine Networks to have those telenovelas as launching and relaunching vehicles for the groomed next-prime stars.

1. Carla Abellana. Right straight from commercial modelling, Carla played title lead Rosalinda. Her popularity did quite take off from there. She went on to appear with lead and shared lead roles to forgettable projects. She does not have super hit movies but got the approval of critics an actress in her performances in My Neighbor's Wife and a Shake Rattle en Roll edition. She got nominated for that latter's one episode for her role as tutor at a funeraria, instead of Jennylyn Mercado in her full length epic drama vehicle, Rosario.

Most people may not likely remember her now as Rosalinda because she'll be most recognized as Lally in her most successful teleserye My Husband's Lover.

2. Erich Gonzales. Already a established loveteam from Katorse, Tanging Yaman and small films, Maria La Del Barrio was assigned to Enchong and Erich as adult project. This also ruled on their signature early primetime slot.

 

3. Jessy Mendiola. After appearing in string of lead roles, her network wished to put her on the next level to skyrocket her as one of the network's queens. They thought Maria Mercedes would. The series was cut short, quite unexpected because of the low ratings. She was also an upset in league of good actresses in the network.

4. Marian Rivera. Wherever the Filipinos put Thalia at Marimar's craze, that's where Marian Rivera's stature was elevated - only longer or even higher. And the rest is history.

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As the next Thalia, lead actresses were required to perform her mexican vibe in dancing.