Melisa Bunayog Cantiveros-Francisco[a] (Tagalog: [ˈmɛlaɪ kantɪˈbɛɾɔs]; born April 6, 1988) is a Filipino actress, comedian, and host. She came to prominence in 2009, after winning Pinoy Big Brother: Double Up. In 2015, she won the first season of the Filipino version of Your Face Sounds Familiar. She is currently one of ABS-CBN's contract talents. She currently hosts a morning talk show, Magandang Buhay, alongside Regine Velasquez and Jolina Magdangal.
Melai Cantiveros | |
|---|---|
 Cantiveros in 2014 | |
| Born | Melisa Bunayog Cantiveros April 6, 1988 General Santos, Philippines[1] |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 2009–present |
| Agent | Star Magic (2010–present) |
| Spouse | |
| Children | 2 |
Personal life edit
Melai Cantiveros was born as Melisa Bunayog Cantiveros in General Santos, Philippines, to Dionisio and Virginia Cantiveros. She is the third of four siblings and the only daughter. She studied at Mindanao State University–General Santos.[1] In the university, she was an activist and a member of a social democratic party. On the September 8, 2013, episode of The Buzz, she revealed in an interview with Boy Abunda that she is getting married with Jason Francisco on December 9, 2013, and was pregnant with their first child.[2] Their daughter, Amelia “Mela” Lucille was born in April, 2014 at General Santos.[3] On July 26, 2016, however, she and Francisco confirmed their separation from their marriage of almost three years through their daughter's Instagram.[4] They have since reconciled, and at the same time, announced that they are expecting a second child. She has since given birth to a second child, Stela Rosalind in April, 2017.[5][6] The couple have a YouTube channel called “Melason Family.”[7]
Cantiveros revealed in ABS-CBN Entertainment on her friend Jennica Garcia (Dirty Linen), whom she fondly called ‘partner,’ and “Breadwinners of all breadwinners.”[8]
Career edit
In October 2009, Cantiveros entered the Big Brother house along with 25 other housemates. After 133 days, she was able to garner enough votes to reach the final episode wherein she won the competition by getting 1,226,675 votes or 32.08% of the entire votes.
In February 2010, Cantiveros did guesting in several talk shows like The Buzz, SNN: Showbiz News Ngayon, and Entertainment Live. She was also invited to variety shows such as ASAP ROCKS. She and her real life partner, Jason Francisco, starred in a reality show spin off entitled Melason In Love.
Cantiveros was also cast in the daytime drama Impostor. She also landed a main role in the fantaserye show, Kokey @ Ako. She also played a main role in Maalaala Mo Kaya as a maid named Pangga. She became one of the hosts on the now defunct noon time show Happy, Yipee, Yehey. She also played a main role as Brandy De la Paz in Precious Hearts Romances Presents: Mana Po before the show ended in late March.
In February 2015, Cantiveros is the one of the contestants and the winner of Your Face Sounds Familiar.[citation needed]
Filmography edit
Television edit
| Year | Title | Role | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009–2010 | Pinoy Big Brother: Double Up | Herself / Housemate | Big Winner | |
| 2010 | Kokey at Ako | Josa Reyes | ||
| Melason In Love | Herself | |||
| Melason: In Da City | Herself | |||
| Melason: Promdi Heart | Herself | |||
| Precious Hearts Romances Presents: Impostor | Devina "Devin" Ventura | |||
| Maalaala Mo Kaya | Pangga | Episode: "Toy Car" | ||
| Wansapanataym | Inday Vargas | Episode: "Inday Bote" | ||
| 2010–2013; 2015–present |
ASAP | Herself / Co-host / Performer | ||
| 2010–2015 | Banana Sundae | Herself / Various Characters | ||
| 2010 | Showtime | Herself / Guest Judge | ||
| Matanglawin | Herself / Guest Co-host | |||
| 2011 | Precious Hearts Romances Presents: Mana Po | Brandi Dela Paz | ||
| Maalaala Mo Kaya | Young Carol Araos | Episode: "Birth Certificate" | ||
| 100 Days to Heaven | Girlie | |||
| 2011–2013 | I Dare You | Herself / Co-host | ||
| 2011 | Wansapanataym | Episode: "Wan Tru Lav" | ||
| 2011–2016 | Kris TV | Herself / Co-host | Recurring | |
| 2011–2012 | Happy Yipee Yehey! | Herself / Co-host | ||
| 2012 | Pinoy Big Brother: Unlimited | Herself — Houseguest | ||
| Wansapanataym | Bituin | Episode: "Dollhouse" | ||
| Maalaala Mo Kaya | Norma | Episode: "Baunan" | ||
| 2013 | Wansapanataym | Pepay | Episode: "Number One Father & Son | |
| Be Careful With My Heart | Gemma | |||
| Apoy sa Dagat | Paprika Mendoza | |||
| 2013–2014 | Honesto | Cleopatra Batungbakal | ||
| 2014 | Ikaw Lamang | Monica Miravelez | Guest role | |
| Maalaala Mo Kaya | Nonette | Episode: "Jeep" | ||
| Ipaglaban Mo! | Elena | Episode: "Nang Dahil Sa Utang" | ||
| Wansapanataym | Dory | Episode: "Perfecto" | ||
| Two Wives | Carla | |||
| Umagang Kay Ganda | Herself / Co-host | |||
| 2015 | Your Face Sounds Familiar | Herself | Grand Winner (season 1) Co-Host (season 2) |
[9] |
| Wansapanataym | Beverly | Episode: "Noche Buena Gang" | ||
| Give Love on Christmas | Ruby | Episode: "Exchange Gift" | ||
| 2016 | We Will Survive | Ma. Cecilia "Maricel" Rubio | [10] | |
| 2016–present | Magandang Buhay | Herself / Co-host | [11] | |
| 2018–2019 | Pinoy Big Brother: Otso | |||
| 2020–2021 | Pinoy Big Brother: Connect | |||
| 2021–2022 | Pinoy Big Brother: Kumunity Season 10 | |||
| 2022 | The Chosen One: Soap Opera | Host / Jane Crame | [12] | |
| 2023 | PIEnalo | Herself / Co-host | [13] | |
| Ur Da Boss | Herself / Main Host | |||
| It's Your Lucky Day | Herself / Co-host |
Film edit
| Year | Title | Role | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | I Do | Marian | ||
| 2011 | The Adventures of Pureza, Queen of the Riles | Pureza | [14] | |
| 2012 | Larong Bata | Ms. De Regla | ||
| 2012 | Sisterakas | Janet | ||
| 2014 | Past Tense | Kelly | ||
| 2014 | Shake, Rattle & Roll XV | Julie | Segment: “Ahas” | |
| 2015 | You're Still The One | Meanne | ||
| 2015 | Sekyu | [15] | ||
| 2015 | The Prenup | Choosy Cayabyab | ||
| 2018 | DOTGA: Da One That Ghost Away | Annabelle | Special participation | |
| 2018 | Mary, Marry Me | Carey | ||
| 2021 | Momshies! Ang Soul Mo’y Akin | Mylene | ||
| The Exorsis | Jessa Mae | |||
| 2022 | The Entitled | Yaya Monina | ||
| 2023 | Ma'am Chief: Shakedown in Seoul | Police Exec. Msgt. Criselda Kaptan |
Awards and nominations edit
| Award[b] | Year[c] | Category | Nominee / Work | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASAP POP Viewers' Choice Awards | 2010 | Pop Fans Club | Melason | Won | [16] |
| 2011 | Pop Movie Loveteam | The Adventures of Pureza: Queen of the Riles | Nominated | [17] | |
| Asia Artist Awards | 2023 | Best Actor Award | Ma’am Chief: Shakedown in Seoul | Won | [18][19] |
| Asian Television Awards | 2024 | Best Quiz or Game Show Host | Ur Da Boss | Nominated | [20] |
| Cosmopolitan Awards | 2010 | Fun Fearless Women | Herself | Won | [21] |
| Global Awards for Outstanding Executives | 2022 | Events Host & Media Influencer | Herself | Won | [22] |
| International Emmy Awards | 2011 | Best Telenovela | Impostor | Nominated | [23][24] |
| PMPC Star Awards for Movies | 2011 | New Movie Actress of the Year | I Do | Nominated | [25] |
| PMPC Star Awards for Television | 2023 | Best Celebrity Talk Show Host | Magandang Buhay | Won | [26] |
| 2021 | Nominated | [27] | |||
| 2019 | Nominated | [28] | |||
| 2018 | Nominated | [29] | |||
| 2017 | Nominated | [30] | |||
| 2016 | Nominated | [31] | |||
| 2014 | Best Reality Show Host | I Dare You | Nominated | [32] | |
| 2010 | New Female TV Personality | Melason | Nominated | [33] |
Notes edit
- ^ In this Philippine name for married women, the birth middle name or maternal family name is Bunayog, the birth surname or paternal family name is Cantiveros, and the marital name is Francisco.
- ^ Awards, festivals, honors and other miscellaneous organizations are listed in alphabetical order.
- ^ Indicates the year of ceremony. Each year is linked to the article about the awards held that year, wherever possible.
References edit
- ^ a b "Melai". Pinoy Big Brother: Double Up. ABS-CBN Corporation. Archived from the original on July 7, 2012. Retrieved October 5, 2016.
- ^ "Melai Confirms Pregnancy, will Marry Jason". ABS-CBN News. September 8, 2013. Retrieved October 5, 2016.
- ^ "Melai, Jason Announce Baby Daughter's Name". ABS-CBN News. April 5, 2014. Retrieved October 5, 2016.
- ^ "Melason No More: Jason Confirms Split with Melai". ABS-CBN News. July 27, 2016. Retrieved October 5, 2016.
- ^ Abanilla, Clarizel (April 10, 2017). "LOOK: Melai gives birth to second baby". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved June 29, 2020.
- ^ Pasajol, Anne (April 2, 2024). "On April Fools' Day, Melai Cantiveros recalls denial of feelings for Jason Francisco". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved April 7, 2024.
- ^ Mariano, Dianne (September 8, 2023). "Fun family moments of Melai Cantiveros, Jason Francisco with kids Mela and Stela that will brighten your day". GMA Integrated News. Retrieved April 7, 2024.
- ^ De La Cruz, Liezl (April 3, 2024). "Melai reveals 5 surprising facts about her 'partner' Jennica". ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs. Retrieved April 7, 2024.
- ^ Cruz, Marinel R. (June 10, 2015). "'Face' win Embarrasses Melai". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved October 6, 2016.
- ^ Red, Isah V. (February 28, 2016). "'We Will Survive' Tonight". Simply Red. Manila Standard. Retrieved October 5, 2016.
- ^ Jimenez, Joyce (April 12, 2016). "Melai, Karla, Jolina to Host Replacement Show for 'Kris TV'". The Philippine Star. Retrieved October 5, 2016.
- ^ Cruz, Marinel (October 5, 2022). "Melai Cantiveros' biggest challenge as a TV host". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved April 29, 2023.
- ^ "Melai Cantiveros, Samantha Bernardo join forces to host PIE Channel's game show". ABS-CBN News. February 14, 2023. Retrieved February 15, 2023.
- ^ "The Director's Hand in Adventures of Pureza". GMA News. July 30, 2011. Retrieved April 11, 2016.
- ^ San Diego Jr., Bayani (February 3, 2016). "Tormentor/Mentor with a Cause". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved October 5, 2016.
- ^ "Sarah Geronimo wins in five categories of the 6th ASAP Pop Viewers Choice Awards". PEP.ph. Retrieved October 24, 2023.
- ^ "Sarah Geronimo, Kapamilya stars honored at the 2011 ASAP Pop Viewers' Choice Awards". PEP.ph. Retrieved October 24, 2023.
- ^ 이준호·뉴진스·세븐틴·스키즈·임영웅, AAA '대상'..뉴진스 6관왕 '최다'[2023 AAA][종합] [Lee Junho, NewJeans, Seventeen, SKZ, Lim Young-woong, AAA 'Grand Prize'.. NewJeans 6 Champions 'Most' [2023 AAA] [Comprehensive]]. Star News (in Korean). December 14, 2023. Archived from the original on December 14, 2023. Retrieved December 14, 2023.
- ^ Iglesias, Iza (December 14, 2023). "Melai Cantiveros wins Best Actor at AAA 2023". The Manila Times. Retrieved December 14, 2023.
- ^ Bote, Jia (November 13, 2023). "Filipino stars, shows among 28th Asian TV Awards nominees". The Daily Tribune. Retrieved December 16, 2023.
- ^ "Melai Cantiveros hailed as one of Cosmopolitan's Fun Fearless Females". PEP.ph. Retrieved October 24, 2023.
- ^ C., Toff. "LOOK: Melai Cantiveros receives award as host and media influencer | PUSH.COM.PH". ABS-CBN Push. Archived from the original on October 24, 2023.
- ^ "Melai Cantiveros on Emmy nomination of Impostor: "Yung Emmy Awards, pangmayaman daw yun, e. Yung sa abroad daw yun, e."". PEP.ph. Retrieved October 24, 2023.
- ^ "Kapamilya drama gets Emmy nomination". www.philstar.com. October 6, 2011. Retrieved October 24, 2023.
- ^ "Sa 'Yo Lamang and Sigwa lead nominations at the 27th Star Awards for Movies". PEP.ph. Retrieved October 24, 2023.
- ^ "Jodi, JM lead Kapamilya winners in PMPC Star Awards for TV". ABS-CBN News. January 29, 2023. Retrieved October 24, 2023.
- ^ "34th Star Awards for Television nominees bared". PEP.ph. Retrieved October 24, 2023.
- ^ Villano, Alexa (October 14, 2019). "LIST: Winners, PMPC Star Awards for Television 2019". RAPPLER. Retrieved October 24, 2023.
- ^ "32nd Star Awards for TV winners revealed; ASAP joins MMK, Eat Bulaga, Bubble Gang in Hall of Fame". PEP.ph. Retrieved October 24, 2023.
- ^ "31st Star Awards for TV nominees revealed; JoshLia, JakBie to receive special awards". PEP.ph. Retrieved October 24, 2023.
- ^ Villano, Alexa (October 24, 2016). "LIST: Winners, PMPC Star Awards 2016 – television". RAPPLER. Retrieved October 24, 2023.
- ^ "28th PMPC Star Awards for TV And the winners are..." www.philstar.com. November 25, 2014. Retrieved October 24, 2023.
- ^ "24th Star Awards for Television nominees bared". PEP.ph. Retrieved October 24, 2023.
