30/08/2025
𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗: The ultimate performer Vina Morales is set to celebrate her 40th year in the entertainment industry next year. Yet the actress and singer continues to prove that she is one of the most enduring and dynamic personalities in show business.
She recently returned to the GMA Network, which had been her home from 1986 to 1999. Morales, whose real name is Sharon Garcia Magdayao, was part of the youth-oriented program “That’s Entertainment” from 1986 to 1996, and later became a mainstay of SOP (Sobrang OK Pare) from 1997 to 1999.
At present, she leads the hit GMA Afternoon Prime series “Cruz vs. Cruz,” a family drama that tackles love, success, new beginnings, and forgiveness.
Joining her in the much-talked-about series are Gladys Reyes, Neil Ryan Sese, Lexi Gonzales, Kristoffer Martin, Elijah Alejo, and Caprice Cayetano, under the direction of Gil Tejada Jr. and Linnet Zurbano.
According to Morales, the story of the teleserye immediately touched her heart, which made her accept the project without hesitation. She is also grateful that audiences especially overseas Filipino workers deeply relate to the show.
Born in Bogo, Cebu, Morales was discovered by a talent scout during a singing competition and was brought to Metro Manila. From GMA 7 and Viva Films, she eventually moved to ABS-CBN and OctoArts International, where she was given more opportunities in both television and film.
On television, she starred in several memorable programs such as “Darating ang Umaga” (2003); “Maria Flordeluna” (2007); “Agua Bendita” (2010); “Nasaan ka, Elisa?” (2011–2012); “May Isang Pangarap” (2013); “Maria Mercedes” (2013–2014); “Nasaan Ka Nang Kailangan Kita” (2015); “Born for You” (2016); “Precious Hearts Romances: Araw Gabi” (2018); and “Sandugo” (2019–2020).
She made her film debut in “Nakagapos na Puso” alongside megastar Sharon Cuneta in 1986, followed by a string of movies including “Ang Lahat ng Ito Pati na ang Langit” (1988); “Maging Sino Ka Man” (1991); “Utol Kong Hoodlum” (1991); “Hanggang Saan, Hanggang Kailan” (1993); “Kadenang Bulaklak” (1994); “The Untold Story – Vizconde Massacre II, May the Lord Be With Us!” (1994); “The Flor Contemplacion Story” (1995); “The Sarah Balabagan Story” (1997); “Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo” (2014); and “Damaso” (2019).
Throughout her nearly four-decade career, Morales has received numerous recognitions from various award-giving bodies, including FAMAS, Star Awards, and Awit Awards, honoring her excellence in both acting and music.
Beyond her professional achievements, she is admired as a devoted mother to her daughter Ceana. She has also proven herself as a successful entrepreneur and a woman with a compassionate heart, actively supporting various charity works and advocacy programs that aid fellow Filipinos in need.
For Morales, the secret to her long-lasting career lies not only in talent but also in character and commitment: “Of course, you have to be talented, but you also need the right attitude. Longevity can be obtained if you know how to work with people, on and off camera,” she said.
She also admitted going through difficult times in the past, including burnout and controversies that almost pushed her to leave the industry. But in the end, she learned not to let these challenges affect her determination.
After “Cruz vs. Cruz,” Morales plans to return to music, possibly releasing singles or an EP instead of a full album, in line with the digital transformation of the music industry.
Morales remains an artist who relies not only on her natural talent but also on her willingness to keep learning and reinventing herself - qualities that have kept her relevant and admired for nearly four decades.
*The Tagalog version can be read in the comment section.
