"Goin' Bulilit" Graduates Who Continuously Shine in Showbiz
BY: ADRIANA DAVID | JANUARY 16, 2024.
LAYOUT: RAFAELA ABUCEJO
Goin’ Bulilit, Goin’ Bulilit! Kami naman ang hihirit. Goin’ Bulilit, Goin’ Bulilit! Kwela, Cute, at Makulit!
Sunday evenings were always filled with laughter as we watched the kiddie gag show Goin’ Bulilit in our younger days. Four years after bidding farewell following a 14-year run, let's look at these Bulilit graduates who not only stayed in the show business but also continued to shine in the industry.
Kathryn Bernardo
Ever caught young Kathryn in Goin’ Bulilit? We knew her as little Kath, giving us hilarious skits, offering rush hour train tips, and seamless field reporting. She even impersonated Yeng Constantino from the "Time In" music video!
Now, the once-little Kath has made it big in the showbiz industry and stands as one of the most successful artists of this generation. Known for her projects including TV series like ‘Mara Clara’ (2010–2011), ‘Got to Believe’ (2013), and ‘Pangako Sa 'Yo’ (2015–2016), and blockbuster movies such as ‘She's Dating the Gangster’ (2014), ‘The Hows of Us’ (2018), and ‘Hello, Love, Goodbye’ (2019), she undoubtedly turned into an accomplished actress who has captivated audiences with her compelling performances.
Kathryn also made history as the only Filipina actress with two movies earning over P800M each, crowning her the Box Office Queen after she received the Outstanding Asian Star award at the 2023 Seoul International Drama Awards.
This year, she is set to star in Elena 1994, a historical action-drama depicting the story of comfort women during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines.
Julia Montes
Julia was ‘mothering’ already even in her Goin’ Bulilit days, as one of her most unforgettable roles was being a mother. In one of her memorable skits, her on-screen son informed her that his brother had swallowed the key to their house, to which Julia responded, "Problema ba 'yun? Edi pumasok ka gamit bintana!"
From being that funny and adorable bulilit, Julia transitioned seamlessly into a teen drama sensation in "Mara Clara" (2010-2011), then evolved into mature roles like ‘Walang Hanggan’ (2012), ‘Ikaw Lamang’ (2014), and ‘Asintado’ (2018), where her exceptional talent earned her the esteemed Gawad Tanglaw Award for Best Actress.
Julia’s myriad portrayals of roles have shown her versatility as an actress. Last year, Julia teamed up with Alden Richards in the romance-drama film ‘Five Breakups and a Romance,’ a movie that struck a chord with audiences, earning P100 million at the box office.
Miles Ocampo
During Miles’ stint on Goin' Bulilit, she displayed her comedic chops by portraying roles such as a teacher, mother, and housewife. She also started the trend of sarcastic replies to obvious questions. After four years in the show, she then appeared in ‘Luv U’ (2013) and the family comedy sitcom ‘Home Sweetie Home’ (2014), where she continued to humor Philippine television.
Her journey from a child star to a multifaceted actress showcases her talent in the industry. Recently, Miles was hailed as the Best Supporting Actress of the 2023 Metro Manila Film Festival MMFF Award for the movie ‘Family of Two’ (A Mother and Son Story).
Belle Mariano
Before appearing in comedy skits and segments like ‘Binibining Bulilit Universe’ and the iconic "I'm Corny,” Belle Mariano joined Goin' Bulilit in 2012 and graduated from the show in 2015.
The pivotal moment in Belle's career came when she secured a main role in the iWantTFC limited series ‘He’s Into Her’ (2021-2022) alongside Donny Pangilinan. The undeniable chemistry between ‘DonBelle’ has touched the hearts of many, earning them the title of the ‘New Gen Phenomenal Love Team.’
Belle's exceptional performance in ‘He’s Into Her’ not only earned her acclaim but also secured her an award. Making history, she became the first Filipina to receive the Outstanding Asian Star award at the 2022 Seoul International Drama Awards.
From the adorable days of Goin' Bulilit, these artists, once the children we watched, have transformed into remarkably talented and exemplary entertainers. It's truly incredible to witness the kids who once brought us joy are now achieving significant milestones as adults.
Today, they proudly stand as some of the most radiant figures in showbiz, a testament to their remarkable journey from childhood stardom to enduring success as they continue to shine and twinkle in the business.