Throughout our lives, we probably have been asked a number of times if we’re contented with our names or what name we prefer to have if we’re given the chance. It may be impossible for ordinary people to change their names in a snap, but not for celebrities who could pick just any name they wish.

While there are some whose screennames were taken from their real names, there are others who carry pseudonyms that are totally different from their birthnames. And in this Kapamilya Snaps feature, let’s see in which category do the celebrities listed here fall in.

Vice Ganda

From being a stand-up comedian performing in comedy bars and guesting in various television programs, Vice has gone to host three of the most successful shows of ABS-CBN, namely It’s Showtime, Gandang Gabi Vice, and Everybody, Sing!, catapulting her into becoming one of the most popular and most influential celebrities in the local entertainment scene.

In an episode of the noontime show in June 2022, the Unkabogable Star disclosed the origin of his screenname. She stated, “’Yong ‘Vice’ kasi galing sa ‘Viceral’, bigay ng mga magulang ko. ‘Yong ‘Ganda’, galing sa Diyos, bigay Niya sa’kin.”

But as we all know, behind the fame and fortune is the humble Jose Marie Viceral, who is fondly called “Tutoy” by her close family and friends.

Andrea Brillantes

With how she continues to shine bright like a diamond, there’s definitely no doubt that “Brillantes” is a befitting surname for Andrea. While her avid supporters are surely aware that it isn’t really her birthname, not many know how her pseudonym came about.

Contrary to her absolutely feminine appearance, the Senior High star actually has a male-sounding true name, which is Ramona Anndrew Blythe Daguio Gorostiza. She used to be credited as “Blythe Gorostiza” in the pageants and early shows that she appeared in, but the management suggested for her to have a screenname that could be easily recalled when she was about to do her first headliner project Annaliza in 2013.

In an exclusive interview with Star Magic in 2016, she revealed that “Andrea” is derived from her real first name “Anndrew,” while “Brillantes” is from her grandmother.

Coco Martin

The former indie actor has definitely gone a long way already for he’s now one of the biggest stars in the country at present, with highly successful series like FPJ’s Batang Quiapo as one of them. “Coco Martin” may have been a household name, but many are still surprised to find out that he is actually Rodel Nacianceno in real life.

When quizzed by his best friend Vice Ganda how did he get his name during his Gandang Gabi Vice guesting in 2014, he divulged that it was a given by talent manager Ed Instrella, who got it from the names of international singers Coco Lee and Ricky Martin.

He was initially hesitant to accept it as he perceived it as “Parang hindi seryoso. Parang pinag-trip-an lang.” But he eventually agreed to it out of respect to the esteemed star maker.

Julia Montes

Those who grew up in the early 2000s would know that Julia was one of the pioneers cast of Goin’ Bulilit. She may have been in the industry since 2001, yet she had to wait for about a decade before scoring her first big break, which was the 2010 remake of the classic soap opera Mara Clara.

And from being credited by her real name Mara Schnittka, she went on to become known as “Julia Montes” ever since starring in that series. In her Kris TV interview in 2015, she imparted that it was actually the management who gave it to her. Basically, it’s because her surname is difficult to pronounce and spell, while her first name could cause confusion among viewers since her namesake was played by Kathryn Bernardo and she was Clara.

Dimples Romana

Starting out her acting career in the late ‘90s, Dimples has been in the industry for around 25 years already. While she’s been using her real surname, it’s seems that the The Iron Heart star has not disclosed yet how her showbiz first name came to be. For now, we’ll just assume that it’s because of the cute dimples that appear on her cheeks whenever she smiles.

Angel Locsin

In her two decades in the local entertainment scene, Angel has tremendously gained a loyal fandom after starring in a slew of successful TV dramas and movies. And she dedicates all her victories to her loved ones, especially to her beloved Daddy Angelo, who is actually the true “angel” according to her.

However, we can say that her screenname is derived from her birthname, too, which is Angelica Locsin Colmenares.

Jessy Mendiola

Another celebrity to use her nickname and middle name as her showbiz alias is Jessy, whose full name is Jessica Mendiola Tawile. We can say that the actress, who’s now a proud mommy to Baby Isabella Rose and wife to I Can See Your Voice host Luis Manzano, is indeed lucky to be given a name fit for a beautiful and glowing star like her.

Charlie Dizon

Even though she was already credited as “April Matienzo,” which is from her biological name April Rose Dizon Matienzo, in her early film appearances namely “Finally Found Someone” and “Seven Sundays,” but she was asked to change it as it didn’t create any ring.

In an exclusive media interview, the Pira-Pirasong Paraiso star revealed that it was actually the idea of ABS-CBN top executive Charo Santos-Concio for her to use a unisex name, to which she completely agreed because she “likes names suitable for both sexes” as well. And they ended up with Charlie, which is indeed a perfect fit.

Bela Padilla

While we all probably thought that she’s related with the Padillas in the paternal side, it turns out that Bela is actually akin to them in the maternal side, as her mom Meg, is actually a niece of their matriarch Eva Cariño. But with how she’s thriving as an actress and filmmaker at present, it’s safe to say that she has earned the right to use it in her showbiz name.

While we don’t exactly know how she came up with her screenname, which is completely far from her biological name Krista Elyse Hidalgo Sullivan, as well as her first stage name Krista Valle that she used as part of Star Magic Batch 15 in 2008, but she claimed in a media interview in 2022 that it simply provides her with more confidence.

Kiko Estrada

Just in case you don not know yet, Kiko was actually born into the famed Ejercito/Estrada clan, who has been in showbiz and politics for decades now. He’s the son of former actress Chesca Diaz to former ‘90s matinee idol Gary Estrada. And as he apparently takes pride in his paternal lineage, he also used the showbiz surname of his grandfather that is Estrada.

However, we couldn’t help but wonder where “Kiko” was derived, since his birth name is Jason Joseph Francis Carlos Diaz Ejercito.

Kyla

Possessing angelic splendor and soulful voice, we can all agree that her name really fits her. However, many are not aware yet that this mononym is actually not her nickname nor a part of her real name that is Melanie Hernandez Calumpad-Alvarez.

In a media interview in 2002, the “Philippines’ Queen of RnB” revealed that she actually used her true first name when she was still doing solo stints during the late ‘90s to early 2000s. Until record producer Chito Ilacad gave her the name “Kyla,” which, according to her story, he found easier to remember and had stronger impact.

Vina Morales

Those who were able to follow her career certainly know that her being a chorister at a parish church in Cebu served as her springboard to show business. Her potential was initially discovered by priest and songwriter Fr. Fritz Malinao, who also encouraged then 9-year-old Sharon Magdayao to be the interpreter of his song entry titled “Paglaum” to the 6th Cebu Pop Music Festival.

It was through that stint that her paths intertwined with entertainment executives Mina Aragon and Vic del Rosario, who gave her the opportunity to be a singer and actress. She recounted in a media interview in 2020 that along with the contract, she also gave them the screenname “Vina Morales,” which was derived from first name of their daughter who already passed away at the time. The “Morales,” on the other hand, had no any significant story since they just thought of any surname that would go well with her first name.

Erich Gonzales

From being a young probinsyana who used to only dream of making it to show business, Erich has already gone a long way since she’s now one of the most celebrated actresses of her generation.

And those who were able to witness her journey are certainly aware that aside from the whopping prizes and showbiz career, she also gained a new name after her triumphant stint in Star Circle Quest Season 2. Since her real name Erika Chryselle Gonzales Gancayco is quite lackluster, their mentors in the talent search had agreed for her to use “Erich Gonzales” instead.

Which of these celebrity real names surprised you the most, Kapamilya?