Melai Cantiveros

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, aired on Kapamilya Channel, A2Z and ALLTV.

Melai Cantiveros-Francisco
Cantiveros in 2014
Born	Melisa Bunayog Cantiveros (1988-04-06) April 6, 1988 (age 36) General Santos, Philippines[1]
Occupations	Actress comedian host
Years active	2009–present
Agent	Star Magic (2010–present)
Spouse	Jason Francisco ​ (m. 2013)​
Children	2

Personal life

Melisa Bunayog Cantiveros was born in General Santos, Philippines, to Dionisio and Virginia Cantiveros. She is the third of four siblings, and the only daughter. She finished at Mindanao State University–General Santos,^[1] where she was an activist and member of a social democratic party.

She married Jason Francisco on December 9, 2013 as she carried their first child,^[2] Amelia “Mela” Lucille, born in April 2014 in General Santos.^[3] On July 26, 2016, she and Francisco confirmed their separation through their daughter’s Instagram.^[4] The couple later reconciled, with Cantiveros having her second child with Francisco, Stela Rosalind, in April 2017.^[5][6] The couple now have the YouTube channel “Melason Family.”^[7]

Career

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 became the winner of Your Face Sounds Familiar.^{[citation needed]}

Filmography

Television

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)	[8]
	Wansapanataym	Beverly	Episode: "Noche Buena Gang"
	Give Love on Christmas	Ruby	Episode: "Exchange Gift"
2016	We Will Survive	Ma. Cecilia "Maricel" Rubio		[9]
2016–present	Magandang Buhay	Herself / Co-host		[10]
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		[11]
2023	PIEnalo	Herself / Co-host		[12]
	Ur Da Boss	Herself / Main Host
	It's Your Lucky Day	Herself / Co-host
2024	TV Patrol	Herself / Guest Star Patroller		[13]

Film

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

Webcast

Year	Title	Network	Note(s)	Ref.
2024	Kuan on One	ABS-CBN Entertainment	Thirteen episodes	[16]

Awards and nominations

Awards and nominations received by Melai Cantiveros

Award[b]	Year[c]	Category	Nominee / Work	Result	Ref.
ASAP POP Viewers' Choice Awards	2010	Pop Fans Club	Melason	Won	[17]
	2011	Pop Movie Loveteam	The Adventures of Pureza: Queen of the Riles	Nominated	[18]
Asia Artist Awards	2023	Best Actor Award	Ma’am Chief: Shakedown in Seoul	Won	[19][20]
Asian Television Awards	2024	Best Quiz or Game Show Host	Ur Da Boss	Nominated	[21]
Cosmopolitan Awards	2010	Fun Fearless Women	Herself	Won	[22]
Global Awards for Outstanding Executives	2022	Events Host & Media Influencer	Herself	Won	[23]
International Emmy Awards	2011	Best Telenovela	Impostor	Nominated	[24][25]
PMPC Star Awards for Movies	2011	New Movie Actress of the Year	I Do	Nominated	[26]
PMPC Star Awards for Television	2023	Best Celebrity Talk Show Host	Magandang Buhay	Won	[27]
	2021			Nominated	[28]
	2019			Nominated	[29]
	2018			Nominated	[30]
	2017			Nominated	[31]
	2016			Nominated	[32]
	2014	Best Reality Show Host	I Dare You	Nominated	[33]
	2010	New Female TV Personality	Melason	Nominated	[34]

Notes

1. 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.
2. Awards, festivals, honors and other miscellaneous organizations are listed in alphabetical order.
3. Indicates the year of ceremony. Each year is linked to the article about the awards held that year, wherever possible.

References

1. "Melai". Pinoy Big Brother: Double Up. ABS-CBN Corporation. Archived from the original on July 7, 2012. Retrieved October 5, 2016.
2. "Melai Confirms Pregnancy, will Marry Jason". ABS-CBN News. September 8, 2013. Retrieved October 5, 2016.
3. "Melai, Jason Announce Baby Daughter's Name". ABS-CBN News. April 5, 2014. Retrieved October 5, 2016.
4. "Melason No More: Jason Confirms Split with Melai". ABS-CBN News. July 27, 2016. Retrieved October 5, 2016.
5. Abanilla, Clarizel (April 10, 2017). "LOOK: Melai gives birth to second baby". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved June 29, 2020.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Cruz, Marinel R. (June 10, 2015). "'Face' win Embarrasses Melai". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved October 6, 2016.
9. Red, Isah V. (February 28, 2016). "'We Will Survive' Tonight". Simply Red. Manila Standard. Retrieved October 5, 2016.
10. Jimenez, Joyce (April 12, 2016). "Melai, Karla, Jolina to Host Replacement Show for 'Kris TV'". The Philippine Star. Retrieved October 5, 2016.
11. Cruz, Marinel (October 5, 2022). "Melai Cantiveros' biggest challenge as a TV host". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved April 29, 2023.
12. "Melai Cantiveros, Samantha Bernardo join forces to host PIE Channel's game show". ABS-CBN News. February 14, 2023. Retrieved February 15, 2023.
13. "WATCH: Melai Cantiveros, nagbabalik bilang Star Patroller sa TV Patrol". ABS-CBN Entertainment. July 3, 2024. Retrieved September 5, 2024.
14. "The Director's Hand in Adventures of Pureza". GMA News. July 30, 2011. Retrieved April 11, 2016.
15. San Diego Jr., Bayani (February 3, 2016). "Tormentor/Mentor with a Cause". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved October 5, 2016.
16. "Melai hosts first mainstream Bisaya talk show 'Kuan on One'". The Freeman. June 27, 2024. Retrieved August 16, 2024.
17. "Sarah Geronimo wins in five categories of the 6th ASAP Pop Viewers Choice Awards". PEP.ph. Retrieved October 24, 2023.
18. "Sarah Geronimo, Kapamilya stars honored at the 2011 ASAP Pop Viewers' Choice Awards". PEP.ph. Retrieved October 24, 2023.
19. 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.
20. Iglesias, Iza (December 14, 2023). "Melai Cantiveros wins Best Actor at AAA 2023". The Manila Times. Retrieved December 14, 2023.
21. Bote, Jia (November 13, 2023). "Filipino stars, shows among 28th Asian TV Awards nominees". The Daily Tribune. Retrieved December 16, 2023.
22. "Melai Cantiveros hailed as one of Cosmopolitan's Fun Fearless Females". PEP.ph. Retrieved October 24, 2023.
23. 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.
24. "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.
25. "Kapamilya drama gets Emmy nomination". www.philstar.com. October 6, 2011. Retrieved October 24, 2023.
26. "Sa 'Yo Lamang and Sigwa lead nominations at the 27th Star Awards for Movies". PEP.ph. Retrieved October 24, 2023.
27. "Jodi, JM lead Kapamilya winners in PMPC Star Awards for TV". ABS-CBN News. January 29, 2023. Retrieved October 24, 2023.
28. "34th Star Awards for Television nominees bared". PEP.ph. Retrieved October 24, 2023.
29. Villano, Alexa (October 14, 2019). "LIST: Winners, PMPC Star Awards for Television 2019". RAPPLER. Retrieved October 24, 2023.
30. "32nd Star Awards for TV winners revealed; ASAP joins MMK, Eat Bulaga, Bubble Gang in Hall of Fame". PEP.ph. Retrieved October 24, 2023.
31. "31st Star Awards for TV nominees revealed; JoshLia, JakBie to receive special awards". PEP.ph. Retrieved October 24, 2023.
32. Villano, Alexa (October 24, 2016). "LIST: Winners, PMPC Star Awards 2016 – television". RAPPLER. Retrieved October 24, 2023.
33. "28th PMPC Star Awards for TV And the winners are..." www.philstar.com. November 25, 2014. Retrieved October 24, 2023.
34. "24th Star Awards for Television nominees bared". PEP.ph. Retrieved October 24, 2023.

External links

• Melai Cantiveros at IMDb

Preceded by Ejay Falcon	Pinoy Big Brother Big Winner 2009–2010	Succeeded by James Reid
Preceded by Beatriz Saw	Pinoy Big Brother Regular Season Big Winner 2009–2010	Succeeded by Slater Young
Preceded by First	Your Face Sounds Familiar (Philippine TV series) Winner 2015	Succeeded by Denise Laurel
Preceded by First	Your Face Sounds Familiar (Philippine TV series) Regular Season Winner March 2015–June 2015	Succeeded by Denise Laurel