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Maria Vivoree Niña Matutes Esclito (English: /ˈvaɪvoʊriː/ VAI-vəu-ree; Tagalog: [ˌvaɪ̯voˈɾi ɛsˈklɪtɔ]; born August 3, 2000) is a Filipino singer, actress, television personality, model, and content creator. She first rose to prominence as one of the teen contestants on the reality show Pinoy Big Brother: Lucky 7. Over the years, Esclito has achieved further recognition for work in film, music, and television, most notably as a main cast member of the teen romantic comedy series He's Into Her. She is also known for her online presence and modeling work for brands such as Bench, as well as fashion publications in the Philippines.
Vivoree Esclito | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Esclito in Tabing Ilog the Musical in November 2024 | |||||||
| Born | Maria Vivoree Niña Matutes Esclito August 3, 2000 Loon, Bohol, Philippines | ||||||
| Nationality | Filipino | ||||||
| Occupations |
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| Years active | 2016–present | ||||||
| Agents |
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| Height | 1.60 m (5 ft 3 in) | ||||||
| Musical career | |||||||
| Genres | |||||||
| Labels | Star Music | ||||||
TikTok information | |||||||
| Page | |||||||
| Followers | 3.4 million | ||||||
| Likes | 28.4 million | ||||||
YouTube information | |||||||
| Channels | Vivoree | ||||||
| Genre | Vlogging | ||||||
| Subscribers | 778,000 | ||||||
| Total views | 51.9 million | ||||||
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Last updated: November 29, 2024 | |||||||
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Esclito is the eldest of three children. She was born on August 3, 2000, in Loon, Bohol, to parents Tetchie[a] and Jun[b] Esclito. Her father hails from Davao Oriental. Esclito briefly lived in Davao as a child, before moving back to Bohol with her family.[1] She had a premature birth. When Esclito was newly born, a doctor told her mother that she was unlikely to survive. Her name, Vivoree, comes from the English word survivor.[1][2]
Esclito studied at the Tagbilaran City Science High School before she joined the reality show Pinoy Big Brother. Her participation in the show interrupted her education.[1] In May 2020, Esclito graduated from high school under a homeschool program by the Catholic Filipino Academy. She received a character award for generosity and an academic award for Philippine politics and governance.[3]
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2016–2018: Pinoy Big Brother, Kaya Pa, and Signing with Star Magic
In 2016, Esclito auditioned for the Philippine reality television show Pinoy Big Brother: Lucky 7 when it was announced that the show would be holding auditions for the first time ever in her hometown. On August 3, 2016, her 16th birthday, Esclito was officially introduced as a housemate with the moniker "Go Getter Girl Ng Bohol". On the same day, she appeared on Tonight with Boy Abunda where she told the late-night talk show host Boy Abunda that the opportunity that she'd been given was something she had always aspired to have.[4] On August 4, 2016, Vivoree also appeared on Pinoy Big Brother Online, three days before entering the famed Pinoy Big Brother house.[5]
During the kickoff of the Pinoy Big Brother: Lucky 7, the teen housemates were noticeably surprised when she was introduced. The then 16-year old girl had excessive body hair which was particularly noticeable on her upper lip which gives off a masculine look(hirsutism). Vivoree underwent a total makeover after displaying leadership skills during the week’s “Pak Salern” task.
On October 22, 2016, Esclito ended her Pinoy Big Brother Journey at 6th place among the teen housemates through eviction by audience votes.
On November 28, 2016, Esclito released her first self-written single "Kaya Pa" under Star Music which she sang in the #PBBSwerteenBall episode with singer JK Labajo for a task.
Months after attending workshops and guesting on several talk shows, Esclito finally signed a contract under Star Magic on March 8, 2017, together with Pinoy Big Brother: Lucky 7 Teens Maymay Entrata, Edward Barber, Kisses Delavin, Christian Morones, Yong Muhajil and Marco Gallo.[6]
In the same year, Esclito made her acting debut on her first television role as Cherry on Maalaala Mo Kaya with Maris Racal and Iñigo Pascual ", followed by her appearance on Ipaglaban Mo! episode titled "Kulam" as Jill, antagonist to Sharlene San Pedro's character.
2018 marked the blossoming of Esclito's acting career as she was cast on her first major regular television drama series role in Since I Found You as AJ Punzalan, younger sibling of Janice Punzalan (Alessandra De Rossi). Vivoree landed her first lead role as Monica on Wansapanataym: ManiKEN ni Monica. She was also cast on Asintado, and appeared on Ipaglaban Mo! and Maaalaala Mo Kaya episodes. Esclito was cast on her first movie Petmalu, and made a cameo on the Metro Manila Film Festival horror film entry Otlum as well.
Aside from her acting works and TV appearances, Esclito also had her first endorsement contract and commercial film with TNT which made it to Top 10 YouTube Ads Leaderboard in 2018.
2019–2021: CK & Vivoree, Hello Stranger and signing with Rise Artists Studio
In 2019, Esclito appeared in Maalaala Mo Kaya episode Choir as Jenny opposite to Charles Kieron who plays Janluis. This was Vivoree's first leading role in the said renowned and multi-awarded longest-running drama anthology which earned her praises for her acting, even being called a dramatic revelation who made a natural, well-internalized and deeply felt portrayal of a young woman learning and accepting the hurtful realities of love. Netizens were also impressed as the episode trended on Twitter Philippines and worldwide.[7]
On January 25, 2019, Esclito released a collaboration digital album with Charles Kieron called CK & Vivoree which debuted at 7th spot and peaked at 2nd on iTunes Philippines album Chart at the time of release. CK & Vivoree’s Grand Album Launch was also held on the same day to commemorate the release of the album at SM City Skydome attended by fans, celebrities and media.
In the same year, Esclito was also cast as Mildred Dimalanta in the gothic-horror television drama The Killer Bride starring Maja Salvador, Janella Salvador, Joshua Garcia and Geoff Eigenmann. It is notable that Vivoree's name and character most of the time trended real-time on Twitter Philippines alongside the show's official hashtag as speculations about her character in the drama arise.
Esclito also made an appearance on Regine Velasquez's empowering music video for her single "I am Beautiful" released on March 29th of the same year on Women's Month. Other notable cameos include Nadine Lustre and Georcelle Dapat-Sy.
In 2020, Esclito was among the roster of pioneer stars signed under Rise Artists Studio, a training and management subsidiary of ABS-CBN Films, in collaboration with Star Magic responsible for scouting and developing aspiring artists, as well as maintaining the stardom of the artists it handles. The contract signing was held on February 6, 2020.[8]
Esclito then appeared on Maalaala Mo Kaya episode "Ilog" in which she played the younger counterpart of Elvira (Vina Morales). This appearance yet again created a buzz among netizens as she reunited with former onscreen partner JC Alcantara, and has earned praises for Vivoree's improved acting alongside veteran Marissa Delgado.
On June 14, 2020, Black Sheep Productions, a division of ABS-CBN Films, previewed a teaser about their launching their first boys' love series at the height of the popularity of 2gether: The Series, a Thai boys' love series.[9] Vivoree was announced to be a part of the cast and was later revealed to be playing the role Kookai Yambao, a friend of Mico Ramos played by JC Alcantara, she harbors unrequited feelings for the latter.
Adapting to the new normal work modality, Rise Artists Studio launched its online format talk show on June 22, 2020, wherein Rise Artists interview different personalities via Zoom format. It was aired on Rise Artists Studio's Official YouTube channel and then aired on Kapamilya Channel and Kapamilya Online Live under Yes Weekend! block from May 30, 2021, to January 30, 2022.
2022–present: Hosting debut, first solo EP, Bench Fashion Week runway debut
In 2022, Esclito reprised her role as Ysay in the final season of He's Into Her.[10] She also starred in the pilot episode of the anthology series Love Bites, as well as the teen drama miniseries Tara, G!, which premiered in September and October respectively.[11][12] From December 2022 to 2023, Esclito played the young scientist Penelope in The Iron Heart. She filmed some of her scenes in Cebu and said that she felt at home during filming because of its proximity to her home province, Bohol.[13][14]
Esclito walked the runway for the first time at Bench Fashion Week (BFW) 2023. Acer Batislaong of Nylon Manila reported that Esclito's catwalk debut "made the most impact" at the event, and that it became a trending topic online.[15] She walked the BFW runway in 2024 as well.[16] In 2023 and 2024, Esclito competed in the Star Magic All-Star Games, leading the volleyball squad Team Lady Spikers alongside Loisa Andalio. The sports event for Star Magic talents is held annually at the Araneta Coliseum and is digitally broadcast via video on demand (VOD).[17][18] In 2024, Esclito was recognized as one of the volleyball game's Mythical Six, referring to the six best volleyball players of the event.[19]
Esclito was a regular cast member on the teleserye Can't Buy Me Love from 2023 to 2024. In 2023, she was cast as one of the actresses for Eds, the protagonist of Tabing Ilog the Musical.[c] The play is a loose adaptation of the teen drama Tabing Ilog, which aired from 1999 to 2003. It modernizes the story to suit the Gen Z cast and characters.[20] In August 2024, Esclito appeared in the Cebuano-language talk show Kuan on One and released her first solo EP, titled "movie made for me", along with a single of the same name. She reprised her role as Eds in Tabing Ilog the Musical from November to December of the same year.[21]
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Mental health and relationships
In November 2018, Esclito first publicly opened up about suffering from depression. She stated that she initially refused to tell other people about her depression, but eventually sought support for her mental health.[2] In October 2022, she discussed her mental health again. She shared her fears about her "wounded" inner child, stemming from her troubled childhood.[22]
Esclito has said that she has had romantic relationships with unspecified men. She said, "Every time I really get my heart broken, I focus on myself more."[23] She had a non-showbiz boyfriend sometime before July 2023. She described the relationship as mentally and emotionally draining.[24]
Political views
In June 2020, Esclito expressed support for the Black Lives Matter movement. On Instagram, she wrote, "This is not to say that other races’ lives do not matter if black lives matter; this is to say that since our black brothers and sisters are being oppressed (not just today, but for centuries now), It is only right to stand with them against this discrimination, police brutality, and injustice TODAY AND ALWAYS."[25]
In a since-deleted post, Esclito uploaded a pink-filtered photo when Leni Robredo announced that she would run for President in the 2022 Philippine presidential election. This was widely understood to signal support for Robredo, who later lost to Bongbong Marcos.[26]
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Online/Digital
| Year | Title | Role | Film Company | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Hello Stranger | Kookai Yambao | Black Sheep Productions | [27] |
| Stay at Home Stories: Mag-isa | Mags | ABS-CBN | [28] | |
| 2021 | 12 Stories of Christmas | Herself | ABS-CBN in partnership with Lady's Choice | |
| 2022 | SineTula | Narrator | ABS-CBN TVDG, Star Hunt YouTube Channel | |
| Star Magic Hot Summer | Herself | ABS-CBN, Youmeus MNL | [29] | |
| Love Bites: Lost But Found | Aina | ABS-CBN | [30] | |
| Bench Fashion Week | Red Carpet host | Bench | ||
| 2023 | Rise With You | Herself | iWantTFC | |
| BardaguLounge | Star Music YouTube channel | [31] | ||
| 2023-2024 | Star Magic All-Star Games | ABS-CBN Entertainment YouTube |
[17][18] | |
| 2024 | CBML All Access | ABS-CBN Entertainment YouTube | ||
Movies
| Year | Title | Role | Producer | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Otlum | Girl Recruit | Horseshoe Studios | [32] |
| Petmalu | Liza | Red Nine Entertainment and Larger Than Life | [33] | |
| 2021 | Hello Stranger: The Movie | Kookai Yambao | Black Sheep Productions | [34] |
| 2023 | In His Mother's Eyes | Zuri | 7K Entertainment | [35] |
Television
| Year | Title | Role | Network | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Pinoy Big Brother: Lucky 7 | Herself/Housemate | ABS-CBN | [36] |
| 2016; 2018-2019 | Tonight with Boy Abunda | Herself (4 episodes) | ||
| ASAP Chillout | Herself (8 episodes
excluding BTS/interviews) |
|||
| 2016; 2018-2022 | Magandang Buhay | Herself (7 episodes) | ||
| 2017 | Ipaglaban Mo: Kulam | Jill | [37] | |
| Maalaala Mo Kaya: Love Team | Cherry | [38] | ||
| Family Feud | Herself/Guest Player | |||
| Matanglawin | Herself/Guest | |||
| 2017; 2019 | Minute to Win It: Last Man Standing | Player (6 episodes) | ||
| 2017–present | ASAP | Herself/Performer | ||
| 2018 | Wansapanataym: ManiKEN ni Monica | Monica | [39] | |
| Maalaala Mo Kaya: Bawang | Faye | [40] | ||
| Ipaglaban Mo: Gapang | Gina | [41] | ||
| Since I Found You | AJ Punzalan | [42] | ||
| Asintado | Charie Tamayo | [43] | ||
| Rated Korina | Guest | |||
| 2018-2020 | Umagang Kay Ganda | Herself (7 episodes excluding news features) | ||
| 2019 | Maalaala Mo Kaya: Choir | Jenny | [44] | |
| The Killer Bride | Mildred Dimalanta | [45] | ||
| Matanglawin | Herself/Guest | |||
| Banana Sundae | Herself | |||
| Gandang Gabi, Vice! | Guest | |||
| Pop MYX | Celebrity VJ | Myx | ||
| 2020 | Maalaala Mo Kaya: Ilog | young Elvira | ABS-CBN | [46] |
| 2021 | Huwag Kang Mangamba | Freya Salvador | Kapamilya Channel A2Z TV5 |
|
| Pinoy Big Brother: Connect: The Big Night | Herself/Performer | Kapamilya Channel A2Z TV5 Kumu | [47] | |
| He's Into Her | Melissa "Ysay" Baylon | iWantTFC | [48] | |
| It's Showtime: Hide and Sing | Herself/Performer | Kapamilya Online Live | ||
| Your Face Sounds Familiar: Season 3 | Herself/Performer | Kapamilya Channel | [49] | |
| 2021–2022 | We Rise Together | Co-host | Kapamilya Channel |
|
| 2022 | Click, Like, Share: QR Code | Ellie Ramos | iWantTFC | [50] |
| He's Into Her Season 2 | Melissa "Ysay" Baylon | iWantTFC | ||
| I Can See Your Voice (season 4) | Guest artist | Kapamilya Channel A2Z |
||
| Pie Night Long | Guest Host | PIE Channel | ||
| PIE Night Long: PNL Sessions | Host | |||
| Tara, G! | Jennylyn "Jengjeng" Antonio | iWantTFC | [51] | |
| ABS-CBN Christmas Special 2022 | Herself | Kapamilya Channel A2Z TV5 |
||
| 2022-2023 | Pak! Palong Follow | Host | PIE Channel | [52] |
| The Iron Heart | Penelope Sta. Maria | Kapamilya Channel Jeepney TV A2Z TV5 |
||
| 2023-2024 | Can’t Buy Me Love | Pandora "Dara" dela Cruz | Kapamilya Channel Jeepney TV A2Z TV5 | |
| 2024 | Kuan on One | Herself | Kapamilya Channel Kapamilya Online Live A2Z |
Documentaries
| Year | Title | Role | Network | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Myxed Lives: A Day In The Life of Vivoree Esclito | Herself | Myx Global | |
| 2021 | He's Into Her: The Journey | Herself | IWantTFC | [53] |
| 2022 | All Time HIH: The Road to He's Into Her Season 2 | Herself | IWantTFC | [54] |
Music videos
| Year | Title | Artist | Remarks | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Laro | CK & Vivoree | [55] | |
| I am Beautiful | Regine Velasquez | [56] | ||
| 2020 | Hawak Kamay feat. Star Magic Family | Bea Alonzo, Piolo Pascual, Sam Milby, KZ Tandingan, Erik Santos, Klarisse De Guzman, Jona, Vivoree, Sue Ramirez, Elmo Magalona, AC Bonifacio, Nyoy Volante and Yeng Constantino | ||
| 2022 | Did I let You Go | Jon Guelas and Vivoree | Part of He's Into Her OST | [57] |
| Tara G | The Juans | |||
| 2023 | Matapang | Vivoree | with Brent Manalo | [58] |
| Dalawang Isip | [59] | |||
| Sayaw ng mga Tala | Vivoree & Benedix Ramos | with Benedix Ramos and Brent Manalo | [60] | |
| 2024 | Movie Made For Me | Vivoree | [61] |
Theater
| Year | Title | Role | Production | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-2024 | Tabing Ilog the Musical | Eds Delos Santos | PETA Star Magic |
[62][63] |
| 2024 | Unang Aswang | PETA Workshops |
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| Year | Brand | Role | Details | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | TNT (cellular service) | Dani |
|
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| TNT (cellular service) | Endorser |
|
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| 2018–2019 | Folded & Hung | Endorser |
|
[64] |
| Figlia | Endorser |
|
||
| BYS Cosmetics | Ambassador |
|
[65] | |
| 2018–2023 | GAOC | Endorser |
|
|
| 2019 | Belo Medical Group |
|
[66] | |
| Lucky Me (noodles) |
|
[67] | ||
| Wet Brush | Endorser |
|
[68] | |
| Coca-Cola |
|
[69] | ||
| TNT (cellular service) | Endorser |
|
||
| 2020 | McDonald's Philippines |
|
[70] | |
| TNT (cellular service) | Endorser |
|
||
| Lazada Philippines | Host |
|
||
| 2021 | Belo SunExpert | Endorser |
|
|
| Huawei |
|
[71] | ||
| 2021–present | Bench (Philippine clothing brand) | Ambassador |
|
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| Palmolive | Ambassador |
|
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| Biogesic |
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| 2022 | Police |
|
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| Chammie |
|
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| Charmee |
|
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| Coca-Cola |
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| 2023 |
|
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| My Dentist Clinic |
|
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Albums
Singles
| Year | Title | Details | Remarks | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Kaya Pa |
|
self-written song | [74] |
| 2019 | May Tama Ka |
|
with Hashtags CK | [75] |
| 2020 | Star Ng Pasko |
|
with Patrick Quiroz | [76] |
| 2022 | Did You Let Me Go |
|
He's Into Her Season 2 Official Soundtrack | |
| Did I Let You Go |
|
with Jon Guelas
He's Into Her Season 2 Official Soundtrack |
||
| 2023 | Matapang |
|
from Extended Play Movie Made For Me | [77] [78] |
| Dalawang Isip |
|
[79] | ||
| Sayaw ng mga Tala |
|
w/ Benedix Ramos | [80] | |
| Pasko ang Pinakamagandang Kwento - Extended Version |
|
ABS-CBN Christmas Station ID 2023 All Star Version | [81] | |
| 2024 | IDLYLT |
|
from Extended Play Movie Made For Me | [73] |
| Movie Made For Me |
| Year | Award | Category | Nominated Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Village Pipol Choice Awards | Village Pipol's 2018 Cover of The Year[82] | Won | |
| 2020 | PBL Awards | PBL Awards Best Supporting Actress | Kookai Yambao of Hello Stranger (web series) | Nominated |
| Myx Music Awards 2020 | Myx Celebrity VJ of the Year (with Charles Kieron) | Nominated | ||
| 2021 | 3rd Laguna Excellence Awards | Outstanding Female TV Personality of the Year[83] | Won | |
| Your Face Sounds Familiar | Your Face Sounds Familiar Grand Winner | Nominated | ||
| 2023 | NYLON Manila Big Bold Brave Awards Night | Y.O.U Best Beauty Look | Won | |
| TAG Media Chicago | #TAG25Under25 | Rank 22 | ||
| Most Promising Female Star | Nominated | |||
| 2024 | Village Pipol Choice Awards | TV Supporting Actress of the Year | Dara of Can't Buy Me Love | Won |
| 16th Star Awards for Music | New Female Recording Artist of the Year | Matapang | Nominated | |
| Dance Recording of the Year |
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- Esclito, Sheena Belarmino, and Jhoanna Robles of Bini took turns playing Eds during the show's run in late 2023.
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