Manilyn Reynes

Reynes was born on April 27, 1972, in Manila and grew up in Cebu. Her parents are Nelson Clarin Reynes and Lounching Reynes.^[10] Her family moved to Cebu when she was only a few days old.^[11] She studied in Terejo Elementary School until third grade.^[11] She attended University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) in Cebu during her fourth and mid-fifth grade before leaving for Manila.^[11][12]

Prior to acting, Reynes started her career by joining a singing contest in Cebu. She was only 8 years old when she became a 7 weeks Champion in Weewee Jamboree Singing contest, and came in second place at the grand finals.^[12]

After her family moved back to Manila, she was launched as a child actor in Regal Films, To Mama with Love (1983).^[13] She also appeared in the movie Minsan, May Isang Ina (1983) for which she won the FAMAS Award for Best Child Actress in 1984.^[14][15] She also became a recording artist under Ivory Records and released three albums.^[12]

As a teenager, Reynes was one of the original members of the television variety show That's Entertainment (1986).^[11] In 1988, she signed with OctoArts International and released a self-titled album, Manilyn, featuring her hit single Sayang na Sayang which became a commercial success and earned her a platinum award.^[11][12] She continued to release 10 more albums under OctoArts International (known as PolyEast Records). Reynes had a concert in Araneta Coliseum and Ultra Stadium in 1990. She was also the youngest artist to hold a concert at the Araneta Coliseum in that same year.^[11]

Reynes previously dated actor Janno Gibbs.They were a popular loveteam in the 80s until their break up in 1989.^[16]

She met her husband, Aljon Jimenez in the variety show, That's Entertainment but did not take notice of each other until they worked together in the movie, Shake, Rattle & Roll II in 1990.^[17] Reynes and Jimenez was in a situationship, acting like a real-life couple but without commitment. Then Jimenez disappeared and cut off all their communication. In 1991, he surprised Reynes on her 19th birthday after a year-long without contact.^[17] The two had an argument until she found out that he disappeared out of jealousy.^[17]

Reynes married former matinee idol and actor Aljon Jimenez in Reno, Nevada U.S.A. in 1996. They have three children, Kyle, Kirk, and Kael Jimenez.^[18]

Reynes released 13 studio albums and 2 compilation albums.