Sharon Cuneta

Biography by Michael Sutton Filipino singer Sharon Cuneta is also known as "the Megastar"; if Michael Jackson is "the King of Pop" in America, then Cuneta is the Philippines' reigning diva. In 1978, Cuneta had her first hit single, "Mr. DJ," as a 12-year-old newcomer. The track was written for her by renowned Pinoy composer Rey Valera. At first, Cuneta didn't seem interested in the tune, but she agreed to sing it anyway. "Mr. DJ" catapulted Cuneta, the daughter of a rich Philippine mayor, into stardom; moreover, it triggered a number of successful collaborations between Cuneta and Valera. Cuneta also recorded her debut album, DJ's Pet, and its follow-up, Sharon, that year; a self-titled LP appeared in 1980. In 1981, Cuneta was chosen as Jukebox Princess at the BAMCI Promotions Awards; she was also nominated for Best Female Vocal Performance for "To Love Again" at the Cecil Awards in 1984. In the '80s, Cuneta also became one of the Philippines' most popular actresses. She married teen heartthrob Gabby Concepcion, and their daughter, Kristina Cassandra Cuneta Concepcion, was born on April 7, 1985. Cuneta and Concepcion eventually separated. As Cuneta grew older, the endearing innocence of "Mr. DJ" was replaced by a more soulful approach and slicker musical arrangements. Cuneta won an Awit Award in 1993 for Best Performance by a Female Recording Artist. Her album When I Love went platinum in 1999; it was followed by Nothing I Want More in 2001. Her second child, Simone Francesca Emmanuelle Cuneta Pangilinan, was born in 2000.