# Candy Pangilinan

Maria Carmela "Candy" Espiritu Pangilinan (born May 8, 1972) is a Filipino film and television actress and comedian. She won best actress for CineFilipino 2016 and Los Angeles International Film Festival for the movie Star na si Van Damme.

## Television and film career

In the early 1990s, she starred in supporting roles in romantic comedy films such as Hindi Magbabago with Carmina Villarroel in 1994 and in lead roles such as Dahil Ba sa Kanya in 1998. In 2007, she was cast in a comedy film Apat Dapat, Dapat Apat with friends and comedians Rufa Mae Quinto, Pokwang, Eugene Domingo, produced by Quinto with Viva Films and ON Q-28 Productions. In television, she is known for her role in the series Mula Sa Puso until its finale in 1999 she then played side kick to Claudine Barretto's character Rosario in Saan Ka Man Naroroon in 1999 to 2001. I Love Betty La Fea from 2008 to 2009 with a follow-up on the Philippine remake of Only You with Angel Locsin, Sam Milby and Diether Ocampo on ABS-CBN and the Critically Acclaimed Series Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin in 2011, in 2012 she did supporting roles for GMA Network such as Forever with Heart Evangelista, Geoff Eigenmann and Gloria Romero, and Hiram na Puso with Gina Alajar and Kris Bernal, she then did notable guest appearances on the hit Saturday trivia-game show Celebrity Bluff alongside Eugene Domingo in 2013. In 2014, she guest starred on TV5 on Sharon, Kasama Mo Kapatid, Beki Boxer, Regal Shocker Presents, Showbiz Police, Face the People and Tropa Mo Ako Unli. In Wansapanataym, the revived TV series back in ABS-CBN in Perfecto and Noreen Capili's My App Boyfie.

## In popular culture

A Philippine television drama anthology series based on Pangilinan's life, "My Very Special Son: The Candy Pangilinan Story" episode was live streamed on November 30, 2024, featuring herself as the mother of Quentin, who was portrayed Euwenn Mikaell and Will Ashley De Leon, her mother Teodorica Espiritu (Sandy Andolong) and Shyr Valdez directed by Mark A. Reyes.

## Personal life

Pangilinan married at age 31 although she and her husband named Gilbert Alvarado, are currently separated. Since 2003 she has a born son named Quentin who has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and also Autism.
In August 2024, Pangilinan had been in a 10-day isolation after having been diagnosed with herpes zoster.

## Filmography
### Film

| Year | Title | Role | Production company |
| 1991 | Shake, Rattle & Roll III | Sally | Regal Films |
| 1993 | Dahil Mahal Kita: The Dolzura Cortez Story | Nurse | OctoArts Films |
| 1993 | Johnny Tinoso and the Proud Beauty | | Seiko Films |
| 1994 | Hindi Magbabago | Annette | Regal Films |
| 1994 | The Secrets of Sarah Jane: Sana’y Mapatawad Mo | Regina | Regal Films / MAQ Productions |
| 1995 | Isang Kahig, Tatlong Tuka (Daddy Ka Na, Mommy Ka Pa!) | | M-Zet Productions / Mahogany Pictures |
| 1995 | Love Notes | Melody | Viva Films |
| 1995 | Romano Sagrado: Talim sa Dilim | Lourdes | Regal Films |
| 1995 | Ikaw Lang ang Mamahalin: Camiguin | | MAQ Productions |
| 1995 | Ikaw Pa, Eh Love Kita | TV analyst | Regal Films |
| 1995 | Boy! Gising! | | Regal Films |
| 1995 | Manalo Matalo, Mahal Kita | Bisay | Neo Films |
| 1995 | Isko: Adventures in Animasia | Carol | OctoArts Films |
| 1996 | Impakto | Melba | Regal Films |
| 1996 | April Boys: Sana'y Mahalin Mo Rin Ako | Chuchay | Viva Films |
| 1996 | Mahal Kita, Alam Mo Ba? | Gelli | Viva Films |
| 1996 | Isa, Dalawa, Takbo! | Wet Lady | Star Cinema |
| 1996 | Medrano | Geneva | Mother Studio Films / Regal Films |
| 1997 | Dahil Tanging Ikaw | Angel | Viva Films |
| 1997 | Rizal sa Dapitan | Maria | Independent Cinema Association of the Philippines / Movpix International / Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT) |
| 1997 | Honey, Nasa Langit Na Ba Ako? | Noel's co-teacher | Neo Films |
| 1998 | Kung Ayaw Mo, Huwag Mo! | Cris | Star Cinema |
| 1998 | Dahil Ba sa Kanya | Gina | Available Light Production / Viva Films |
| 1998 | Sige, Subukan Mo | Sonia | Regal Films |
| 1999 | Mula sa Puso: The Movie | Berta | Star Cinema |
| 1999 | Higit Pa sa Buhay Ko | Vangie | MAQ Productions |
| 1999 | Weder-Weder Lang 'Yan | Nikki | Star Cinema |
| 1999 | Ikaw Lamang | Helena | Viva Films |
| 2000 | Eto Na Naman Ako | Silly | Millennium Cinema |
| 2000 | Ayos Na... Ang Kasunod | Pilar | FPJ Productions |
| 2002 | Ikaw Lamang Hanggang Ngayon | Dina | Viva Films |
| 2002 | Akala Mo | Beauty | Viva Films |
| 2003 | Pakners | Ceiling | FPJ Productions |
| 2006 | D' Lucky Ones | Tita Cara | Star Cinema |
| 2006 | Binibining K | Tess | Reality Entertainment |
| 2007 | Apat Dapat, Dapat Apat | Maria Resurrection 'Res' Macabuhay | on-Q 28 Productions / Viva Films |
| 2007 | Enteng Kabisote 4: Okay Ka, Fairy Ko... The Beginning of the Legend | Elsa | OctoArts Films |
| 2008 | For the First Time | Josie | Star Cinema |
| 2009 | And I Love You So | Teacher Paula | Star Cinema |
| 2009 | Ang Tanging Pamilya (A Marry-Go-Round!) | Ka Away | Star Cinema |
| 2010 | Petrang Kabayo | Maita | Viva Films |
| 2010 | HIV: Si Heidi, Si Ivy at Si V | | Exogain |
| 2011 | Who's That Girl? | Monique | SM Development Corporation (SMDC) / Viva Films |
| 2013 | Ang Huling Henya | Peachy | Viva Films |
| 2013 | Momzillas | Gracia | Star Cinema / Viva Films |
| 2014 | Wala Na Bang Ibang Title? | | Teatro Republica de Filipinas |
| 2014 | Mulat | Cathy | DVent Productions |
| 2014 | Diary ng Panget | Mayordoma | Viva Films |
| 2014 | Talk Back and You're Dead | Selene Perez | Star Cinema |
| 2014 | The Gifted | Mrs. Tabayoyong | MVP Entertainment / Viva Films |
| 2015 | Wang Fam | Kay | Viva Films |
| 2015 | La Amigas | Veronica "Nica" Verallo-Bermudez | |
| 2015 | Etiquette for Mistresses | Joy | Star Cinema |
| 2015 | Everyday I Love You | Ninang Beth | Star Cinema |
| 2015 | All You Need Is Pag-Ibig | Grace/Mel's Eldest Sister | Star Cinema |
| 2016 | This Time | Mrs. Analyn Buhay | Viva Films |
| 2016 | Star Na si Van Damme Stallone | Nadia | CineFilipino / MediaQuest / PLDT-Smart Foundation |
| 2016 | Lumayo Ka Nga sa Akin | Divina Tuazon | Heaven's Best Entertainment / Viva Films |
| 2016 | Dukot | Police Chief dela Vega | Star Cinema |
| 2017 | Deadma Walking | Martha | OctoArts Films |
| 2018 | Ang Pambansang Third Wheel | Maddie | Viva Films |
| 2018 | Ang Babaeng Allergic sa WiFi | Aries / Leo's Mom | Cignal Entertainment / Octobertrain Films / The IdeaFirst Company |
| 2018 | Nakalimutan ko nang kalimutan ka | Doc Rolex | Wilbros Films |
| 2018 | Abay Babes | Madam Astra | Viva Films |
| 2019 | Jowable | Nun | Viva Films |
| 2019 | Miracle in Cell No. 7 | Orphanage rectress | Viva Films |
| 2020 | Hindi Tayo Pwede | Ramona | Viva Films |
| 2021 | Ang Babaeng Walang Pakiramdam | Tindera | Viva Films |
| 2021 | Tililing | Maricel | Viva Films |
| 2021 | Sa Haba ng Gabi | Neneng | Reality Entertainment / Viva Films |
| 2022 | Partners in Crime | Giging | Star Cinema / Viva Films |
| 2023 | Adik Sa'yo | Ida | Viva Films |
| 2023 | Sa Muli | Manang Susan | Viva Films |
| 2023 | The Cheating Game | Tita Gelly | GMA Pictures |
| 2023 | Penduko | | Viva Films |
| 2024 | Road Trip | Sophia | Viva Films |
| 2024 | Sunny | Dang | CJ Entertainment / Studio Viva / Viva Films |
| TBA | Petrang Kabisote | Maita | OctoArts Films, M-Zet TV Productions, Inc., APT Entertainment, Star Cinema & The IdeaFirst Company |

### Television

| Year | Title | Role | Networks |
| 1994 | Mixed N.U.T.S. | Herself | GMA Network |
| 1996–1997 | Good Evening... Pls. | Herself | ABC |
| 1998-1999 | Mula sa Puso | Berta | ABS-CBN |
| 1998-2004 | Ispup | Herself | ABS-CBN |
| 1999–2001 | Saan Ka Man Naroroon | Jengky | ABS-CBN |
| 2008 | I Love Betty La Fea | Catalina Dominguez With Bea Alonzo and John Lloyd Cruz | ABS-CBN |
| 2009 | Only You With Angel Locsin, Sam Milby, and Diether Ocampo | Chef Minnie | ABS-CBN |
| 2010 | Kokey @ Ako | Cynthia Caparas | ABS-CBN |
| 2011 | Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin | Mimi Estrella With Coco Martin, Maja Salvador, and Andi Eigenmann | ABS-CBN |
| 2011 | Daldalita | Daisy the duck | GMA Network |
| 2011 | P. S. I Love You | Lovely | TV5 |
| 2012 | Gandang Gabi Vice | Herself | ABS-CBN |
| 2012 | Hiram na Puso | Becky | GMA Network |
| 2013 | Indio | Lupeng | GMA Network |
| 2013 | The Gift | Dorina | TV5 |
| 2013 | Wansapanataym Presents: Flores De Yayo | Mommy | ABS-CBN |
| 2013 | Celebrity Bluff | Player | GMA Network |
| 2014 | Wansapanataym Presents: Enchanted House | Cindy Dimasupil | ABS-CBN |
| 2014 | Beki Boxer | Consuelo Ponciano | TV5 |
| 2014 | Wansapanataym Presents: Perfecto | Elaine | ABS-CBN |
| 2015 | Kapamilya, Deal or No Deal | Herself - Briefcase Number 8 | ABS-CBN |
| 2015 | Celebrity Bluff | Guest player | GMA Network |
| 2015 | Karelasyon | Joan | GMA Network |
| 2015 | Marimar | Perfecta | GMA Network |
| 2015 | Sunday PINASaya | Guest | GMA Network |
| 2016 | Dear Uge | Laurie | GMA Network |
| 2016 | Hay, Bahay! | Chef Pangga | GMA Network |
| 2016 | Laff, Camera, Action! | Herself | GMA Network |
| 2016 | Magpakailanman:Sa Malas at Swerte | Rexy Soliman | GMA Network |
| 2016 | Celebrity Playtime | Player of Team 90's | ABS-CBN |
| 2016 | FPJ's Ang Probinsyano | Aida Bale | ABS-CBN |
| 2017 | Wansapanataym: Annika Pintasera | Flora With Julia Montes and JC Santos | ABS-CBN |
| 2017 | The Lolas' Beautiful Show | Guest | GMA Network |
| 2018 | Precious Hearts Romances Presents: Araw Gabi | Emmy Reyes-Verano / Lupe Reyes | ABS-CBN |
| 2018-2019 | My Special Tatay | Chona Mariano | GMA Network |
| 2019 | Dragon Lady | Mimi | GMA Network |
| 2020 | Make It with You | Mariel Montenegro-Dimaguiba | ABS-CBN |
| 2020 | Bilangin ang Bituin sa Langit | Connie Herrera | GMA Network |
| 2020 | Fill in the Bank | Herself / Contestant | TV5 |
| 2021 | Heartful Café | Madam Andi | GMA Network |
| 2022 | The Fake Life | Young Sonya | GMA Network |
| 2022 | Magpakailanman: Born to Be a Queen (The Edwin Luis Story) | Lily | GMA Network |
| 2024 | Da Pers Family | Marites | TV5 |
| 2024 | Magpakailanman: My Very Special Son: The Candy Pangilinan Story | Herself | GMA Network |
| 2025 | It's Showtime | Herself | Kapamilya Channel A2Z ALLTV GMA Network |

## Awards and nominations

Awards and nominations :
| Year | Award Giving Body | Category | Nominated Work | Results |
| 2010 | 26th PMPC (Philippine Movie Press Club) Star Awards Star Awards | Digital Movie Original Theme Song Of The Year | Astig Ka | Included |
| 2016 | Cine Filipino Film Festival awards | Best Actress | Star Na si Van Damme Stallone | Won |
| 2016 | Los Angeles International Film Festival Movie Star awards | Best Actress | Star Na si Van Damme Stallone | Won |