On May 26, 2008, the local adaptation of the hit South Korean romantic-comedy series My Girl, top-billed by then-rising stars Kim Chiu and Gerald Anderson, made its debut on ABS-CBN.
Known collectively as KimErald, the pair brought kilig to viewers through their roles as Jasmine and Julian, two strangers brought together by a lie that eventually turned into love.
Directed by Erick Salud and Jerome Pobocan, the Filipino adaptation stayed faithful to the charm of the original Korean drama while incorporating Filipino culture and storytelling. The original series starred South Korean actors Lee Dong-wook, Lee Da-hae, Lee Joon-gi, and Park Si-yeon.
The story followed Julian, the heir to a wealthy family’s hotel business, who convinces Jasmine, a quick-thinking tour guide and scam artist, to pretend to be his long-lost cousin in order to fulfill his grandfather’s dying wish. As they tried to keep the deception hidden, the two unexpectedly fall in love only to face complications.
The series also produced a memorable soundtrack featuring songs such as "Sabihin Mo Na" (with two versions by KimErald and Yeng Constantino), "Crazy Love" (Chinese version by Kim Chiu), "My Girl" (by Sam Milby) and "Gulo, Hilo, Lito" (Yeng Constantino and ex-Moonstar 88 vocalist Acel Van Omen).
Here’s a look at where the cast members of My Girl are now, 18 years since it aired.
Kim Chiu as Jasmine
Kim Chiu played Jasmine, a witty tour guide and scam artist who agrees to pose as the missing granddaughter of a wealthy businessman. Determined to help her father and escape financial trouble, Jasmine’s quick thinking often placed her in complicated situations. In a previous interview, Kim revealed that she studied basic Mandarin for the role to convincingly portray a Chinese tour guide.
Today, Kim remains one of the country’s biggest stars. She currently stars in the Kapamilya series The Alibi alongside Paulo Avelino and is one of the hosts of the noontime show It’s Showtime.
Gerald Anderson as Julian
Gerald Anderson portrayed Julian, the reserved heir to his family’s hotel empire who persuades Jasmine to pretend to be his long-lost cousin to fulfill his grandfather’s final wish. At the time, Gerald was only 19 years old but had to portray a mature corporate heir in his early twenties. As per reports, the production coordinated with Korean stylists and designers to help shape Gerald into Julian’s polished look as a 21-year-old heir.
Now, Gerald continues to headline television projects, including the Kapamilya series Blood vs Duty. Outside acting, he also pursued his passion for basketball and coaching.
Enchong Dee as Nico
Enchong Dee played Nico, Julian’s best friend and known womanizer who eventually falls for Jasmine. His character became one of the biggest challenges to Jasmine and Julian’s growing relationship, while also helping the pair discover their true feelings.
Today, Enchong remains one of ABS-CBN’s prominent actors. He is also known for his fashion content and social media presence, earning the nickname as the president and professor in netizens’ “Enchong Dee University of yearners.”
He previously starred in the local adaptation of the Korean drama It’s Okay To Not Be Okay alongside Anne Curtis, Joshua Garcia, and Carlo Aquino.
Niña Jose as Anika
Former PBB Teen Edition 1 housemate Niña Jose portrayed Anika, Julian’s former girlfriend and a beauty queen determined to win him back after previously turning down his marriage proposal to pursue her dreams.
Years after stepping away from show business, Niña entered public service and became the municipal mayor of Bayambang, Pangasinan. She is now married to businessman Cezar Quiambao and is a mother of two.
Alex Gonzaga as Christine
Alex Gonzaga played Christine, Jasmine’s best friend and fellow tour guide, who also worked as a beautician and hairstylist in her mother’s salon while searching for love.
Although she remains active in entertainment, Alex has become more focused on content creation, particularly through her YouTube channel and various business ventures.
Recently, she also announced that she and her husband, politician Mikee Morada, are expecting their first child.
Ronaldo Vandez as Greg
Veteran actor Ronaldo Valdez portrayed Greg Abueva, the wealthy businessman eager to reunite with his long-lost granddaughter. Unaware of the deception unfolding before him, Greg entrusted Julian with finding their missing family member.
Ronaldo passed away in December 2023, leaving behind a remarkable legacy in Philippine entertainment.
Before his death, he appeared in the Kapamilya series 2 Good 2 Be True as Sebastian Hugo Agcaoili, affectionately known by viewers as “Lolo Sir,” alongside Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla.