464.TOP 10 Advertising Models for 1988: CARMINA VILLAROEL, for "Jollibee Good Girl” TVC, 1988

12 YEAR OLD CARMINA VILLAROEL, in her debut JOLLIBEE TVC

Many actors and actresses have taken the “commercial route” to a career in showbiz, going to casting auditions conducted regularly by ad agencies in the hope of snagging any role for a TV appearance. One of those who made it in her early try was CARMINA VILLAROEL, who was just 12 when she was cast by Basic FCB for a Jollibee Commercial in 1988.

CREATIVE GUILD'S TOP ADVERTISING MODEL, 1988

Caster and future ad director Mario Sarmiento put her up for a lead role in the "Jollibee Good- Girl” TVC, that called for pre-teen talent with an angelic, innocent face, capable of demonstrating hopefulness, disappointment, surprise, and then sheer enjoyment and gratefulness, all in 45 seconds

The Jollibee clients approved Sarmiento’s talent recommendation and that’s how Carmina came to star in a Jollibee ad that shows her being left out by his “kuya” and his gang, who were out to paint the town red. She sits down, dejected and alone. But her “kuya” –after seeing her sad as they drove away—realized his little sister’s disappointment. He turns back, collects her and brings her to Jollibee along with his gang, where she had the most delightful moment –with all the good things she was hungering for—attention, acceptance, inclusion, and yes, food that pleases!

JOLLIBEE GIRL CARMINA, 1988

The Jollibee not only caught the attention of many TV viewers but also the members of the jury of the Creative Guild who were tasked with selecting the Top 10 Ad Models for 1988.  Carmina Villaroel easily got a place among the winners (that included RJ Ledesma, Michael Alfers, Ricky Francisco, who all tried showbiz) who were awarded during that year’s Ad of the Year finals held on 30 Aug. 1988 at the Metropolitan Theater in Manila. 

COVER GIRL CARMINA, with Robert Ortega of "That's Entertainment"
MR & MS. Magazine Cover, 1989

Influential movie producer Lily “Mother Lily” Monteverde, head of Regal Entertainment,  also saw Villaroel in the commercial and sought her out, trained her, and set her on a showbiz career that would propel her to stardom—churning out hit movies of all genres like ”Tiyanak”, “Regal Shocker”, “Dyesebel”, “Shake, Rattle and Roll II“, Hindi Kita Malilimutan”, “Kahit Mabuhay Kang Muli”, “Hanggang sa Huling Hininga”, among others. Villaroel also had a flourishing career on TV beginning with "That's Entertainment",  sitcoms "Palibhasa Lalake", "Chika Chika Chicks", and the noontime show, "Eat Bulaga". 

CARMINA and husband ZOREN LEGASPI, in a Jollibee commercial.

When she came of age, she married Rustom Padilla, her love team partner in such movies as “Maruja” and “Hindi Magbabago”. Their marriage was annulled in 2002, and in 2012, Villaroel married actor Zoren Legaspi in 2012. They have twin kids, Mavy and Cassy, who are currently, both young showbiz personalities.

                               

               WATCH THE LEGASPI FAMILY IN A JOLLIBEE TVC HERE:

Villaroel would be inextricably associated with Jollibee, such that when the twins came of age, Jollibee signed up the whole Legaspi Family in 2014 for a series of commercials beginning with one that alluded to Villaroel’s past iconic commercial. They also starred in other Jollibee product and seasonal ads (Jolly Spaghetti, Chickenjoy, Magbigay ng Joy). Villaroel’s Jollibee adventure had come full circle with her return to these ads.

CARMINA VILLAROEL with hsuband Zoren, children Mavy and Cassy.

 SOURCES:

Carmina’ s Old Jollibee Commercial” TVC: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40uq3CExmwk, uploaded by Lola Mendez,

Carmina Villaroel,  Jollibee Commercial, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UOKQBUs85c, uploaded by asianzMT28, on Aug 9, 2014.

1988 Creative Guild of the Philippines Souvenir Program

1989 Mr and Ms. Magazine

Screen grabs from Jollibee commercials, Jollibee Philippines