Long before celebrities like James Reid, Daniel Padilla, and Enrique Gil made girls squeal and became household names, there were ’90s heartthrobs that drove girls just as crazy. Matinee idols have been a showbiz thing as far back as the ’80s. If you’re a part of that generation, relive your favorite kilig moments as a teenager with this list of 10 ’90s matinee idols.
Danilo Barrios
Danilo Barrios starred to some of the biggest programs and movies like the Spirit Warriors, Yamashita: The Tiger’s Treasures, Magnifico, Dekada ’70, Lastikman and a lot more; he first gained popularity by being a member of Streetboys together with some of his co-members Jhong Hilario and Vhong Navarro.
His tandem with Camille Prats during Gimik became a big hit to the people. However, in 2011 he decided to quit showbiz to start his own family and business.
Red Sternberg
This mestizo cutie certainly drew a lot of female fans. He was just about every girl’s dream guy back in the ’90s. He first appeared in T.G.I.S. in 1995 and It’s Cool Bulol in 1996.
Unlike the other casts of T.G.I.S., Chubi del Rosario, the former love team of Anne Curtis, refused to continue his career in showbiz and chose to live a peaceful life. He’s currently managing the event planning company that he built.
Rico Yan
One of the most popular matinee idols of his time, Rico Yan was first discovered when he was still a student in De La Salle University. He eventually became part of movies and television shows such as Gimik and Mara Clara. But his career really took off when his tandem with then on-screen and off-screen partner Claudine Barretto became a hit.
One of their most popular movies would be Got 2 Believe. Unfortunately, Yan died on March 29, 2002 due to acute hemorrhagic pancreatitis.
Eric Fructuoso
Eric Fructuoso was part of a famous boy group during the ’90s called Gwapings together with Mark Anthony Fernandez and Jomari Yllana. He was also part of Tropang Trumpo.
These days you’ll often see Fructuoso play more antagonist and fatherly roles. However, even until today, his signature fierce and sultry stares can never go unnoticed.
Dino Guevarra
Who could ever forget one of the most popular tandems during the ’90s? Dino Guevarra and Kim Delos Santos. Some of their well-known movies include Ikaw Lamang and Honey, My Love, So Sweet.
Their chemistry was so strong that the duo eventually married in real life. Unfortunately, their marriage experienced a didn’t work out and they officially announced their annulment in 2005.
Patrick Garcia
Nothing defines Filipino heartthrob in the ’90s better than Patrick Garcia. His humble beginnings in Separada, Gimik, and Tabing Ilog cemented his crush ng bayan status. Patrick made a lot of the ’80s and ’90s babies realize what it meant to crush on the boy on TV.
Although he is still active on television, he’s taken on fatherly roles. Patrick is married to model Nikka Martinez.
Onemig Bondoc
Onemig’s killer smile was every girl’s heaven. He entered showbiz at the early age of 17, tagging along famous television shows and movies such as T.G.I.S., Tropang Trumpo and Labs Ko Si Babe. His last movie was back Volta back in 2004.
In 2009, he married actress Valerie Barlou, but they announced their separation in 2015. Onemig is now in the real estate businesses
Bobby Andrews
Bobby Andrews rose to fame when he played the role of rich and handsome teenager Joaquin “Wacks” Torres III in the famous teen-oriented television show T.G.I.S. and Growing Up. He was teamed up with Angelu de Leon in the show.
The former matinee idol is now married to Bienne Co, a Chinese media relations officer and have two teenage children, Arty and Gabbie.
Mark Anthony Fernandez
Mark Anthony is one of the original Gwapings together with Jomari Yllana, and Erik Fructuoso. Young girls of the ’90s went crazy to this group’s ruggedly sexy charm and cool. Mark Anthony also appeared in films like Pare Ko, Mangarap Ka and Matimbang Pa sa Dugo.
He married Melizza Garcia in 2006 but have since separated. He is father to teen actor Grae Fernandez.
Dingdong Dantes
Who could ever forget Iñaki, Dingdong Dantes’ debut role in the teen-oriented T.G.I.S.? Dingdong’s team up with Antoinette Taus in the hit television show is one of the most memorable loveteams from the ’90s. Dingdong also appeared in films like Honey My Love So Sweet, Kiss Mo ‘Ko, and I’m Sorry My Love.
Now, the former matinee idol is happily married to longtime girlfriend, Marian Rivera. Marian gave birth to their daughter Maria Letizia in 2015.
