I have noticed Yen Santos while she was still a contestant in the reality show turned artista breeding ground, Pinoy Big Brother Teen Clash in 2010. I though she is an excellent example of the Filipina beauty stereotype.
Fast forward to her being evicted and getting her career in showbusiness started, I realized what a great actor she is when I saw her television drama series Pure Love. Having watched the original Korean series, 49 days, I thought she played her part perfectly so.
Now that I have yet again watched and enjoyed her latest film, A Faraway Land, I concluded that Yen had made it. She has the acting caliber of other actors who are even ahead of her in their career. Let us look back at the beginnings of Yen’s career up to this point. Here are some of the things you may not know about Yen Santos.
EARLY LIFE
Yen was born as Lilieyen Santos on November 20, 1992 in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija to both Filipino parents. She was pursuing the course Hotel, Restaurant and Institution Management but had to stop to pursue her career in the entertainment business.
CAREER BEGINNINGS
Yen started her career by joining the nationwide telecast reality show Pinoy Big Brother: Teen Clash 2010 as one of the competing housemates. Although she did not win the competition, being evicted only after 43 days, the decision to join the show exposed her to the world of entertainment, bringing more projects for her to do.
Right after getting out of the house, she hosted the teen music reality variety show Shoutout during Thursdays with other celebrities such as Ivan Dorschner, Tricia Santos and Young JV.
From Shoutout, she landed another teen dance musical drama anthology series, Good Vibes.
She again worked with other teen housemates from the PBB Team Clash 2010 such as James Reid, Devon Seron, and Kazel Kinouchi.
BREAKTHROUGH
Yen appeared in various anthology series such as Wansapanataym and Maalaala Mo Kaya, playing supporting characters and doing guest roles and special participation in projects such as Oka2kat, E-Boy, Precious Hearts Romances Presents: Pintada.
However, it was her project in 2014 that gained her nationwide fame and recognition as an actress. Yen landed the main role in the Korean Drama remake Pure Love, which was based on the Korean drama 49 days. She played the role of Ysabel Espiritu, Danica Santos and Diane Santos.
As the breakthrough star of Pure Love, Yen Santos was once again offered a lead role in the afternoon TV series ‘All of Me‘, where her onscreen partnership Albert Martinez was loved and accepted by the viewers despite the big age difference. Talk about chemistry!
Yen’s acceptance of the lead role in the television drama romance series Halik was also a pivotal moment in her career. Playing a more mature role, as a married woman in a complicated life of love and lies, Yen was able to portray her acting prowess and compatibility with the country’s in demand leading men. She acted besides Sam Milby, Jericho Rosales and Yam Concepcion.
FILMS
In her decade worth of a career, Yen only appeared in three films as of the writing of this article. She first debuted in the movie Father Jejemon under RVQ Poductions, playing a minor role in 2010.
In 2017, she was paired with Piolo Pascual in the film Northern Lights: A Journey to Love. The film, which was set in the world’s last frontier, Alaska tells the story of two Filipino immigrants who crossed paths with their problems and the promise of a future together. Yen also appeared in the 2019 film Two Love You as Emma.
RECENT WORK
Just this month, Yen appeared besides Paolo Contis in the currently released Netflix original film, A Faraway Land. Set in the majestic Faroe Islands, Yen played the part of a successful Filipina immigrant who established her own family, business and community in the faraway place. A documentary filmmaker, played by Paolo Contis, entered her life for the purpose of documenting her successful life.
So have you watched her latest film yet? I suggest that you do! Not only that her acting, together with Paolo Contis, is impeccable, you will also surely fall in love with the breath taking Faroe Islands! We also wish to see more of Yen on TV or in a digital series. It’s about time, don’t you think?
