Do you remember Onyok from FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano? The adorable little boy with natural acting skills who captured the hearts of so many? But then, the doors of showbiz suddenly closed for him, leaving countless fans heartbroken.

This is what really happened that made him leave the world of acting — a truth that, once revealed, shocked and saddened everyone who had loved and supported him.

Before Onyok Pineda became a familiar face on primetime television, he was just a simple young boy from Bacolor, Cavite with dreams and a heart that longed to help his family. Simon Ezekiel Nulos Pineda, whom we know as Onyok, was born on October 1, 2010, in Cavite and was raised by a loving family who nurtured him not just with a home, but with moral values and devotion to education.

Onyok grew up under the care of his mother, Mary Annulos Pineda, and Mr. Pineda. Although there are no detailed public records about his biological father, it’s clear that his mother was closest to him. She was also the first to share important milestones in his life, such as graduating with honors from elementary school.

According to his mother, their family was able to buy a house and a car using Onyok’s earnings from acting in Ang Probinsyano. But they also saw this opportunity as a way to provide him with a more meaningful path in life — including regular attendance in a real classroom. In 2014, Onyok joined the “Mini Me” segment of It’s Showtime, where he impersonated Filipino rock icon Bamboo Mañalac. He performed the song “Hallelujah,” which helped him reach the grand finals and place among the top three. He ended as second runner-up and won a special award for being the “Most Charming.”

It wasn’t just his great impersonation of Bamboo that captured attention, but his magnetic stage presence. ABS-CBN even noted that his “irresistible cuteness and vivacity” helped him land a spot in the finals and gain public admiration.

Aside from “Mini Me,” Onyok also auditioned for Inday Bote, where he trained under Malu Crisologo before landing a role as a dwarf in the magical battle storyline.

However, his true breakthrough came when he was discovered by Coco Martin for FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano. It was the spark in his eyes and his unique personality during the audition that impressed Coco. Onyok wasn’t discovered through a formal casting process like most actors, but because of his natural charisma that caught the attention of ABS-CBN talents and producers — especially those connected to Coco Martin.

In an interview, Coco Martin said that he saw Onyok’s audition tape and was blown away by the boy’s natural acting and innocence. He immediately said, “This is it. No one else. He’s so good. It doesn’t even feel like he’s acting, but the impact is strong.” Instead of going through the usual audition process, Onyok was personally chosen by Coco Martin to play the role of Onyok — a child rescued by Cardo’s character from a criminal syndicate.

According to The Philippine Star, Onyok was sent to an acting workshop, and even in his first few scenes, he impressed the entire production team with his skill and natural comedic timing. Originally, the script of Ang Probinsyano wasn’t focused on a child character, but that changed because of Onyok. His role expanded and became one of the most emotionally central parts of the show. He stayed with the series from 2015 to 2017 and returned in 2022 for the finale as a tribute to the show’s former stars.

His success on Ang Probinsyano opened many doors. He starred in the blockbuster film The Super Parental Guardians in 2016 with Vice Ganda and Coco Martin, which grossed over Php500 million and became the highest-grossing Filipino film at the time. There, he showcased not just his talent in drama but also his comedic timing and hilarious delivery.

He followed up with films like Loving in Tandem and Ang Panday, where he took on more mainstream roles. Thanks to his outstanding performances, Onyok received numerous awards, including “Most Popular Child Performer” from the Box Office Entertainment Awards and “Best New Male TV Personality” from the PMPC Star Awards for Television.

Each project proved that Onyok wasn’t just a one-hit wonder — he was a young actor with depth, versatility, and the potential for a lasting career if he chose to pursue it. In 2022, during the final week of Ang Probinsyano, Onyok returned in a nostalgic flashback segment, reminding viewers of how much he contributed to the show’s popularity.

Although he is no longer frequently seen on TV, he remains one of the most beloved child stars of modern teleseryes. Once the most adored child on television, Onyok became a symbol of innocence, hope, and youth amid a dark narrative in Ang Probinsyano.

However, in 2017, despite his fame, his family decided to pull him out of showbiz so he could focus on real education. This was a tough decision for his fans, but over time, they realized it was the right one. He didn’t disappear — he simply grew in the quiet of the province, far from the cameras.

Onyok continued his studies not as a child star, but as a regular student rebuilding his life. In 2023, he made the news again — not for a new teleserye or film, but because he graduated from Real Central Elementary School in Quezon Province with honors. He received awards including Academic Excellence, Scholastic Award, Eager Beaver Award, and Perfect Attendance.

He is no longer the “Onyok” of primetime drama. He is now Simon Ezekiel Pineda — a hardworking and dedicated student. His mother, Mary Ann Pineda, proudly shared his achievements on social media — medals, a diploma, and a simple message of pride.

Now around 14 years old, Onyok is in junior high school with no current projects in television or film. However, his family remains active in sharing his milestones online. In photos shared by his mother, Onyok appears as a cheerful, humble, and peaceful teenager. He seems to have chosen the path of a normal young person — away from showbiz, close to family, and focused on himself.

His current focus is his education, and according to reports, he has no plans to return to showbiz for now. But the possibility remains, as he still has fans waiting for him — his name never erased from the hearts of many viewers.

Onyok Pineda’s story is not just the tale of a famous child star. It’s the story of a boy who chose quiet success over fleeting fame. By stepping away from the camera, we got to know the real Onyok — not just the character on TV, but a bright student, a good son, and an exemplary youth who chose the path of wisdom and goodness in the public eye.

He may be gone from the screen, but in the hearts of his family, in the world of education, and in the eyes of God — Onyok is a true success, not just as an actor, but as a person.