The Journey of Yunis Lagusad: From Child Star to Resilient Actress and Digital Storyteller

Born on May 18, 1998, in Manila, Yunis Lagusad showed a natural passion for acting from a young age. She was only eight years old when the public first met her as the charming little girl in the GMA Network drama Bakekang in 2006. What started as a small role unexpectedly opened the doors to the entertainment industry for her.

Yunis was cast in Bakekang because of her innate talent and the audience’s immediate fondness for her portrayal of the young Charming. Even before that, she had already appeared in various TV projects such as Mulawin, where she played the young Alwina’s friend, and in a talent show, where she showed early acting potential in front of the camera.

When auditions were held for Bakekang, Yunis, just eight years old at the time, was chosen to play the daughter of the lead character portrayed by Sunshine Dizon. Her ability to express emotions with authenticity and charm stood out. According to a Philippine Star article dated January 29, 2007, her role was originally intended to be short-term. However, due to the overwhelming viewer support and demand to see more of her, GMA decided to extend her role as Charming.

Thanks to her natural acting skills and the emotional connection she established with audiences, Yunis’ character grew in depth and importance. She became a staple in Bakekang, with viewers likening her to a real-life daughter of the protagonist. Her performance resonated so much that her screen time expanded beyond expectations.

Even before starting formal schooling, Yunis was already active in showbiz. In 2007, she appeared in Enteng Kabisote 4: The Beginning of the Legend, a fantasy-comedy film starring Vic Sotto and a Metro Manila Film Festival entry. That same year, she was also part of Angels, an anthology drama film by Regal Films, appearing in the segment Angel of Mine.

She also joined the sitcom IRobot from 2006 to 2007, led by Ogie Alcasid, where she played one of the regular cast members named Roda. Yunis was also featured in Magpakailanman and Maalaala Mo Kaya, appearing in several episodes as young characters in true-to-life stories.

In interviews, Yunis shared that her busy schedule in showbiz caused some delays in her regular schooling. But as she grew older, she decided to prioritize her studies and temporarily stepped away from the spotlight. Following her popular roles in Bakekang (2006) and Princess Charming (2007), Yunis gradually disappeared from television.

“I chose to focus on my studies,” she said in one interview. “It’s hard to juggle both showbiz and school, especially as I advanced to higher levels.” When she entered Grade 9, she became more focused on her academics. She admitted that the K–12 program affected her schooling timeline, which further delayed her return to showbiz.

During this time, she stepped away from regular TV dramas and films to concentrate on being a student. Yunis returned to television in 2015 through Once Upon a Kiss, where she played the role of Melody. Since then, she has appeared in various supporting roles on the GMA Network. Although no longer often cast in lead roles, she became recognized as a dependable character actress, especially in afternoon teleseryes.

Her career gained momentum once again, starting with her portrayal of Kiana, a character that gave her the opportunity to work with a high-caliber cast. Her presence in the series was not just supplemental but an essential part of the narrative. When Prima Donnas aired, Yunis again proved her worth as a versatile actress. Her role as Jelita or “Judai” Valdez showcased her ability to switch between serious, comedic, and emotional tones depending on the demands of the scene.

One of her biggest primetime comebacks was as Nurse Karen Elice Caudal in Abot Kamay na Pangarap. This teleserye gave her daily exposure on television and rekindled the public’s love for her talent and charm. No longer just the little “Charming,” she had grown into a professional actress with her own name and solid place in the industry. The series lasted over two years, during which Yunis was a pillar of balance between drama, inspiration, and realism in the medical-themed story.

Yunis also made a film comeback in 2023, appearing in Whom I Found in You as An-an, the lead character’s best friend. Her performance once again reminded audiences of her natural ability to convey emotions in a sincere and realistic way.

Her return to showbiz is a story of resilience and dedication. Yunis didn’t rush back into the spotlight. Instead, she carefully prepared for her comeback, prioritizing continuous learning and a genuine love for the craft of acting. Today, with each role she takes on, she is no longer just a child star—she is a role model for young dreamers who paused for education and returned as seasoned artists.

In the fast-paced world of showbiz, where new stars rise and fall quickly, some names remain unforgettable. Yunis Lagusad is one of them—the former child actress beloved by Filipinos for her role as Charming in Bakekang. Over time, she stepped back to focus on her education, but she has returned stronger, more mature, and more colorful than ever before.

Today, Yunis is a freelance actress and remains active in GMA Network programs. One of her most recent and successful projects was Abot Kamay na Pangarap (2022–2024), where she played Nurse Karen Elice Caudal. For over two years, she was seen daily by viewers and became a symbol of dedication, compassion, and inspiration for young professionals.

She has also appeared in several films, including Kampon and Black Rider, proving her continuous efforts to bring meaningful characters to life—not just on traditional media but also in modern formats. As the digital age flourished, Yunis embraced the shift by becoming a vlogger and content creator. Though she’s not always loud on social media, she has been slowly building her own online space, revealing her authentic self outside the camera.

She maintains a solid following on Instagram and other platforms, with fans eagerly awaiting her next updates and projects. In 2025, she is set to appear in the much-anticipated teleserye The Ilongga Girl, where she will portray a character named Ningning—another opportunity to showcase her ever-evolving versatility as an actress.

This current chapter in Yunis Lagusad’s life reflects the story of an artist who never gave up on her dream. Instead of rushing, she carved her way back with patience, dedication, and integrity. From child star to accomplished actress and digital storyteller, Yunis continues to inspire aspiring artists and those who believe in second chances.