''Bituin'' (International title: ''Star'') is a 2002

music Music is generally defined as the art of arranging sound to create some combination of form, harmony, melody, rhythm or otherwise expressive content. Exact definitions of music vary considerably around the world, though it is an aspect ...

al Philippine soap opera that was aired by

ABS-CBN ABS-CBN (an initialism of its two predecessors' names, Alto Broadcasting System and Chronicle Broadcasting Network) is a Television in the Philippines, Philippine Commercial broadcasting, commercial broadcast broadcast network, network tha ...

from September 23, 2002 to May 23, 2003 replacing ''

Pangako Sa 'Yo ''Pangako Sa 'Yo'' (International title: ''The Promise'' / ) is a Philippine primetime soap opera series that aired on ABS-CBN. It stars an ensemble cast led by Kristine Hermosa, Jericho Rosales, Eula Valdez, Tonton Gutierrez and Jean Garcia. It ...

'' and was replaced by ''

Basta't Kasama Kita ''Basta't Kasama Kita'' (International title: ''As Long As I'm With You'' / ) is a Philippine action drama which was aired on ABS-CBN primetime series from May 26, 2003, to September 10, 2004, replacing ''Bituin''. The series stars Robin Padill ...

''. It starred

Carol Banawa Carol Claire Aguilar Banawa-Crisostomo (born March 4, 1981), better known in the Philippines as Carol Banawa, is a US-based Filipina singer, actress, and nurse. She is a Star Magic Batch 4 alumna. Early life and career Raised in Batangas, she ...

and

Desiree del Valle Desirée Lois del Valle Dunham-Labrusca (born May 28, 1982), better known by her screen name Desiree del Valle, is a Filipina actress born from an Irish American father named Clois H. Dunham and a Filipino mother Lourdes del Valle from Lopez, ...

with Nora Aunor and

Cherie Gil Evangeline Rose Gil Eigenmann (; June 21, 1963 – August 5, 2022), known professionally as Cherie Gil, was a Filipino actress. With a career spanning nearly 50 years, she was dubbed the "''La Primera Contravida''" ("The Prime Villain") for he ...

.ABS-CBN International: 'Star'
The series was re-aired in 2007–2008 through Kapamilya Channel (now S+A International). ''Bituin'' was famously known for the line that Nora Aunor belts out in a high caliber dramatic scene: "Nasaan Nasaan si Bernadette at Melody?" ("Where, where is Bernadette... and Melody?") The line was repeated in movies, TV series, and comedy bars. It was also known to have the highest-rated episode with The Diva vs Supernova concert. It was aired three days after the initial concert with more than a 48.7% audience share. In 2007, TFC ABS-CBN international affiliate KPTV re-aired the whole series from September 2007 to February 2008. The series also had a crossover with ''

Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay ''Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay'' (International title: ''The Long Wait'' / ) is a Philippine soap opera, produced by ABS-CBN and Star Cinema. It started on July 8, 2002 and ended on November 14, 2003, replacing ''Your Honor''. The critically-acclaime ...

'' in 2003 in various episodes. In early March 2012 - June 2012 the series had a 2-hour back to back episodes shown weekdays internationally through Cinema One Global part of its Drama On Demand hour of requested Classic TV Programs as request by television viewers commercial free and uncut. The series also was noted to have singers Carol Banawa, Kuh Ledesma, and Jessa Zaragoza and Josh Santana in regular cast objectives the soap also centered on telenovela plot twists.

Plot

Laura Sandoval and Carmela Gaston are half sisters who grew up with Carmela's mom (Doña Virginia Gaston) not treating Laura right. When they grew older Carmela doesn't marry while Laura marries Badong. After their second child, she found out he had been cheating on her. As a single mother she was struggling to support her two daughters Melody and Bernadette. When her eldest Melody becomes sick, Laura goes to Carmela asking for help, who says that she will help if she hands over Bernadette so she may raise her as her own. With no one left to turn to Laura does it. Carmela left for the US to raise Bernadette and soon returns as a singer. In a concert, Laura knew their whereabouts. The kids grow up not knowing they are sisters. Melody notices that Laura is much closer to Bernadette, such as Laura teaching Bernadette to sing when she forbids Melody to do so. Bernadette becomes a star by recording Melody's voice and claiming it as her own. Both soon become singers. Melody finds her father and wins the heart of a young man named Dante. In the end they all become a family: Badong and Laura find their love again, Carmela is no longer jealous of her sister, Doña Virginia gave the rightful will of her husband to Laura, Melody is a great singer and marries Josh Santana who is her singing partner, and Bernadette becomes a famous composer, especially the song she composed for her sister as a way to show she was sorry called "Sana Bukas"; she marries Dante, whom she fell in love with accidentally when she tried to help him win Melody's heart.

Cast and characters

Main cast

* Nora Aunor as Laura Sandoval *

† as Carmela Gaston *

as Melody Sandoval *

as Bernadette Gaston *

Carlo Muñoz Carlo Muñoz (; born 24 February 1978) is a Filipino-born American actor. Early life Muñoz is the middle child of Louie Muñoz and Patricia García. Muñoz's older brother is actor Leandro Muñoz. His younger brother Angelo also appeared i ...

as Dante * Michael Santana as Josh Santana *

Michael de Mesa Michael Edward Gil Eigenmann (; born May 24, 1960), better known by his screen name Michael de Mesa (), is a Filipino film and television actor, and director. Early life Born as Michael Edward Gil Eigenmann to performer Eddie Mesa and actress ...

as Salvador Sandoval *

Gardo Versoza Mennen Torres Polintan (born July 8, 1969), known professionally as Gardo Verzosa, is a Filipino actor and comedian. Career He started out in roles such as Sabik Sa Halik, Machete II, Halimuyak Ng Babae and Kirot. He was known as "NINO ESPEDIL ...

as Diony *

Cherry Pie Picache Cherry Pie Sison Picache (born May 27, 1970) is a Filipino actress who has starred television and in mainstream and independent films and has worked as a print and TV commercial model for Palmolive, Camay, and Eskinol. Cherry Pie is notable ...

as Olivia *

Celia Rodriguez Cecilia Rodriguez (born June 21, 1938) is a multi-awarded Filipina actress. She appeared in more than 130 movies and television shows. She won four FAMAS Awards in the films ''Kulay Dugo ang Gabi'', ''The Passionate Strangers'', ''Lilet'' and ' ...

as Doña Virginia Gaston *

Jessa Zaragoza Richelle Ann Mallari Loyola-Avanzado (born January 31, 1979), better known by her stage name Jessa Zaragoza, is a Filipina commercial model, singer and actress. She is known as the "Phenomenal Diva" and "Jukebox Queen of the 90s" for her first ...

as Sultanna Andromeda "Andromeda" *

Ronaldo Valdez Ronald James Gibbs (born November 27, 1947, in Sampaloc, Manila, Philippines), popularly known by his on-screen name Ronaldo Valdez, is a veteran Filipino film and television actor whose career spanned for almost five decades. Valdez is the f ...

as Amante Montesilverio * Chat Silayan † as Elvira Montesilverio * Tess Aquino as Madonna * Frank Garcia as Alex Montesilverio * Geoff Rodriguez as Dave Montesilverio *

Kuh Ledesma Maria Socorro "Kuh" Hashim Ledesma (born March 16, 1955) is a Filipino singer and actress. Born in Manila, Philippines with a Lebanese lineage and Ilonggo parents, she moved to Bacolod for college where she met some of her future Music and Magi ...

as Lyrica Luna *

Kristel Fulgar Kristel Aina Oquindo Fulgar (born December 29, 1994) is a Filipino actress and singer. She is known for her roles in ''Goin' Bulilit'', ''Maria Flordeluna'', '' Dahil Sa Pag-ibig'', ''Got to Believe'' and Bagito. Filmography Television Film ...

as young Melody *

Eliza Pineda Maria Eliza Pineda Bautista (born August 23, 1995), or better known as Eliza Pineda, is a Filipino actress. Early career Pineda is an original talent of ABS-CBN from 2002 to 2017 whose she is also a former child actress in a various acting skil ...

as young Bernadette

Supporting cast

Efren Reyes Jr. Efren Montes Reyes Jr. (born June 25, 1959) is a Filipino people, Filipino actor known for his last leading roles in ''Tapos Na ang Lahi Mo, Hadji Djakiri'' in 1990 and ''Nestor Solis'' in 1996. Early life Reyes was born on June 25, 1959 in Ba ...

as Arnel * Ricardo Cepeda as Conrado * Emilio Garcia as Ernesto * Lui Villaruz as Boom *

John Apacible Enrique Rustia Apacible III, popularly known as John Apacible (January 22, 1973 – March 20, 2011) was a Filipino television and movie actor who worked in Filipino productions. Early life He was born in Cainta, Rizal on January 22, 1973. C ...

† as Willy *

Perla Bautista Perla Marcial Bautista (born February 18, 1940) is a multi-awarded actress in the Philippines. She acted in more than 250 movies and television shows. She won the Best Actress FAMAS Award for ''Markang Rehas'' (1962). She also won Gawad Urian A ...

as Ofelia * Rodel Velayo as Jimmy *

Camille Prats Sheena Patricia Camille Quiambao Prats–Yambao (born June 20, 1985) is a Filipino actress, TV host, comedienne, and businesswoman. She starred in a series of successful films and television shows, since gaining media attention when she played ...

as Lovelyn Gaston *

Mat Ranillo III Matias Archibald Ranillo III (born October 5, 1956), also known by his screen name Mat Ranillo III is a Filipino-born American actor. Personal life Matias Archibald Ranillo III is the second of seven children and the first son of actors Mat Ran ...

as Filemon Gaston * Sylvia Sanchez as Eva * Tado † as King *

John Lapus Jonathan Anthony Solis "John" Lapus (born July 7, 1973), also known as Sweet, is a Filipino actor, host, comedian, and film and television director. Lapus is known for his various roles in films such as '' Shake, Rattle & Roll''. He was a head ...

as Queenie *

Harlene Bautista Harlene Maclang Bautista is a Filipina former child star, film and television actress, film producer and businesswoman in the Philippines. In 1989, Bautista won the FAP Award for Best Supporting Actress for '' Gawa Na ang Bala Na Papatay sa Iyo' ...

as Tootsie * Rochelle Barrameda as Leila *

Anita Linda Alice Bueñaflor Lake (November 23, 1924 – June 10, 2020), better known by her stage name Anita Linda, was a Filipino film actress. A romantic lead in her youth, she later gained critical acclaim for her portrayals in maternal or elderly r ...

† as Rustica *

Jestoni Alarcon Anthony Jesus Pineda Alarcon, known professionally as Jestoni Alarcon, is a Filipino actor and politician. He was served as a councilor in Antipolo from 2001 to 2004 and as the vice governor of Rizal Province from 2004 to 2007. In 2013, he won a ...

as Bienvenido Galang * Gigette Reyes as Dra. Reyes *

Julia Clarete Edda Giselle Rosetta Nuñez Clarette (born September 24, 1979), better known by her screen name Julia Clarete (), is a Filipina singer, actress, television host, and performer. She is best known as one of the co-hosts of ''Eat Bulaga!'', the ...

as Agnes Gandoza *

Romnick Sarmenta Romeo Nicolas Sarmenta Tejedor (born April 28, 1972 in Quezon City, Philippines), known professionally as Romnick Sarmenta, is a Filipino actor best remembered as the five-year-old boy who played the role of Peping in the TV series ''Gulong ng ...

as Pepito

Cameo appearances

John Lloyd Cruz John Lloyd Espidol Cruz (born June 24, 1983) is a Filipino actor, model and occasional TV host. He was a member of ABS-CBN's Star Magic, where he is an alumnus of Batch 5. He starred in the teen drama ''Tabing Ilog'', and is best known for his ...

as Atty. Yuri Orbida (from the character of ''

'') *

Bea Alonzo Phylbert Angelli Ranollo Fagestrom (born October 17, 1987), professionally known as Bea Alonzo (), is a Filipino actress. Alonzo first gained recognition for the 2002 teleserye ''Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay''. She is best known for her portrayals ...

as Atty. Kathrina Argos (from the character of ''

'') *

Kris Aquino Kristina Bernadette Cojuangco Aquino (born February 14, 1971), professionally known as Kris Aquino (), is a Filipino television host, actress, producer, socialite and businesswoman. Dubbed as Philippine's "Queen of All Media", Aquino has hos ...

Boy Abunda Eugenio Romerica Abunda Jr. (; born October 29, 1960), popularly known as Boy Abunda, is a Filipino professor, television host, publicist and talent manager. Early life and education Boy Abunda was born as Eugenio Romerica Abunda Jr. in Boro ...

Ogie Diaz Roger Diaz Pandaan (born January 2, 1970), known professionally as Ogie Diaz (), is a Filipino comedian, actor, entertainment reporter, and talent manager. He is popularly known as "''Pekto''", the name of his character in the long-running forme ...

as Ogie *

Carlos Agassi Amir Carlos Damaso Vahidi Agassi (born December 12, 1979, in Makati, Philippines), popularly known as Carlos Agassi and simply Amir, is a Filipino actor, rap artist, host, and model. He was launched as a member of ABS-CBN's Star Circle (now S ...

* Robert Seña * John Lesaca *

Dessa Margret Wander (born May 23, 1981), better known by her stage name Dessa, is an American rapper, singer, writer, and former record executive. She is a member of the indie hip hop collective Doomtree. Early life Dessa was born to Robert Wander ...

* Franco Laurel * Divo Bayer * Cooky Chua *

Agot Isidro Maria Margarita Amada Fteha Isidro (born July 20, 1966), known professionally as Agot Isidro, is a Filipino actress. She is the fourth of the six children of Jose Isidro, an architect, and Palestinian mother Edwarta Fteha. She graduated from t ...

Christine Bersola-Babao Christine Peji Bersola-Babao (; born October 30, 1970), known professionally as Tin Tin, is a Filipina multi-media personality. She is best known for starring in the educational television program ''Sine'skwela''. Life and career Christine B ...

Edu Manzano Eduardo "Edu" Manzano (; born September 14, 1955) is a Filipino American, Filipino-American actor, fashion model, TV commercial model, comedian, politician, United States Air Force veteran and television game host. He was previously the host of ...

* Dindo de Viterbo * Romi Sison

Reception

Ratings

Its highest rating was 48.7% for the "Ultimate Showdown: The Diva VS The Supernova" of Melody and Bernadette at the

Araneta Coliseum The Araneta Coliseum, also currently known by naming rights sponsorship as Smart Araneta Coliseum, is an indoor multi-purpose sports arena that is part of the Araneta City in the Cubao area of Quezon City, Philippines. Nicknamed as "the Big Dom ...

, while the lowest was 29.5%, its fifth episode. In 2002, the series aired as the first lineup of Primetime Bida at 7:00 PM followed up by ''

Sa Puso Ko Iingatan Ka ''Sa Puso Ko Iingatan Ka'' (International Name: My Heart, Take Care / ) is a Philippine primetime drama series made by ABS-CBN. It aired from June 18, 2001 to February 14, 2003. The show starred Judy Ann Santos and Piolo Pascual. The series re-a ...

'' and ''

'' and '' Sa Dulo Ng Walang Hanggan''

References

External links

* {{IMDb title, 0344626, Bituin ABS-CBN drama series 2002 Philippine television series debuts 2003 Philippine television series endings Philippine musical television series Filipino-language television shows Television shows set in the Philippines