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Sanya Lopez

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Sanya Lopez
Lopez at the Santiago Apostol de Quingua Salubong Festival 2021
Born
Shaira Lenn Osuna Roberto

(1996-08-09) August 9, 1996 (age 30)
Malolos, Bulacan, Philippines
Occupations
  • Actress
  • singer
Years active2012–present
Agents
RelativesJak Roberto (brother)
YouTube information
Channel
Years active2016–2023
Subscribers1.43 million
Views37.94 million
Last updated: May 15, 2026

Shaira Lenn Osuna Roberto (born August 9, 1996),[1] known professionally as Sanya Lopez (Tagalog: [ˈsɐɲɐ ˈlɔpɛs]), is a Filipino actress, singer, and television personality known for her work in Philippine television dramas and fantasy series. She began her career as a co-host on Walang Tulugan with the Master Showman (2012) after being discovered by veteran host German Moreno. She later appeared in supporting and minor roles before gaining wider recognition in The Half Sisters (2014).[2]

Roberto rose to prominence in 2016 after portraying Danaya in the remake of Encantadia, which became her breakthrough role and established her as one of GMA Network’s rising lead actresses.[3] She later starred in television series such as Haplos (2017–2018), First Yaya (2021), Mga Lihim ni Urduja (2023), and Pulang Araw (2024). In addition to acting, she released the single "Hot Maria Clara" in 2022, which later gained viral popularity on social media.

Early life and background

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Shaira Lenn Osuna Roberto was born on August 9, 1996, and raised in Malolos, Bulacan. She is the daughter of Marlene Osuna Roberto and Ramil Roberto, who died when she was two years old. Lopez is the younger sister of actor Jak Roberto.[4] At the age of 14, Roberto met German Moreno and came to see him as a father figure; she dedicates her performance both to Moreno and her father.[5] She was given the name Sanya, of Indian origin, by her manager.[6]

Roberto currently resides in Quezon City with her brother Jak.[7]

Career

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2012–2015: Early career

[edit]
Lopez at the GMAAC Skyranch Date, April 2016

Roberto's entry into showbiz began when she visited the taping of Walang Tulugan with the Master Showman with her brother, Jak Roberto. During the visit, some fans mistook her for Kim Rodriguez, which caught the attention of veteran host German Moreno, also known as Moreno. After being introduced by Jak, Roberto was invited by Moreno to return for another taping, opening opportunities for her in the entertainment industry.[8] Since then, Moreno included her on the program as one of his co-hosts.[9]

Roberto began her acting career in 2012 through the teleserye Magdalena: Anghel sa Putikan, where she appeared in a challenging role at a young age. In the following years, she spent around four years doing minor and extra roles in various GMA Network's programs. During this period, she experienced humiliation and unfair treatment on set, including being forced out of tents during tapings and staying under the heat of the sun. Despite these hardships, she said the experiences taught her humility, perseverance, and respect for people regardless of status or profession.[10]

2016–2019: Breakthrough and transition to lead roles

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In 2014, Roberto gained attention after appearing in The Half Sisters as the best friend of Barbie Forteza.[11] Before The Half Sisters ended, she was offered a management contract by GMA Artist Center.[10] Roberto's breakthrough came in 2016 when she was cast as Danaya in the remake of Encantadia, originally played by Bubble Gang former cast Diana Zubiri which she considers her biggest television break. She underwent five auditions and was initially considered for several other characters before finally securing the role. Her casting received criticism because she was still a newcomer, but her performance eventually earned praise and made her one of the breakout stars of the series. Following the success of Encantadia, her career rapidly progressed, and she became widely recognized by viewers.[10][12][13] Zubiri, on the other hand, congratulated Roberto[14] for bagging the role on her Twitter account.[15]

Even before Encantadia ended in 2017, Roberto was already chosen to headline the teleserye Haplos. She later starred in Cain at Abel in 2018 alongside Dingdong Dantes and Dennis Trillo, whom she admired for their professionalism and humility. In 2019, she continued her rise as a lead actress through Dahil sa Pag-ibig.[10]

In October 2019, Roberto was chosen as the 2020 calendar girl for the liquor brand Ginebra.[16]

2020–present: Career resurgence

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In October 2020, Roberto was announced to portray Melody Reyes in First Yaya, replacing Marian Rivera, who exited the project due to concerns over lock-in taping.[17] In 2021, she was cast as the leading lady in Agimat ng Agila, opposite Bong Revilla.[18] Both series aired in 2021 and contributed significantly to her rise in popularity. Due to their success, both shows were renewed for a second season in 2022.[19][20] Her character in Agimat ng Agila was written off to accommodate her commitment to the second season of First Yaya, retitled First Lady.

On July 15, 2022, Roberto released her debut single "Hot Maria Clara" under GMA Music along with its music video.[21] In 2023, she portrayed the legendary warrior Urduja in the television series Mga Lihim ni Urduja, alongside her fellow Encantadia co-stars Kylie Padilla and Gabbi Garcia.[22] The following year, in 2024, she played Teresita Borromeo, also known as "Morena," in the historical drama Pulang Araw.[23]

In 2025, Roberto reprised her role as Danaya in Encantadia Chronicles: Sang'gre, a spin-off of the fantasy series Encantadia.[24] On June 10, 2025, almost three years after its release, her single "Hot Maria Clara" appeared on top of Spotify's "Viral 50 Philippines Chart" after being featured on viral videos on social media.[25]

Personal life

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During the media conference for Samahan ng mga Makasalanan on March 27, 2025, Roberto confirmed that she was dating a non-showbiz Chinese businessman. She said they were still in the dating stage and were enjoying each other's company without pressure. Roberto also shared that she now viewed relationships more seriously compared to before, when she was more focused on her career. She described the businessman as sincere and consistent in pursuing her, adding that she still preferred traditional courtship and hoped to find a caring and serious partner.[26]

Filmography

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Television

[edit]
Year Title Role Ref.
2013 Dormitoryo Thea [27]
2014–2016 The Half Sisters Lorna
2016 The Millionaire's Wife Lovely
2016–2017 Encantadia Sang'gre / Hara Danaya [28]
2017–2018 Haplos Angela Marie Alonzo-Cortez / Angela Marie Alonzo-Montecines / Anj / Angel / Elang / Exotica / Alice [29]
2018–2019 Cain at Abel Margaret Tolentino [30]
2019 Dahil sa Pag-Ibig Mariella "Mariel" Fajardo-Corpuz [31]
Beautiful Justice Thea Vasquez
2021 First Yaya Melody Reyes-Acosta [32]
2021–2022 Agimat ng Agila Maya Lagman [33]
2022 First Lady Melody Reyes-Acosta [34]
2023 Mga Lihim ni Urduja Hara Urduja
2024 Pulang Araw Teresita "Morena" Borromeo
2025–2026 Encantadia Chronicles: Sang'gre Sang'gre / Hara Durie Danaya
2026 Born to Shine Melody Reyes-Acosta [35]

Television (guest)

[edit]
Year Title Role Ref.
2012–2016 Walang Tulugan with the Master Showman Herself (co-host) [36]
2016 Magpakailanman: "The Wowowin Grand Winner" Shayne
2017 Follow Your Heart Herself
Karelasyon Various roles
Imbestigador Marina
Wish Ko Lang RJ
Wowowin Herself
Road Trip: Albay [37]
Pepito Manaloto Suzanne
Magpakailanman: "BFF: Best Sisters Forever" Arianne
Tadhana: "Prodigal Daughter" Elaine
2018 Wagas: "Lola Iska, 120" Teen Iska
Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko: "Giselle, Palayain Mo si Rapunzel!" Rapunzel
Wish Ko Lang: "Ang Bangungot ni Rhea" Rhea
Wagas: "Sigaw ng Puso (The Rein Morales and RJ Zulueta Story)" Rein Morales
Inday Will Always Love You Lea
Dear Uge: "Emma Liar" Emma
Wish Ko Lang: "Tatlong Ama, Iisang Kapalaran" Emily
Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko: "Witchikels" Willow
Victor Magtanggol Sang'gre Danaya / Aya [38]
Studio 7 Herself
Wish Ko Lang: "Mga Mukha ng Pag-asa" Herself / Emily
2019 Tadhana: "Titser Yaya" Elaine
Magpakailanman: "Tatlong Henerasyon ng Sipag at Tiyaga" Young Lelang
Dear Uge: "Patayin sa Sindak si Bernadette" Bernadette
Daddy's Gurl Cherry Aguinaldo [39]
Tadhana: "Boso" Arianne [40]
Imbestigador: "Gomez-Sarmenta Rape-Slay and Murder Case" Eileen Sarmenta
Magpakailanman: "Babaeng Binulag ng Pag-ibig" Leny
Beautiful Justice Agent Thea [41]
2020 Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko: "Mermaid for Each Other" Sofia
Tadhana: "Inner Beauty" Elaine
Tadhana: "Laman" Risa
Magpakailanman: "Halimaw sa Kama" Mayet
2021 Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko: "Oh My Oppa!" Grace
Regal Studio Presents: "That Thin Line Between" Gemma Rose
2022 Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko: "Madal-Dolls" Bubbles
Magpakailanman: "My Kidney Belongs to You" Irish
Regal Studio Presents: "Budol Queen" Rhea
Magpakailanman: "Listen to My Heart: The Maegan Aguilar Story" Maegan Aguilar
2022–2023 Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko: "All by My Elf" Honey
2023 Tadhana: "Nympha" Nympha
Tadhana: "Pagtakas sa Kahapon" Rowena
Magpakailanman: "A Runner to Remember: The Jirome de Castro Story" Geraldine
Open 24/7 Herself
2024 Walang Matigas na Pulis sa Matinik na Misis Mildred Darlene Yabut
2024–2025 It's Showtime Herself (judge, performer)
2025 Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition Herself [42]

Film

[edit]
Year Title Role(s) Ref.
2017 Amalanhig: The Vampire Chronicles Aryana Dimalinlang [43]
2018 Wild and Free Ellie [44]
2020 Isa Pang Bahaghari Dolores "Dolly / Dolly Ariana" Sanchez [45]
2024 Playtime Allyson[46]
2025 Samahan ng mga Makasalanan Mila
2026 Midnight Girls Mary Anne "Paris" Garcia Sibal

Awards

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Year Category Work Award Giving Body Notes Ref.
2016 Gintong Kabataan Sa Larangan ng Sining at Kultura recognition Gintong Kabataan Awards August 26, 2016 [47]
German Moreno Youth Achievement Award 2016 FAMAS Awards 2016 December 10, 2016 [48]
Huwarang Artista ng Taon para sa mga Kabataan 3rd Inding-Indie Short Film Festival Awards December 4, 2016 [49]
2017 Ranked No. 20, FHM Philippines 100 Sexiest Woman FHM Philippines (Summit Media) First time to be nominated in the list, July 2017 issue [50]
2019 New Movie Actress of the Year Wild and Free 35th PMPC Star Awards for Movies June 16, 2019 [51]
2021 Best Supporting Actress Isa Pang Bahaghari 4th EDDYS Entertainment Editors' Choice Nominee [52]
Top Celebrity Award First TikTok Awards Philippines 2021 July 4, 2021 [53]

References

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  1. "Sanya Lopez shares photos of her birthday celebration". GMA News. Archived from the original on August 10, 2021. Retrieved August 14, 2021. First Yaya actress Sanya Lopez celebrated her 25th birthday yesterday (August 9).
  2. Rodriguez, Bea (March 18, 2016). "'The Half Sisters' actress Sanya Lopez, nagpaabot ng mala-beauty queen na mensahe sa mga kabataan". Archived from the original on September 13, 2016. Retrieved June 12, 2016.
  3. Anarcon, James Patrick. "Meet the new Danaya in Encantadia 2016: Sanya Lopez". Philippine Entertainment Portal. Archived from the original on June 11, 2016. Retrieved June 11, 2016.
  4. "READ: "Abs ng Bayan" Jak Roberto nagpipinta ng lapida sa sementeryo noon para kumita". GMA Network. Archived from the original on January 16, 2017. Retrieved January 13, 2017.
  5. "Part 1 of 2: All About Encantadia 2016's 'Danaya' Sanya Lopez (Her Audition, Diet, Training, Co-Stars Etc.) – Random Republika". May 8, 2016. Archived from the original on January 18, 2017. Retrieved January 13, 2017.
  6. "Sanya rising". BusinessMirror. October 13, 2016. Archived from the original on January 10, 2017. Retrieved January 10, 2017.
  7. "Bahay ng magkapatid na Sanya Lopez at Jak Roberto, pinasok ng kawatan". GMA News Online. April 2017. Archived from the original on April 3, 2017. Retrieved October 27, 2021.
  8. "Sanya Lopez, naiyak nang ikuwento kung paano siya na-discover". GMA Network. Archived from the original on April 8, 2016. Retrieved June 11, 2016.
  9. "'Encantadia' 2016: Meet Sanya Lopez, the new Danaya". Rappler. Archived from the original on June 16, 2016. Retrieved June 11, 2016.
  10. 1 2 3 4 Anarcon, James Patrick (August 16, 2019). "Sanya Lopez: Staying grounded, staying smart". PEP. Retrieved June 8, 2026.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  11. "Sanya Lopez reveals the reason behind using a different surname to brother Jak Roberto". LionhearTV. December 10, 2019. Archived from the original on November 26, 2021. Retrieved November 26, 2021.
  12. Policarpio, Allan. "4 protectors of Encantadia's gems revealed". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Archived from the original on June 20, 2016. Retrieved June 22, 2016.
  13. "'Encantadia' star Sanya Lopez, palaban din daw gaya ni Danaya?". GMA Network. Archived from the original on September 17, 2016. Retrieved June 22, 2016.
  14. Rula, Gorgy. "Sanya Lopez regrets Kuya Germs will not see her in Enca 2016". Philippine Entertainment Portal. Archived from the original on August 15, 2016. Retrieved June 22, 2016.
  15. Anarcon, James Patrick (April 5, 2016). "Original Encantadia stars congratulate new batch of Sang'gres". PEP. Archived from the original on May 24, 2022. Retrieved May 24, 2022.
  16. Garcia, Angelica (October 24, 2019). "Sanya Lopez is Ginebra's calendar girl for 2020". GMA Network. Retrieved October 25, 2019.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  17. "Sanya Lopez is the new leading lady in 'First Yaya'". GMA Network. October 12, 2020. Retrieved April 24, 2025.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  18. Viernes, Francheska (April 28, 2021). "Sanya Lopez to wow viewers with action scenes in 'Agimat ng Agila'". GMA Network. Retrieved April 24, 2025.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  19. "Meet the cast of 'Agimat ng Agila' Season 2". www.gmanetwork.com. Retrieved April 24, 2025.
  20. "Sanya Lopez is yaya no more in official trailer of 'First Lady'". GMA Network. January 15, 2022. Retrieved April 24, 2025.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  21. Anoc, Aimee (July 15, 2022). "Sanya Lopez drops music video for 'Hot Maria Clara,' receives positive remarks from netizens". GMA Network. Retrieved June 23, 2025.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  22. "Another epic series begins in 'Mga Lihim ni Urduja'". The Manila Times. February 27, 2023. Retrieved April 24, 2025.
  23. Tomada, Nathalie (October 27, 2024). "'Pulang Araw' praised for giving voice to forgotten comfort women". The Philippine Star. Retrieved April 24, 2025.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  24. Ruiz, Marah (April 4, 2025). "Behind the scenes: 'Encantadia Chronicles: Sang'gre' teaser". GMA Network. Retrieved April 24, 2025.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  25. "Sanya Lopez's 'Hot Maria Clara' hits no. 1 on Spotify's Viral 50 Philippines chart". GMA Network. June 10, 2025. Retrieved June 23, 2025.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  26. "Sanya Lopez, inaming may idini-date na Chinese businessman". PEP. March 28, 2025. Retrieved February 11, 2026.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  27. Acar, Aedrianne (June 9, 2021). "Sanya Lopez, handang talikuran ang career sa GMA-7 para maging beauty queen?". GMA Network. Archived from the original on November 27, 2021. Retrieved November 27, 2021.
  28. Villano, Alexa (April 28, 2016). "'Encantadia' 2016: Meet Sanya Lopez, the new Danaya". Rappler. Archived from the original on November 27, 2021. Retrieved November 27, 2021.
  29. Valle, Jocelyn (July 12, 2017). "How did Sanya Lopez-Rocco Nacino-starrer Haplos fare in AGB ratings?". PEP. Archived from the original on November 27, 2021. Retrieved November 27, 2021.
  30. ""Best gift," Sanya Lopez on being the leading lady of Dingdong Dantes and Dennis Trillo in "Cain at Abel"". LionhearTV. September 22, 2018. Archived from the original on November 27, 2021. Retrieved November 27, 2021.
  31. "WATCH: Kumusta si Benjamin Alves matapos ang mga sampal ni Sanya Lopez sa 'Dahil Sa Pag-Ibig?'". GMA Network. July 17, 2019. Archived from the original on October 31, 2023. Retrieved November 27, 2021.
  32. Requintina, Robert (October 20, 2021). "'First Yaya' is now 'The First Lady'". Manila Bulletin. Archived from the original on November 27, 2021. Retrieved November 27, 2021.
  33. Viernes, Franchesca (April 28, 2021). "Sanya Lopez to wow viewers with action scenes in 'Agimat ng Agila'". GMA Network. Archived from the original on November 27, 2021. Retrieved November 27, 2021.
  34. "Sanya Lopez is yaya no more in official trailer of 'First Lady'". GMA Network. January 15, 2022. Archived from the original on February 1, 2022. Retrieved February 1, 2022.
  35. "#CHIKA | Sanya Lopez, eeksena sa Kapuso serye na #BornToShine kung saan gagampanan niya ang kanyang iconic role na si Melody sa pinagbidahan niyang serye na #FirstYaya at #FirstLady". www.instagram.com. Retrieved August 29, 2026.
  36. Ruiz, Marah (September 6, 2021). "Sanya Lopez at Ken Chan, iniaalay ang 'That Thin Line Between' kay Kuya Germs". GMA Network. Archived from the original on November 28, 2021. Retrieved November 28, 2021.
  37. Caligan, Michelle (September 14, 2017). "EXCLUSIVE: Jak Roberto, may bagong natuklasan tungkol sa kapatid na si Sanya Lopez". GMA Network. Archived from the original on November 28, 2021. Retrieved November 28, 2021.
  38. Gabinete, Jojo (September 14, 2018). "Mga Sang'gre ng Encantadia, papasok sa Victor Magtanggol". PEP. Archived from the original on November 28, 2021. Retrieved November 28, 2021.
  39. Acar, Aedrianne (March 27, 2019). "Sanya Lopez joins the summer special of 'Daddy's Gurl' this March 30 | Teaser Ep. 25". GMA Network. Archived from the original on November 28, 2021. Retrieved November 28, 2021.
  40. Geli, Bianca (April 5, 2019). "WATCH: Sanya Lopez, mainit na pinag-usapan dahil sa 'Tadhana' teaser". GMA Network. Archived from the original on November 28, 2021. Retrieved November 28, 2021.
  41. Acar, Aedrianne; Alegre, Dianara (December 10, 2019). "Another Sang'gre joins 'Beautiful Justice'". GMA Network. Archived from the original on November 27, 2021. Retrieved November 27, 2021.
  42. Yap, Jade Veronique (April 6, 2025). "Sanya Lopez to enter as house guest in 'Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition'". GMA Network. Retrieved April 6, 2025.
  43. Cruz, Oggs (September 23, 2017). "'Amalanhig: The Vampire Chronicle' review: Charmless disaster". Rappler. Archived from the original on November 28, 2021. Retrieved November 28, 2021.
  44. Anarcon, James Patrick (September 17, 2018). "Derrick Monasterio does pumping scene with Sanya Lopez; describes love scenes as "malala"". PEP. Archived from the original on November 28, 2021. Retrieved November 28, 2021.
  45. Ruiz, Marah (December 26, 2020). "Sanya Lopez, na-starstruck kay Nora Aunor sa 'Isa Pang Bahaghari'". GMA Network. Archived from the original on November 28, 2021. Retrieved November 28, 2021.
  46. "GMA Pictures and Viva Films unveil new movie collab "Playtime"". GMA Network. May 9, 2024. Archived from the original on May 10, 2024. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
  47. Ligunas, Meryl (November 1, 2020). "Ken Chan and Sanya Lopez get recognized by Gintong Kabataan Awards". GMA Network. Archived from the original on January 16, 2017. Retrieved January 14, 2017.
  48. LIgunas, Meryl (February 18, 2020). "Gabbi Garcia, Sanya Lopez and Jak Roberto bag German Moreno Youth Achievement Award". GMA Network. Archived from the original on January 16, 2017. Retrieved January 14, 2017.
  49. "GMA Network dominates 3rd Inding-Indie Short Film Festival". GMA Network. February 20, 2020. Archived from the original on January 18, 2017. Retrieved January 17, 2017.
  50. "13 Fresh Faces in This Year's FHM 100 Sexiest List". Archived from the original on July 9, 2017. Retrieved July 9, 2017.
  51. "Sanya Lopez is PMPC's New Movie Actress of the Year". GMA Network. June 3, 2019. Archived from the original on July 10, 2021. Retrieved July 9, 2021.
  52. Geli, Bianca (March 19, 2021). "Sanya Lopez gets EDDYS Awards nomination". GMA Network. Archived from the original on July 10, 2021. Retrieved July 10, 2021.
  53. "SB19, Sanya Lopez bag Top Celebrity Awards at TikTok Awards 2021". GMA Network. July 5, 2021. Archived from the original on July 10, 2021. Retrieved July 10, 2021.
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