Born July, 17 1954 under the name Elizabeth Oropesa Freeman in Albay, Philippines. In 1972, her mother falsified registration documents claiming she was the minimum age of 18 so she could join the Miss RP pageant. After winning the Miss RP Luzon title, her real age was discovered and she was dethroned just hours later. Using this notoriety as a stepping stone, she made her film debut in 1973's Daredevil Rider and has been a busy and acclaimed actress in the Philippines ever since. Just a few years into her acting career she'd be launched to stardom with the films Mister Mo, Lover Boy Ko and Lumapit, Lumayo Ang Umaga (both 1975). The latter netted her the FAMAS Best Actress award, an award she'd win again in 2000 for Bulaklak ng Maynila. She has received five nominations in total to date. In addition, she's won acting awards from Young Critics Circle, Star, FAP, Gawad Urian Awards and others.