ntered showbiz at age. . . 12

Her age now is. . . 26

Got in the showbiz circle by. . . being in the initial batch of Ang TV! which launched the careers of many a star. Of course, it didn't hurt to be the sister of then ST Queen Gretchen Barretto and Marjorie Barretto.

Best known for. . . her consistently top-rating soaps, such as Mula Sa Puso, Saan Ka Man Naroroon, Sa Dulo Ng Walang Hanggan, Marina and Ikaw Ang Lahat Sa Akin. She is also know now as Mrs. Raymart Santiago.

Best known for playing the role. . . of Jenny in Milan opposite Piolo Pascual in 2004. For this, she won the Luna Best Actress Award the following year.

Worst role to date. . . was probably the role of Katrina in Flames: The Movie, totally unforgettable.

Her star quality. . . is her improving craft. Her style of acting has been compared to her idol, Vilma Santos.

Her best physical asset. . . is that radiant face which can sell any magazine cover.

Could improve career by. . . taking dancing lessons. Vilma Santos commanded the dance floor in her self-titled show even during her 40s.

The worst stunt she pulled was when. . . she had the name of her then-boyfriend Mark Anthony Fernandez tattooed in her ankle.

MEETING MR. M: “Sobrang akogn hiya. It was the audition for Ang TV. I had attended a workshop for Repertory Philippines , appeared in a commercial for PLDT and another for Jollibee. Tumawag siya kay Douglas Quijano and said, ‘I want that person.' When I went to the studio, ang daming tao. Pinapasok kami dire-diretso—siguro nga kasi Barretto ako. But then again, I was so young, hindi niya alam kung sino yung Claudine Barretto. And I was saying my family name was Castelo because I wanted to see if I was gonna make it on my own or if Barretto, because of my ate (Gretchen), would really make a big impact. Nakakahiya, adaming tao baka sabihin nila, ‘Ay, may special treatment' because of my sister.

Mr. M wanted me to do the audition (but) I didn't want to sing or dance or act in front of the camera. So I went home. I just couldn't move on stage. But then he knew somehow na hindi mo talaga ako mapapa-ganun in front of people. So he asked me to go back, kinunan lang ako ng video, wala akong sinabi kundi ‘Hi, I'm Claudine Barretto.' That's it.

And then sabi niya, ‘Do you sing? You did Grease, you played the lead role, so could you sing for me?' I can't remember what I sang. He said, ‘Okay, you can record today.' So we went to the recording studio. Pero walang vocal coach. Buti na lang Wency Cornejo was there. Sabi ni Mr. M, ‘What I like about you is your eyes and your smile. Think of a song.' I don't know who came up with “'I Love Your Smile.'”

WHAT MR. M MEANS TO HER: “He's quiet but sweet like my dad. Malumanay magsalita. And he makes you feel comfortable. Nagkaroon na nag Talent Center , Star Circle , Star Magic, he'd always say that I'm not a part of that. I'm a part of Mr. M's first batch. And we don't have a contract. Our contract is parang lifetime contract.”

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