Los Angeles, CA — September 2, 2024 — Fil-Am TV is thrilled to announce the casting of Belinda Panelo as the host of Chicka Chicka in the highly anticipated romantic comedy series Maid to Shine. Belinda reunites with director Giovannie Espiritu following their collaboration on the feature film Love and Karma, where she starred in the lead role.
Belinda Panelo is a celebrated Filipino-American actress and former commercial model, best known for her dynamic presence on MTV. She rose to fame after winning the MTV VJ Hunt in 1999 alongside K.C. Montero, and quickly became a fan favorite for her infectious humor and energy on MTV’s Classic MTV and MTV Mush. Her vibrant personality and comedic chops earned her a reputation as one of MTV’s wackiest and funniest VJs.
Panelo brings her trademark wit and charm to Maid to Shine as the Chicka Chicka host, where her presence is set to captivate audiences once again. Her unique background and extensive experience make her a perfect fit for the show’s world, blending music, comedy, and heartfelt storytelling.
The daughter of U.S. veteran Salvador Sauza Panel, Belinda has always embraced her Filipino-American heritage, and her role in Maid to Shine further underscores her commitment to telling diverse and relatable stories.
“We are beyond excited to have Belinda join our cast,” says director Giovannie Espiritu. “She is such a talented, brilliant actress who is a pleasure to work with, and I couldn’t be happier to work with her again.”
Maid to Shine is produced by Fil-Am TV Network and executive producers Esmeralda Padilla-Gould and Sam Buban, bringing a fresh, authentic voice to Filipino-American stories. The six-episode series follows the journey of Elena Santos, a Filipina maid with a hidden talent for singing, as she crosses paths with a famous Filipino pop star in search of genuine connections.
Production for Maid to Shine begins in September 2024.
For more information and updates, visit www.filamtv.us or follow @filamtvnetwork on social media.
About the Creator:
Telly Award-Winning Director Giovannie Espiritu, a bisexual, once-undocumented immigrant Filipina mom, brings her unique perspective and experiences to Maid to Shine. Known for her roles in Lone Star 911, Young Sheldon, and Bob Hearts Abishola, Giovannie has also made her mark as a filmmaker with projects like Legacy and the upcoming Love & Karma starring Filipino talent Belinda Panelo and Jojo Riguerra, and a supporting cast including Oscar Nominee Eric Roberts, Golden Globe Nominee Joanna Pacula, and international star Bai Ling. Her work often explores themes of dismantling the patriarchy, healing generational trauma, and exposing systems of bias with humor.
About FilAmTV Network:
FilAmTV Network is a dynamic and influential media platform dedicated to serving the Filipino-American community boasting a linear TV viewership of over 22 million. As the first and only quad media company, FilAmTV operates across television, radio, print – The Fil-American Post, and social media, offering a diverse range of programming that includes news, entertainment, cultural showcases, and community-focused content. The network also features a physical hub in the state of Nevada, +63FIFTY FIL-AM CENTRAL, which serves as a vibrant center for community engagement and cultural exchange.
FilAmTV is committed to providing a voice for Filipino-Americans, highlighting their stories, achievements, and contributions. With a blend of traditional and contemporary media, FilAmTV Network aims to bridge the gap between generations, celebrating heritage while embracing modernity. Led by a team of passionate professionals, the network continues to grow, innovate, and connect audiences across the globe.
Catch FilAmTV on Roku, Amazon Fire TV, WCETV, local TV channel KGNG 26.8 Las Vegas, and VegasPlus.us. Visit our website at FilAmTV.us for more information and to stay updated with our latest content.
Former MTV VJ Belinda Panelo Cast as Chicka Chicka Host in Fil-Am TV’s “Maid to Shine”
