Do you remember that time in your life when you wanted a varsity jacket so bad? Or the first time you learned about internet slang? If you were a pre-teen in the 2010s, that was probably because of Tween Academy.
The coming-of-age film is based on GMA’s teenage drama series, Tween Hearts. It featured six up-and-coming loveteams that brought kilig during our childhood. Tween Academy depicted all sorts of teenage scenarios, from having a crush on your best friend, getting ready for prom, fighting high school bullies, and meeting someone from the internet (which is cute in films but super scary IRL!).
It’s somewhat hard to believe that it has been more than a decade since its premiere. A lot of things have changed in our lives and these tween stars surely had their fair share of growth. Most of them are still in the industry, but a few of them took a completely different path. Here’s where the cast is now.
Lexi Fernandez (Chloe)
Role: Lexi played the role of Chloe, the typical rich and spoiled popular girl. Many guys like her but behind closed doors, she struggles with an eating disorder.
Today: Lexi chose a life away from the spotlight after battling with anxiety and depression. She graduated from college in 2019 and pursued a master’s degree in Australia. She’s been living her best life independently there since 2020. She co-founded House to Home Co. which sells curated goodies for your home. You can follow her on Instagram where she shares a bit of her current life.
Derrick Monasterio (Maximo)
Role: He played the role of Maximo, a campus bully. He has that BDE but chickens out when confronted with challenges. He likes Chloe.
Today: Derrick shares about his fitness journey on social media. He still appears in ads and billboards, and earlier this year, he signed up with Sparkle GMA Cente. He is set to star in GMA Afternoon Prime series Return to Paradise. You can follow his Instagram to see more of him.
Louise Delos Reyes (Jess)
Role: She played the role of Jess, a social climber but a sweetheart. She hides the truth that she comes from a poor family because she desperately wants to be in Chloe’s circle.
Today: Louise’s Instagram documents the most important things in her life. She’s often on the beach with her beau or out with her friends. She recently appeared in Denise O’Hara’s steamy adult drama movie, The Wife. You can follow her happy life on Instagram.
Kristoffer Martin (Diego)
Role: He played the role of Diego, a happy-go-lucky guy who always gets involved in fights. He’s in a relationship with Ashlee.
Today: He got married to his non-showbiz partner, AC Banzon last February. They already have a five-year-old daughter. You can still catch him on GMA’s afternoon show, The Fake Life. He is enjoying both his family and celebrity life as seen on his Instagram posts.
Joyce Ching (Ashlee)
Role: She played the role of Ashlee, a fashionista. She has strict parents and is always afraid that they might find out about her relationship with Diego.
Today: This fashionista is now a happy wife! She shares the struggle of being away from her husband while she has to go to lock-in tapings. Joyce appears on GMA’s drama series, Raising Mamay. You can subscribe to her YouTube channel or Instagram to see more of her recent life.
Jhake Vargas (Jepoy)
Role: He played the role of Jepoy, a guitar enthusiast. He loves music and is in love with Chloe. His best friend, George, helps him court her.
Today: Along with Kristoffer, you can watch him in GMA’s The Fake Life as a guest cast. But if that isn’t enough, you can still catch him as Chito in Pepito Manaloto. (Yes, that show is still running after twelve years.) He’s been dating Inah De Belen-Estrada for quite a long time now. Catch his daily life on Instagram.
Bea Binene (George)
Role: She played the role of George, a boyish character who is pang-bestfriend lang. She has feelings for her best friend, Jepoy but hides it and even helps him to get closer to his crush, Chloe.
Today: This 24-year-old is living her best life. She is a successful businesswoman and is currently pursuing her culinary studies to fulfill her dream of becoming a chef. But thankfully for her fans, she did not completely walk away from the spotlight; you can still see her on The Fake Life along with Kristoffer and Jhake. (We really thought that JhaBea were endgame but life goes on. It’s just a beautiful memory now. *cries*) You can get a glimpse of Bea’s life on Instagram.
Joshua Dionisio (Robin)
Role: He was cast as Robin, a computer shop tambay and comic book geek. He eventually forms a friendship with Kara, played by Joshua’s onscreen partner, Barbie Forteza.
Today: Five years after his last television appearance, Joshua is slowly coming back. After focusing on his Industrial Engineering studies in Mapua, he is now hosting a UNTV show named Good Morning Kuya. He also enjoys racing during his free time. You can catch him on Instagram.
Yes, we know what you’re thinking. We didn’t forget about Barbie Forteza and Alden Richards. But since both of them are still very active in the industry, we all know where they are right now.
Well, the tween stars we loved are still slaying and we couldn’t be happier. Thanks for making our teenage lives beautiful!
Who was your favorite loveteam? Tell us about it in the comments below!
