Soraya Ray L. Bañas (born September 23, 1984), better known as Kitkat, is a singer, comedian, TV host, and actress in the Philippines.[1] She is known as "The Stolen Diva" and is managed by Star Magic. Kitkat performs as a stand-up singer and comedian at The Punchline,[1] Laffline, and Metro Comedy Bar. Her first solo concert took place in January 2009 at Metro Bar. She often portrays sidekick roles in television series and movies. Additionally, she has appeared on the game show The Singing Bee.[2]

Kitkat
Born
Soraya Ray L. Bañas

(1984-09-23) September 23, 1984 (age 40)
Occupation(s)Singer, actress, comedian, host, endorser
Years active2004–present
AgentStar Magic (2004–2020)

Early life

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Kitkat was born on September 23, 1987,[1] in Manila, Philippines. At seven years old, she was a grand finalist in a children's beauty contest on GMA 7's Lunch Date and was named the 5-week champion of Tanghalan ng Kampeon, hosted by Pilita Corrales and Bert Tawa Marcelo. She was also featured on the children’s show Yan ang Bata during her childhood. Kitkat participated in amateur singing contests across various cities and on television while still a child. During her college years, she worked as a back-up singer and band member with Willie Revillame. She later became a singer and stand-up comedian at Punchline, Laffline, and Metro Bar, and acted in the afternoon teleserye Maid in Heaven. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies from the College of the Holy Spirit, graduating in 2004.[3]

Following the shutdown of ABS-CBN 2 on May 5, 2020, due to the network's failure to secure a franchise renewal, Kitkat became a host on Net 25’s noontime show Happy Time. She joined the daily noontime variety program in September 2020 and co-hosted until February 2021, alongside veteran comedians and former Eat Bulaga! hosts Anjo Yllana and Janno Gibbs.

Filmography

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Television

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Year Title Role Network
2004 Maid in Heaven ABS-CBN
2005 M.R.S. (Most Requested Show) Herself/Co-host
Kaya Mo Ba 'To?
Vidjoking
Quizon Avenue
2006 Calla Lily Jane
Sa Piling Mo
Komiks Presents: Da Adventures of Pedro Penduko Maalindog
2007 Komiks Presents: Pedro Penduko at ang mga Engkantao
Your Song Presents: Wala Ng Hahanapin Pa Kaye
Your Song Presents: Humanap Ka Ng Panget Paula
2008 Sineserye Presents: Patayin Sa Sindak Si Barbara Tina Magbintang
Iisa Pa Lamang Louella
2008–2009 Midnight DJ: Possessions TV5
2009 Parekoy Sharon ABS-CBN
Komiks Presents: Komiks Presents: Nasaan Ka Maruja? Debbie
Dahil May Isang Ikaw Stephanie "Stef" Miranda
Maalaala Mo Kaya: Karnabal Mabel
Your Song Presents: Sa Kanya Pa Rin Trina
2010 Showtime Herself/Guest Judge
Pidol's Wonderland TV5
Precious Hearts Romances Presents: Impostor Arita ABS-CBN
Midnight DJ: Baklitang Manananggal TV5
Maalaala Mo Kaya: Basura Len's friend ABS-CBN
2011 Your Song Presents: Kim Lilian
Green Rose Mara
Precious Hearts Romances Presents: Mana Po Young Ginny
Wansapanataym: Ina'y Ko Po Cutie
Wansapanataym: Mga Alipin Ng Lumang Aklatan Pahina
Maalaala Mo Kaya: Kape Pam
2012 Wansapanataym: Dollhouse Lorna
Maalaala Mo Kaya: Flyers Gloria
2013 It's Showtime Herself/Mentor
Apoy sa Dagat Young Tessie
It's Showtime Herself/Guest Judge
Banana Nite: Ihaw Na! Herself
Maalaala Mo Kaya: VHF Radio Liza
2013, 2014 The Singing Bee Herself/Contestant, challenger in 2013 against Santiago, and in 2014 against Jugs & Corpuz; 3-day defending champion.
2015 Maalaala Mo Kaya: Jeep Emily
Got to Believe Betty
Two Wives Mimi Olasco
Forevermore Shiela
Princess in the Palace Portia GMA Network
The Ryzza Mae Show Herself/Guest
2016 CelebriTV
Kalyeserye Yaya In
Eat Bulaga!
Dear Uge Bernadette
Mars Herself/Guest GMA News TV
Ipaglaban Mo: OFW Precy ABS-CBN
Langit Lupa Gigi
2017 Ipaglaban Mo: Abuso Elsa
Bet on Your Baby Herself/Guest
Mars GMA News TV
2018 Ipaglaban Mo: Haciendero Chona ABS-CBN
The Lolas' Beautiful Show Herself/Guest GMA Network
Eat Bulaga!
Sana Dalawa ang Puso Libereta "Leb" Manatad ABS-CBN
2019 Ipaglaban Mo: Depresyon Charmaine
Maalaala Mo Kaya: Kumelavoo JingJing
Ipaglaban Mo: Palaban Nessy
2020 Happy Time Herself/Host NET25
2024 Open 24/7 Aunt O

Film

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Year Title Role Network
2006 Zsazsa Zaturnnah: ZE Moveeh Nora A. Regal Films
2007 My Kuya's Wedding Jopay
2008 Supahpapalicious Dyosa Star Cinema
My Only Ü Sheryll
2010 Babe, I Love You Agnes Star Cinema & Viva Films
2011 No Other Woman Mimi
2013 Tuhog Rochelle Star Cinema & Skylight Films
2015 Ex with Benefits Genelyn Star Cinema
2016 The Third Party Patient
2017 Extra Service Beverly Star Cinema & Skylight Films
Meant to Beh LV OctoArts Films, M-Zet Productions & APT Entertainment

Awards and nominations

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Year Award Category Result
2006 33rd Metro Manila Film Festival Best Supporting Actress Nominated
2016 Aliw Awards Best Actress in a featured role Won
Best Stand-up Comedian Nominated
Best Crossover Performer Nominated
2017 Best Stand-up Comedian Nominated
2019 Nominated
2020 Gawad Amerika Most outstanding comedian actress Won
Best Noontime Show Host Won
2021 Quezon City Hall and Eastwood Exhibit Iconic Women of Quezon City Won
Laguna Excellence Awards Most Outstanding Female TV Host of the Year Won

References

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  1. ^ a b c Buan-Deveza, Reyma (September 24, 2008). "Kitkat turns 24, receives diamond earrings from Claudine". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved July 10, 2010.
  2. ^ "Kitkat tries her luck on "The Singing Bee"". Philippine Entertainment Portal. December 20, 2008. Retrieved July 10, 2010.
  3. ^ "Enough of boob tube inanities". Manila Bulletin. February 22, 2005. Archived from the original on June 7, 2011. Retrieved July 10, 2010.
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