Kean Cipriano

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Kean Cipriano
Kean Cipriano (38464286536) (cropped).jpg
Cipriano in 2017
Born
Kean Edward Uson Cipriano

(1987-06-11) June 11, 1987 (age 38)
Pasig, Metro Manila, Philippines
OccupationSinger • songwriter • actor • music video director • musician
Years active1995–present
Spouse
(m. 2015)
Children2
Musical career
Genres Alternative rock, pop rock, Pinoy rock
Instrument(s) Vocals, guitar, drums
Labels Sony Music Philippines (20062012)
Universal Records (20122017)
Soupstar Entertainment (20062017)
Sindikato Productions/Callalily Entertainment/O/C Records (2017present)

Kean Edward Uson Cipriano (born June 11, 1987) is a Filipino singer, songwriter, actor, music video director, and musician. He first gained prominence as the lead vocalist of the pop-rock band Callalily, and is the founder of the independent record label O/C Records. [1] As an actor, Cipriano is known for his performances in the acclaimed films Ang Babae sa Septic Tank (2011) and Bar Boys (2017).

Contents

He has received several accolades throughout his career, including a FAMAS Award, PMPC Star Awards for both music and film, and an Eddys Award. [2] [3]

Early life and education

Kean Edward Uson Cipriano was born on June 11, 1987, in Pasig, Metro Manila. He has two younger brothers, Keno and Keano. He completed his high school education at Lourdes School of Mandaluyong. Cipriano later studied at the University of Santo Tomas Conservatory of Music [4] and also pursued business administration at the Entrepreneurs School of Asia. [5]

Career

2005–2009: Early career and rise to fame

Cipriano first appeared on ABS-CBN's noontime show Magandang Tanghali Bayan , where he won the “Luv Idol” segment alongside Trixie Cacho.

In 2005, Cipriano became the lead vocalist of the pop-rock band Callalily, which rose to prominence with the release of their debut album Destination XYZ in 2006. The band gained mainstream popularity in the mid-2000s with hit singles such as "Magbalik," [6] "Stars," and "Pansamantala," which received significant airplay on local music channels like MYX.

2010–2015: Acting breakthrough and continued success

In 2010, Cipriano made his acting debut in the TV5 youth-oriented series BFGF , opposite Alex Gonzaga, [7] followed by a role in the sitcom Hapi Together. [8]

In 2011, he starred in the critically acclaimed independent film Ang Babae sa Septic Tank, [9] portraying Rainier, an ambitious director. He also appeared in the blockbuster comedy The Unkabogable Praybeyt Benjamin and the horror film San Lazaro . Later that year, he reunited with Gonzaga for the TV5 drama series P.S. I Love You . [10] Cipriano continued performing with Callalily during this period, with the band signing a co-management contract with Viva Artists Agency. [11]

In 2012, he appeared in the Star Cinema coming-of-age film The Reunion, alongside Enchong Dee, Enrique Gil, and Xian Lim. [12] Cipriano maintained a freelance status, working across ABS-CBN, GMA, and TV5 [11] [13] before formally affiliating with ABS-CBN.

In 2013, Cipriano and Dee appeared as contestants on Kapamilya, Deal or No Deal , where they won the ₱1 million briefcase. [14] On June, Cipriano was announced as one of the interpreters, alongside Banda ni Kleggy, for the song "Space," written by Raffy Calicdan, at the second Philippine Popular Music Festival. [15]

In 2015, he collaborated with Nadine Lustre to interpret "Sa Ibang Mundo," a song written by Mark Villar and an entry in the 4th Philippine Popular Music Festival. Later that year, he joined the second season of Your Face Sounds Familiar as a celebrity contestant.

2016-2020: O/C Records and artistic evolution

In 2017, Cipriano played Joshua, one of the titular characters in Bar Boys , which would eventually become a modern cult-classic film. [16] He also had supporting roles in the 2017 Metro Manila Film Festival entry All of You and Seven Sundays . [17] [18]

In 2018, Cipriano and Ortaleza co-founded O/C Records, an independent label collaborating with Viva Records. The company's lineup of artist/band roster includes former IV of Spades vocalist Unique Salonga. [19] The following year, he released his debut solo single "Eye Contact". [20]

2021-2025: Departure from Callalily and further acclaim

In May 2021, Cipriano released his debut solo album titled Childlike. [21] He shared that he wrote, produced, and recorded the entire album by himself. [22] He described the album as a reflection of his personal musical identity, saying he did not feel the need to return to his established sound and instead aimed to present what he considers his own version of pop culture and artistic roots. [23]

In a 2022 interview, Cipriano confirmed his departure from Callalily, citing creative and personal differences with the band. [24] He expressed his intention to focus on solo projects and the further development of O/C Records. [25] That same year, he released his first solo song since leaving the band, titled "Tayuman." [26] The acoustic-ballad kundiman alternative track’s title is a double entendre, referring both to Tayuman, a train station in Manila, and to a phrase meaning “If it’s ever us.” [27] He followed up this single with "Paano na Tayo" before performing at his Pulso concert alongside Adie and Salonga. [28]

In 2023, he was introduced as a regular host for the Tawag ng Tanghalan segment on It's Showtime . [29] Later that year, Cipriano portrayed Manual Perez in Kampon, a 49th Metro Manila Film Festival entry. [30]

In 2025, Cipriano confirmed that he would reprise his role as Joshua in the sequel Bar Boys: Afterschool . [31]

Personal life

In October 2015, Cipriano confirmed his relationship with actress Chynna Ortaleza during an appearance on Tonight with Boy Abunda . [32] The couple announced their marriage on New Year's Eve the same year. [33] [34] They welcomed their daughter in 2016. [35]

On March 17, 2016, Cipriano's father, Edgie Cipriano, passed away due to cardiac arrest. [36] [37]

Discography

With Callalily

With BBS (Big Band Syndicate)

As a solo artist

Filmography

Film

YearTitleRole
2011 Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank Rainier de la Cuesta
Praybeyt Benjamin Emerson Ecleo
San LazaroCarlo Benedicto
2012 The Reunion Pat
Madaling Araw, Mahabang GabiDante Nico Garcia
2013 Bakit Hindi Ka Crush Ng Crush Mo? Edgardo Salazar
Ang Huling Henya Dexter
2014 The Amazing Praybeyt Benjamin Emerson Ecleo
English Only, Please Rico
2016 Love is Blind Yari
That Thing Called Tanga Na
Ang Babae sa Septic Tank 2: Forever is Not Enough Rainier
2017 Seven Sundays Jerry
All of You
Bar Boys Joshua
2023 Kampon Manuel Perez
TBA Bar Boys: After School Joshua

Television

YearTitleRole
2010–2011 BFGF Prince Kean Prieto
2011–2012 P. S. I Love You Jason Jimenez
2012 Maalaala Mo Kaya: Cellphone Justin
2013–present ASAP Himself / Performer
2014 Maalaala Mo Kaya: Train Boyfriend
Ipaglaban Mo: Niloko Nyo Ako Ely
2015 Pablo S. Gomez's Inday Bote Jerome Santiago
Maalaala Mo Kaya: Sketch Pad Teen Rustie
2016 Dolce Amore Alvin "Binggoy" Ibarra
2017–2020 I Can See Your Voice SING-vestigator
2018–2019 Playhouse Renato "Ato" Payuan
2019 FPJ's Ang Probinsyano Migz
2023–present It's Showtime Himself / Judge
2023–2024 Senior High Brandon
2024 High Street Brandon
2025 Maalaala Mo Kaya: SIM Card Ronald

Music video director

YearSong titleArtist
2013"Darating" Ney Dimaculangan, Kleggy Abaya (of Banda ni Kleggy) and Dello Gatmaitan
"Pansamantala" Callalily
2014"Walang-Wala"Banda ni Kleggy
2015"Umay"Rye Sarmiento (of 6Cyclemind/Banda ni Kleggy)
"Lunod" 6Cyclemind
"I Will Wait" Gracenote (feat. Chynna Ortaleza)
2016"Sana Mali" Moonstar88
2017"Pakipot, Suplado Alexa Ilacad
"Sa'n Ako Magsisimula Callalily
"Naghihintay Sa'yo" Mark Carpio
"Tanging Ikaw" Tony Labrusca
"Labo" KZ Tandingan
"Tunay Na Pag-Ibig" Sam Milby
2018"Litrato" Callalily

Film director

YearTitleRole
2015Bakit Kasi Ako, Iba Na Lang

Accolades

Awards and NominationsAwards and nominations received by Kean Cipriano
AwardYearCategoryNominated workResultRef.
Cinema One Originals Digital Film Festival 2017Best Supporting ActorHistoriographika ErrataNominated
THE EDDYS 2021Best Musical Score On Vodka, Beers, and Regrets Won [2]
FAMAS Award 2021 Best Musical ScoreOn Vodka, Beers, and RegretsWon [38] [39]
Gawad Urian Award 2012 Best Actor (Pinakamahusay na Pangunahing Aktor) Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank Nominated [40]
2021 Best Music (Pinakamahusay na Musika) (shared with Brain Coat)On Vodka, Beers, and RegretsNominated [41]
Golden Screen Awards2011Best Original Song (shared with Jonathan Manalo, Ney Dimaculangan, Tutti Caringal) RPG Metanoia "Kaya Mo"Nominated
2012Breakthrough Performance by an ActorAng Babae Sa Septic TankNominated
Metro Manila Film Festival 2014 Best Supporting Actor English Only, Please Nominated
2016 Best Actor Ang Babae sa Septic Tank 2: Forever is Not Enough Nominated
Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino 2019Best Musical ScoreG!Nominated
PMPC Star Awards for Music 2015 Male Rock Artist of the YearHappy TogetherWon [42]
Duo/Group Artist of the Year shared with Eunice JorgeNominated [43]
PMPC Star Awards for Movies 2022Movie Musical Scorer of the Year (shared with Brain Coat)On Vodka, Beers, and RegretsWon
Movie Original Theme Song of the Year shared with PappelOn Vodka, Beers, and RegretsF**king CircumstanceNominated
Summer Metro Manila Film Festival 2023 Best Musical Score Yung Libro Sa Napanood Ko Nominated

References

  1. IV, Franz Sorilla. "Not to disrupt the scene (but maybe just a little)—Kean Cipriano talks about O/C Records". Tatler Asia. Retrieved September 13, 2025.
  2. 1 2 "Kean Cipriano bags Best Musical Score at 4th Eddys Awards". www.gmanetwork.com. Retrieved September 13, 2025.
  3. "Generations worth of musical geniuses - Kean, Unique and Adie imprint their impact on today's OPM". The New Hue. November 19, 2022. Retrieved September 13, 2025.
  4. "Film and television celebrities who are proud Thomasians". PEP.ph. Retrieved September 13, 2025.
  5. Afinidad-Bernardo, Deni Rose M. "Kean Cipriano plans to finish college". Philstar.com. Retrieved September 13, 2025.
  6. "The Callalily hit song that made Kean Cipriano say "This is it!"". PEP.ph. Retrieved September 13, 2025.
  7. "Kean Cipriano on rumored misunderstanding with Alex Gonzaga: "Tinatanggap ko na kasalanan ko 'yon."". PEP.ph. Retrieved September 13, 2025.
  8. "The cast of TV5's Hapi Together reveal their "major major" life mistakes". PEP.ph. Retrieved September 13, 2025.
  9. "Ang babae Sa Septic Tank Film". Archived from the original on May 16, 2019. Retrieved February 14, 2020.
  10. "Alex Gonzaga gets surprise birthday celebration from P.S. I Love You family". Philippine Entertainment Portal. Retrieved August 31, 2019.
  11. 1 2 "Kean Cipriano and his Callalily band sign contract with Viva; movie with Vice Ganda is among planned projects". PEP.ph. Retrieved September 13, 2025.
  12. "Star Cinema unveils stars of 'The Reunion'". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved August 31, 2019.
  13. "Kean Cipriano on Alex Gonzaga moving back to ABS-CBN: "Masaya ako para sa kanya."". PEP.ph. Retrieved September 13, 2025.
  14. "Enchong & Kean, new millionaires in Deal". Philstar.com. Retrieved September 13, 2025.
  15. "Christian Bautista, Karylle and other singers to interpret Philpop 2013 entries". Philippine Entertainment Portal. June 5, 2013. Archived from the original on January 31, 2016. Retrieved June 26, 2013.
  16. Mallorca, Hannah (June 5, 2025). "Rocco Nacino, Kean Cipriano to reprise roles in 'Bar Boys' sequel". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved September 13, 2025.
  17. Inquirer, Philippine Daily (December 19, 2017). "'All of You'". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved September 13, 2025.
  18. Hawson, Fred (October 16, 2017). "Movie review: Brilliant casting lifts 'Seven Sundays'". ABS-CBN.
  19. Lago, Amanda (June 15, 2018). "Kean Cipriano launches O/C Records". Rappler.
  20. Ng, Scott (June 23, 2022). "Kean Cipriano confirms he has left Callalily: "I'm moving on"". NME. Retrieved September 13, 2025.
  21. Zinampan, Tristan (May 16, 2021). "Kean Cipriano gets playful in debut solo album 'childlike'". RAPPLER. Retrieved September 13, 2025.
  22. Severo, Jan Milo. "Kean Cipriano releases new solo album, assures fans that Callalily still alive". Philstar.com. Retrieved September 13, 2025.
  23. "Kean Cipriano releases solo album; has Callalily disbanded?". PEP.ph. Retrieved September 13, 2025.
  24. "Kean Cipriano is no longer part of Callalily". ABS-CBN. June 23, 2022.
  25. "'Callalily is done': Kean Cipriano 'moves on' from former band". Rappler. June 23, 2022. Retrieved June 24, 2022.
  26. Cruz, Dana (September 10, 2022). "Kean Cipriano releases first song since leaving Callalily". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved September 13, 2025.
  27. "Kean Cipriano releases first ever single "Tayuman" via O/C Records". Orange Magazine. September 11, 2022. Retrieved September 13, 2025.
  28. "Kean Cipriano drops new single 'Paano Na Tayo' ahead of concert". ABS-CBN. November 6, 2022.
  29. "It's Showtime family welcomes Kean Cipriano as the newest TNT Hurado". ABS-CBN. July 5, 2023.
  30. "Derek Ramsay, worth it ang pagbabalik-acting sa MMFF entry na Kampon". PEP.ph. Retrieved September 13, 2025.
  31. "Kean Cipriano to return as Joshua in 'Bar Boys: After School'". GMA News Online. June 5, 2025. Retrieved September 13, 2025.
  32. Quilingguing, Uriel C. (October 6, 2015). "Kean Cipriano thinking about marriage". SunStar Publishing Inc. Retrieved September 13, 2025.
  33. "LOOK: Kean Cipriano marries Chynna Ortaleza". ABS-CBN News. ABS-CBN Corporation. January 1, 2016. Retrieved January 1, 2016.
  34. "News | Star Cinema". Starcinema.abs-cbn.com. Archived from the original on March 18, 2017. Retrieved August 31, 2019.
  35. "Kean Cipriano, Chynna Ortaleza are expecting a baby girl". Rappler. April 4, 2016. Retrieved September 13, 2016.
  36. "Father of Kean Cipriano dies at 52". March 17, 2016.
  37. "Callalily vocalist Kean Cipriano mourns the death of his father". www.gmanetwork.com. March 17, 2016. Retrieved September 13, 2025.
  38. "Coco Martin, nominadong Best Actor sa FAMAS para sa pelikulang ngayong 2021 lang ipinalabas". PEP.ph. Retrieved September 13, 2025.
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  41. Severo, Jan Milo. "FULL LIST: 44th Gawad Urian 2021 nominees". Philstar.com. Retrieved September 13, 2025.
  42. "7th Star Awards for Music: Sarah Geronimo, Gloc-9, Vice Ganda, Darren Espanto, James Reid among winners". PEP.ph. Retrieved September 13, 2025.
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