After her much ballyhooed sex video, actress Katrina Halili is set to return to TV via the GMA-7 teleserye, “Rosalinda.”

Will Katrina be as well-received by the public as she was before the video scandal? Time will tell.

The Manila Bulletin Online looks back at celebrities who successfully staged comebacks after figuring in scandals.
 
Robin Padilla

Robin’s current popularity and A-list status have made many people forget that he was once on the brink of losing his lofty position in showbiz.

Born Robinhood Fernando Cariño Padilla, he rose to fame as the “Bad Boy” of local cinema, starring in hits like “Anak ni Baby Ama”, “Bad Boy”, “Ang Utol Kong Hoodlum”, and “Maging Sino Ka Man.”

But Robin’s highflying career came to a halt in the mid 90s when he was arrested and jailed for illegal possession of firearms. He was eventually released in 1998 as a rehabilitated drug user, a converted Muslim and an actor who was unsure on whether he still has a career or not.

Robin’s fears were unfounded. His comeback film, “Tulak ng Bibig, Kabig ng Dibdib” became a hit. Later, in 2006, Robin won Urian’s Best Actor honors via the movie, “La Visa Loca.”

Nowadays, Robin rides high in the success of his TV shows “Asian Treasures,” “Joaquin Bordado” and “Totoy Bato.”

Gabby Concepcion

This extraordinarily handsome actor who burst on the scene in the 80s was initially cast in teenybopper hits like “Dear Heart”, “My Only Love” and “P.S. I Love You,” before gliding to doing serious films like “Pinulot Ka Lang Sa Lupa” and “Pahiram ng Isang Umaga.”

One of the few who enjoyed leading man status to the likes of Sharon Cuneta, Dawn Zulueta, and Maricel Soriano, Gabby had it all until the 1994 Manila Film Fest scam soured his career.

The scam involved his then manager, Lolit Solis who manipulated results to enable him to “win” a Best Actor trophy in the festival.

As a result of the scam, Gabby felt forced to leave showbiz in March 1995. He moved to the U.S. to pursue a more private life as a realtor.

It took years and repeated invitations by movie producers to convince Gabby to come home. Gabby was warmly welcomed back by the showbiz community in 2008.

Gabby is now rebuilding his showbiz career via TV, concert and soon, movie performances. He was last seen opposite Claudine Barretto in the teleserye, “Iisa Pa Lamang.”

Willie Revillame

First known by the public as a professional drummer, Willie’s acquaintance with celebrity Randy Santiago was his key to entering showbiz.

Willie’s first TV gig was “Lunch Date” and then “'Sang Linggo nAPO Sila.”

Then in 1998, Willie hosted “Magandang Tanghali Bayan (MTB)” with pals Randy Santiago and John Estrada. It was in this show that Willie’s comedic timing came to fore, although the group’s flair for naughty humor caused them to be suspended briefly from TV.

“Magandang Tanghali Bayan” eventually became the reformatted show “Masayang Tanghali Bayan.” Willie, not learning from past mistakes, was again penalized for making vulgar jokes on national TV and was suspended – seemingly for good.

After his tearful goodbye to viewers in 2001, nobody expected him to make a comeback.

In 2005, Willie was reborn via the TV noontime show, “Wowowee.”

Nowadays, Willie has his mansions, his own yacht and soon, his own mall.
 
Carmina Villarroel

Carmina Villarroel’s career is on a high these days what with her as a favorite endorser and a regular TV figure via her GMA-7 show, “Sis.”

It was not always the case.

An original Regal baby and one-third of the Regal triumvirate that included Aiko Melendez and Ruffa Gutierrez, Carmina’s career was consistently smooth-sailing. Her transformation from teen star to dramatic actress was well received, and she made waves starring in films like “Buddy en Sol”, “Wating” and “Maruja.”

Year in and year out, Carmina Villarroel was in movies and TV shows like “Palibhasa Lalake.”

Then in early 2000, the actress mysteriously hied off to the U.S. Speculations arose ranging from Carmina being very sick, to the actress being pregnant.

Years later, Carmina confessed that it was not easy for her to announce to the public that she was then pregnant with Zoren Legaspi’s kid. Back then, Carmina was still married to actor Rustom Padilla albeit it was already an estranged union.

In 2001, Carmina gave birth to Maverick and Cassy in the U.S.

She returned to the Philippines with her kids and Zoren and, luckily, was able to resume her showbiz status as one of beloved ladies in local cinema.
 
Rosanna Roces

Rosanna Roces barged through the door of showbiz in the 90s as Ana Maceda, sex kitten. She was one of the popular TF (Titillating Film) stars.

It was later as Rosanna Roces that she grabbed the respect of the viewing public, particularly through Reyna Films’ critically acclaimed movie, “Ligaya Ang Itawag Mo Sa Akin.” Rosanna’s star rose to unprecedented heights thereafter and she even became a TV host in GMA-7’s “Startalk.”

Things went downhill though when Rosanna had a tiff with manager-friend Lolit Solis. The spat led to Rosanna leaving GMA-7 in 2004 then her announced “retirement” from show business.

Just before she did, however, Rosanna made an appearance on “Startalk” rival show, “EK Channel,” which prompted GMA-7 to file a case against her. The remaining luster of Rosanna’s star faded dimmer. 

These days, Rosanna is trying to regain her diluted popularity in indie films and some TV guestings.