Before the algorithm told us what to like, MTV told us what was cool. It was where we discovered new music, learned questionable fashion choices, and met VJs who somehow felt like the coolest barkada we never had.

MTV Philippines may have signed off years ago, but with MTV itself finally shutting down, we can’t help but feel that pang of nostalgia for the days when music lived on TV, and your crush might’ve been someone introducing the next Backstreet Boys video. So before we officially change the channel, here’s a look at where some of our favorite MTV VJs are now.

8. Cindy Kurleto

Then:
Cindy Kurleto was one of the few crossover stars who brought model glamour into MTV’s heyday. A VJ in the early 2000s, she also appeared in a number of music-related segments that highlighted the rise of OPM pop-rock. Of course, most of us remember her as Jericho Rosales’s then-girlfriend at the height of her powers.

Now:
Cindy went on to a successful showbiz career punctuated by a stint with Encantadia. Post-MTV and post-showbiz she’s now based in Austria, living a quieter life and occasionally sharing glimpses of her family and travels on social media.

7. Andi Manzano

Then:
Before she became a radio staple, Andi Manzano started her media journey as an MTV VJ in the 2000s. She represented the transition generation between the old guard and the rise of digital personalities. As notable as that was, though, she’s definitely better-known for her lengthy stint with Magic 89.9 as an on-air personality. When she became a mom in 2015, she gradually focused on being a full-time mom, while still prominently featuring on radio from time to time.

Now:
Would saying she’s now a “momfluencer” be too predictable? Either way, it’s true, and though we may no longer see her on TV on a regular basis, anyone who wants to reminisce about the good ol’days can see Andi-9 on Instagram, having aged by about a day at most since we last saw her on MTV.

6. Don Puno

Then:
Ever heard of Dong Puno, the late late TV host? Well, Don is part of that family tree, pun very much intended. More importantly, Don won the 2005 MTV VJ Hunt, representing the last batch of the network’s heyday in the Philippines.

Now:
Don was also on radio for most of his MTV stint, then seamlessly transitioned into voiceover work, production, communications, and still collaborates with one of his earliest radio partners, Robi the Rascal, to this very day.

5. Sib Sibulo

Then:
Yes, that guy on JACK TV was also an MTV VJ. You remember him, of course: he was one of the sharpest and funniest personalities back in the day, and the guy liner did little to hide the fact that he was doing a bit, nearly 24/7. And what a bit that was! Sib was one of the few jocks who was never known for his looks but mainly for his humor and personality, and that’s not a backhanded compliment at all!

Now:
A force that creative would make his way into writing, comedy, and other similar artistic yet commercial endeavors, especially in the advertising industry. He teaches, does commentary, and apparently works in a pharmaceutical company at present.

4. G Toengi

Then:
Despite a shockingly brief stint with MTV, G Toengi will forever be associated with the brand, and with good reason: she was so larger than life over there, it practically overshadowed the fact that she was in the showbiz limelight for so much longer post-MTV!

Now:
Speaking of the limelight, she never really left it, did she? Even while being US-based, she still creates a lot of content for not just the Fil-Am community, but us homegrown Pinoys, too!

3. KC Montero

Then:
Probably the most iconic male VJ of MTV Philippines, bar none. Need we say more?

Today:
He’s the VP of marketing and head of content for Kumu. The guy never lost a step!

2. Sarah Meier

Then:
Sophistication personified. If you’re wondering why our introductions get shorter as the VJs get more popular, it’s because that’s just how much of a standout they are: you don’t need to say a lot to jog people’s memories about one Sarah Meier.

Now:
Post-MTV, she just went from strength to strength. She became EIC of Metro Magazine, co-hosted Runway TV Asia, and to this very day is a creative consultant, an influencer, and a champion for mindful storytelling and the arts.

1. Donita Rose

Then:
It’s hard to imagine what Donita Rose is better-known for: her staggeringly decorated showbiz career, or her equally memorable stint as an MTV VJ. It’s a chicken-and-egg deal: was she a bigger star because of MTV, or was she arguably the biggest thing to come out of MTV Philippines or even MTV Asia because she was a huge celebrity to begin with?

Now:
Now based in the United States, Donita Rose is very well-known in culinary circles. She even recently boarded the Wish Bus to promote a show!

Who was your favorite MTV VJ?