Kean Cipriano

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In this Philippine name, the middle name or maternal family name is Uson and the surname or paternal family name is Cipriano.

Kean Cipriano
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
GenresAlternative rock, pop rock, Pinoy rock
InstrumentsVocals, guitar, drums
LabelsSony Music Philippines (2006–2012)
Universal Records (2012–2017)
Soupstar Entertainment (2006–2017)
Sindikato Productions/Callalily Entertainment/O/C Records (2017–present)

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).

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

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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

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2005–2009: Early career and rise to fame

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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

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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. For his performance, he received a nomination for Breakthrough Performance by an Actor at the 9th Golden Screen Awards.[10] 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.[11] Cipriano continued performing with Callalily during this period, with the band signing a co-management contract with Viva Artists Agency.[12]

In 2012, he appeared in the Star Cinema coming-of-age film The Reunion, alongside Enchong Dee, Enrique Gil, and Xian Lim.[13] Cipriano maintained a freelance status, working across ABS-CBN, GMA, and TV5[12][14] 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.[15] 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.[16]

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

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In 2017, Cipriano played Joshua, one of the titular characters in Bar Boys, which would eventually become a modern cult-classic film.[17] He also had supporting roles in the 2017 Metro Manila Film Festival entry All of You and Seven Sundays.[18][19]

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.[20] The following year, he released his debut solo single "Eye Contact".[21]

2021-2025: Departure from Callalily and further acclaim

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In May 2021, Cipriano released his debut solo album titled Childlike.[22] He shared that he wrote, produced, and recorded the entire album by himself.[23] 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.[24] In the same year, Cipriano won a FAMAS Award for Best Musical Score for his arrangement on On Vodka, Beers, and Regrets.[25] He also won several other accolades for his arrangement, including Best Musical Score at the 4th EDDYS[2] and Movie Musical Scorer of the Year at the 37th PMPC Star Awards for Movies.[26]

In a 2022 interview, Cipriano confirmed his departure from Callalily, citing creative and personal differences with the band.[27] He expressed his intention to focus on solo projects and the further development of O/C Records.[28] That same year, he released his first solo song since leaving the band, titled "Tayuman."[29] 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."[30] He followed up this single with "Paano na Tayo" before performing at his Pulso concert alongside Adie and Salonga.[31]

In 2023, he was introduced as a regular host for the Tawag ng Tanghalan segment on It's Showtime.[32] Later that year, Cipriano portrayed Manual Perez in Kampon, a 49th Metro Manila Film Festival entry.[33] He also received a nomination for Best Musical Score for his arrangement on Yung Libro sa Napanood Ko at the inaugural Summer Metro Manila Film Festival.[34]

In 2025, Cipriano confirmed that he would reprise his role as Joshua in the sequel Bar Boys: After School.[35]

Personal life

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In October 2015, Cipriano confirmed his relationship with actress Chynna Ortaleza during an appearance on Tonight with Boy Abunda.[36] The couple announced their marriage on New Year's Eve the same year.[37][38] They welcomed their daughter in 2016.[39]

On March 17, 2016, Cipriano's father, Edgie Cipriano, died due to cardiac arrest.[40][41]

Discography

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With Callalily

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With BBS (Big Band Syndicate)

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  • Ctrl+Alt+Del.Restart (2011)

As a solo artist

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  • Childlike (album, 2021) - O/C Records
  • "Tayuman" (single; 2022)

Filmography

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Film

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Year Title Role Notes Ref.
2011 Ang Babae sa Septic Tank Rainier de la Cuesta 7th Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival entry [42]
San Lazaro Carlo Benedicto 7th Cinemalaya NETPAC Finalist
The Unkabogable Praybeyt Benjamin Emerson Ecleo
2012 Madaling Araw, Mahabang Gabi
The Reunion Patrick "Pat" dela Torre
Of All the Things Himself Cameo
Kimmy Dora and the Temple of Kiyeme Groomsman Cameo
2013 Bakit Hindi Ka Crush ng Crush Mo? Edgardo Salazar
Ang Huling Henya Dexter
2014 Tumbang Preso Vito [43]
Hindi Sila Tatanda Diwa [44]
The Amazing Praybeyt Benjamin Emerson Ecleo 40th Metro Manila Film Festival entry
English Only, Please Rico
2016 Love Is Blind Yari Baltazar
Echorsis: Sabunutan Between Good and Evil
That Thing Called Tanga Na CC [45]
Mano Po 7: Chinoy Denver Vera
Ang Babae sa Septic Tank 2: #ForeverIsNotEnough Rainier de la Cuesta 42nd Metro Manila Film Festival entry [46][47]
2017 Seven Sundays Jerry [48]
Bar Boys Joshua Zuniga 1st Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino entry [49][50]
Triptiko John "Musikerong John" segment [51]
Historiographika Errata Emilio Jacinto 13th Cinema One Originals Festival entry
All of You Migs 43rd Metro Manila Film Festival entry
2020 On Vodka, Beers and Regrets Sam
2023 Wish You Were the One Jordan
Kampon Manuel Perez 49th Metro Manila Film Festival
2025 Bar Boys: After School Joshua Zuniga 51st Metro Manila Film Festival [35]

Television

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Year Title Role
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
2025–present Totoy Bato Jasper[52]

Music video director

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Year Song title Artist
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

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Year Title Role
2015 Bakit Kasi Ako, Iba Na Lang

Accolades

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Awards and NominationsAwards and nominations received by Kean Cipriano
Award Year Category Nominated work Result Ref.
Cinema One Originals Digital Film Festival 2017 Best Supporting Actor Historiographika Errata Nominated
The EDDYS 2021 Best Musical Score On Vodka, Beers, and Regrets Won [2]
FAMAS Award 2021 Best Musical Score On Vodka, Beers, and Regrets Won [53][25]
Gawad Urian Award 2012 Best Actor (Pinakamahusay na Pangunahing Aktor) Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank Nominated [54]
2021 Best Music (Pinakamahusay na Musika) (shared with Brain Coat) On Vodka, Beers, and Regrets Nominated [55]
Golden Screen Awards 2011 Best Original Song (shared with Jonathan Manalo, Ney Dimaculangan, Tutti Caringal) RPG Metanoia ("Kaya Mo") Nominated [56]
2012 Breakthrough Performance by an Actor Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank Nominated [10]
Metro Manila Film Festival 2010 Best Original Theme Song (shared with Protein Shake and Ney Dimaculangan) RPG Metanoia ("Kaya Mo") Won [57]
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 2019 Best Musical Score G! Nominated
PMPC Star Awards for Music 2011 Music Video of the Year RPG Metanoia ("Kaya Mo") Nominated [58]
2015 Male Rock Artist of the Year Happy Together Won [59]
Duo/Group Artist of the Year (shared with Eunice Jorge) Nominated [60]
PMPC Star Awards for Movies 2022 Movie Musical Scorer of the Year (shared with Brain Coat) On Vodka, Beers, and Regrets Won [26]
Movie Original Theme Song of the Year(shared with Pappel) On Vodka, Beers, and Regrets "("F**king Circumstance") Nominated [26]
Summer Metro Manila Film Festival 2023 Best Musical Score Yung Libro sa Napanood Ko Nominated [34]

References

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  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. ^ a b c "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. ^ a b Calderon, Ricky L. "9th Golden Screen Awards finalists". Philstar.com. Retrieved September 14, 2025.
  11. ^ "Alex Gonzaga gets surprise birthday celebration from P.S. I Love You family". Philippine Entertainment Portal. Retrieved August 31, 2019.
  12. ^ a b "Kean Cipriano and his Callalily band sign contract with Viva; movie with Vice Ganda is among planned projects". PEP.ph. Retrieved September 13, 2025.
  13. ^ "Star Cinema unveils stars of 'The Reunion'". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved August 31, 2019.
  14. ^ "Kean Cipriano on Alex Gonzaga moving back to ABS-CBN: "Masaya ako para sa kanya."". PEP.ph. Retrieved September 13, 2025.
  15. ^ "Enchong & Kean, new millionaires in Deal". Philstar.com. Retrieved September 13, 2025.
  16. ^ "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.
  17. ^ Mallorca, Hannah (June 5, 2025). "Rocco Nacino, Kean Cipriano to reprise roles in 'Bar Boys' sequel". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved September 13, 2025.
  18. ^ Policarpio, Allan (December 19, 2017). "'All of You'". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved September 13, 2025.
  19. ^ Hawson, Fred (October 16, 2017). "Movie review: Brilliant casting lifts 'Seven Sundays'". ABS-CBN.
  20. ^ Lago, Amanda (June 15, 2018). "Kean Cipriano launches O/C Records". Rappler.
  21. ^ Ng, Scott (June 23, 2022). "Kean Cipriano confirms he has left Callalily: "I'm moving on"". NME. Retrieved September 13, 2025.
  22. ^ Zinampan, Tristan (May 16, 2021). "Kean Cipriano gets playful in debut solo album 'childlike'". RAPPLER. Retrieved September 13, 2025.
  23. ^ Severo, Jan Milo. "Kean Cipriano releases new solo album, assures fans that Callalily still alive". Philstar.com. Retrieved September 13, 2025.
  24. ^ "Kean Cipriano releases solo album; has Callalily disbanded?". PEP.ph. Retrieved September 13, 2025.
  25. ^ a b Abad, Ysa (December 14, 2021). "FULL LIST: Winners, 2021 FAMAS Awards". RAPPLER. Retrieved September 13, 2025.
  26. ^ a b c "LIST: Nominees for the 37th Star Awards for Movies released". ABS-CBN. September 19, 2022.
  27. ^ "Kean Cipriano is no longer part of Callalily". ABS-CBN. June 23, 2022.
  28. ^ "'Callalily is done': Kean Cipriano 'moves on' from former band". Rappler. June 23, 2022. Retrieved June 24, 2022.
  29. ^ Cruz, Dana (September 10, 2022). "Kean Cipriano releases first song since leaving Callalily". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved September 13, 2025.
  30. ^ "Kean Cipriano releases first ever single "Tayuman" via O/C Records". Orange Magazine. September 11, 2022. Retrieved September 13, 2025.
  31. ^ "Kean Cipriano drops new single 'Paano Na Tayo' ahead of concert". ABS-CBN. November 6, 2022.
  32. ^ "It's Showtime family welcomes Kean Cipriano as the newest TNT Hurado". ABS-CBN. July 5, 2023.
  33. ^ "Derek Ramsay, worth it ang pagbabalik-acting sa MMFF entry na Kampon". PEP.ph. Retrieved September 13, 2025.
  34. ^ a b Robles, Renzneil (April 11, 2023). "Summer MMFF 2023 reveals list of nominees". Your Guide to the Big City. Retrieved September 14, 2025.
  35. ^ a b "Kean Cipriano to return as Joshua in 'Bar Boys: After School'". GMA News Online. June 5, 2025. Retrieved September 13, 2025.
  36. ^ Quilingguing, Uriel C. (October 6, 2015). "Kean Cipriano thinking about marriage". SunStar Publishing Inc. Retrieved September 13, 2025.
  37. ^ "LOOK: Kean Cipriano marries Chynna Ortaleza". ABS-CBN News. ABS-CBN Corporation. January 1, 2016. Retrieved January 1, 2016.
  38. ^ "News | Star Cinema". Starcinema.abs-cbn.com. Archived from the original on March 18, 2017. Retrieved August 31, 2019.
  39. ^ "Kean Cipriano, Chynna Ortaleza are expecting a baby girl". Rappler. April 4, 2016. Retrieved September 13, 2016.
  40. ^ "Father of Kean Cipriano dies at 52". March 17, 2016.
  41. ^ "Callalily vocalist Kean Cipriano mourns the death of his father". www.gmanetwork.com. March 17, 2016. Retrieved September 13, 2025.
  42. ^ "Kean Cipriano ecstatic over box-office and critical success of Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank". PEP.ph. Retrieved November 26, 2025.
  43. ^ Cruz, Oggs (October 11, 2014). "'Tumbang Preso' Review: Tough situations, harsh reality". Rappler. Retrieved December 10, 2025.
  44. ^ Marasigan, Zig (November 16, 2014). "Movie reviews: All 10 Cinema One 2014 films". Rappler. Retrieved December 10, 2025.
  45. ^ Bukas, Leo (July 24, 2016). "Kean Cipriano admits he enjoys playing gay roles". ABS-CBN.
  46. ^ "Kean Cipriano on exclusion of JM de Guzman in Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank 2: "I miss the dude"". PEP.ph. Retrieved November 26, 2025.
  47. ^ Inquirer, Philippine Daily (December 23, 2016). "'Ang Babae sa Septic Tank 2: #ForeverIsNotEnough'". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved November 26, 2025.
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  50. ^ "REVIEW: Carlo, Enzo, Kean and Rocco will make you miss your barkada in Bar Boys". PEP.ph. Retrieved November 26, 2025.
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  55. ^ Severo, Jan Milo. "FULL LIST: 44th Gawad Urian 2021 nominees". Philstar.com. Retrieved September 13, 2025.
  56. ^ Mañ, Lito (March 8, 2011). "Here Comes The Bride leads 8th Golden Screen Awards nominations". PEP.ph. Retrieved September 14, 2025.
  57. ^ "36th Metro Manila Film Festival winners". SunStar Publishing Inc. December 26, 2010. Retrieved September 14, 2025.
  58. ^ "3rd Star Awards for Music will take place on October 16". PEP.ph. Retrieved September 14, 2025.
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