Filipino stars are making a strong showing at the 2026 Seoul International Drama Awards (SDA), with several Kapamilya and Kapuso celebrities earning nominations for the Outstanding Asian Star – Philippines category.
The nominees were officially announced on June 15, coinciding with the opening of fan voting through the IDOLCHAMP app.
Among the nominees are Paulo Avelino and Kim Chiu, who were recognized for their performances in the hit drama series ‘The Alibi’.
Just hours after voting opened, Avelino quickly surged to the top of the rankings, followed closely by Chiu. Fyang Smith, nominated for ‘Ghosting’, ranked third, while Anne Curtis landed in fourth place for her role in ‘It’s Okay To Not Be Okay’.
Reacting to her nomination, Curtis took to X to express her gratitude.
“OMG I’m so kilig. I don’t stand a chance against the voting power of Jisoo but I’m so grateful to even be nominated,” she wrote.
Jisoo of the K-pop group BLACKPINK is among the South Korean nominees in the same category.
Meanwhile, Chiu encouraged her supporters to also cast their votes for Avelino.
“Hello Fam! Let’s vote for Pau naman this time para sya naman maka experience mag ‘안녕하세요, 정말 감사합니다.’ Hihihi exciting mag korean si @mepauloavelino. Salamat po sa lahat ng bumoto na,” she posted.
The Outstanding Asian Star Award recognizes actors and actresses who have made significant contributions to television drama productions across South Korea, China, Japan, Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines.
Other Filipino nominees include Joshua Garcia and Carlo Aquino for ‘It’s Okay To Not Be Okay’. Garcia also received a second nomination for ‘Love Is Never Gone’ alongside Ivana Alawi.
Also nominated are Kaila Estrada, Charlie Dizon, JM de Guzman, and Jake Cuenca for ‘What Lies Beneath’.
For ‘Ghosting’, Smith is joined by fellow nominee JM Ibarra.
Meanwhile, Gerald Anderson and Shaina Magdayao earned nominations for Sins of the Father. Anderson also received a second nomination for ‘Blood vs Duty’ alongside Bela Padilla.
Also included in the list are Angelica Panganiban and Zanjoe Marudo for ‘The Silent Noise’.
Representing GMA Network are Dingdong Dantes and Max Collins for ‘The Master Cutter’. Veteran actress Amy Austria, along with father-and-son actors Roi Vinzon and Anton Vinzon, as well as Katrina Halili, were nominated for the sports drama ‘Kamao’ (The Fist).
Voting will remain open through July 14 via the IDOLCHAMP app.
The 21st Seoul International Drama Awards is scheduled to take place on October 8 at KBS Hall in Seoul, South Korea.
