For actress-turned-politician Cita Astals, the 1990s sitcom “Home Along Da Riles” was her game-changer, kickstarting her career as a struggling actor and opening doors she never knew existed.
In a tell-all interview with broadcaster Julius Babao on his vlog, Cita revealed that landing the role of “Hillary Lagdameo” in the iconic sitcom with the OG “Comedy King” Dolphy—thanks to talent manager and director Johnny Manahan, opened a floodgate of opportunities for her.
“The big break was actually when Mr. M (Manahan) cast me in Home Along. They talked to Tito Dolphy and convinced him to come back. He (Mr M) said I want you in the show as Tito Dolphy’s boss,” recalled Cita.
“After that, they started guesting me in other places. I was really busy. I was really lucky because I didn’t have a manager and yet people were just calling,” she added.
She reminisced about the sitcom’s success, noting its 11-year run on ABS-CBN from 1992 to 2003. “It was a great show because it was a family show. And the first show that had an office setting. Buhay talaga ng tao… Awa ng Diyos, naging hit naman sa tao. It was number one for five years,” said Cita.
But the show’s success wasn’t just a one-time thing. Cita and her co-stars rode the wave of success into other projects, and for her, even into the political arena. “I was in other shows. I was very lucky. There was a time I had three shows. I was in Channels 2, GMA 7, RPN 9, and also PTV 4. Later on, I got recruited sa pulitika,” she said.
Since her days at “Home Along Da Riles,” Cita has served as city councilor of the City of Manila for nine years. But nowadays, she prefers a quiet life in her rented home in Dasmariñas, Cavite, far from the glitz and glam of showbiz.
But when asked if she was ready to do a reunion film for “Home Along da Riles,” Cita said she would gladly do it. “For Home Along, why not?! Sentimental value yan e. That will be nice,” she said.
