Francine Prieto facts for kids

Anna Marie Falcon (born September 17, 1980) is a talented Filipino actress, model, and radio host. She is better known by her stage name, Francine Prieto. Francine was born in Las Piñas, Philippines. She has a mix of Chinese Filipino and Norwegian heritage. She became well-known early in her career for playing strong and confident characters.

Learning and Growing Up

Francine Prieto started studying Psychology at Adamson University. However, she decided to pause her studies when she began her career in entertainment.

A Career in the Spotlight

Francine began her journey in the entertainment world when she was very young.

Early Steps in Entertainment

In 1988, she joined Eat Bulaga!'s Little Miss Philippines contest. Later, she became a member of That's Entertainment, a popular TV show.

Modeling and Beauty Contests

As a teenager, Francine showed great potential as a model. She entered the Elite Model Look Search Philippines 1994 when she was 13. She was one of the finalists in this big competition. Famous model Linda Evangelista even came to Manila to be a judge! Francine, then known as Anna Marie Falcon, was a tall model at 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 m) with unique features.

At 14, she became a professional model. She joined Bodyshots Philippines and finished as the runner-up. This opened many doors for her in the modeling world. Francine also represented the Philippines in Miss South East Asia Peninsula International, where she placed 2nd runner-up.

In 2003, she joined Binibining Pilipinas, a major beauty pageant. She made it to the Top 12. She later considered joining Mutya ng Pilipinas 2003. However, she decided not to when she received an acting contract.

Francine has been featured on the cover of a popular magazine several times. She was also often included in their lists of "100 Most Confident Women." In 2010, she became the face of Ever Bilena Cosmetics.

Acting Roles

Francine Prieto took on many challenging roles early in her acting career. A big moment for her was playing Queen Avria in Etheria. This was the second part of the popular fantasy series Encantadia.

She also showed her funny side in Bubble Gang, a comedy show where she became a regular cast member. Around the same time, she played Queen Kuran, a villain, in Kamandag. She also had a supporting role in Codename: Asero as Aureana.

In 2009, she played Sheila, another villain, in Ang Babaeng Hinugot sa Aking Tadyang. She continued to play strong, villainous characters. She was Lucifera in Mars Ravelo's Darna, starring alongside Marian Rivera.

After working with GMA-7 for many years, she moved to ABS-CBN in 2010. Her first role there was Mrs. Smith in Kung Tayo'y Magkakalayo. She then played Imelda Fontanilla in the supernatural series Imortal. She also had a main role in Precious Hearts Romances Presents: Alyna as Aida Natividad/Mira Fuentes.

In 2016, Francine returned to GMA Network. She appeared in the TV series Oh, My Mama!.

Radio Work

Besides acting, Francine also worked as a radio presenter. She co-hosted the show Ka-Date on DZMM TeleRadyo with Bobby Yan. It also aired on DZMM 630.

Personal Life

Francine Prieto's mother, Amelia Falcon, passed away in 2010 at age 54. Francine has a younger half-sister who lives in Norway. She also has an older half-brother and three younger half-siblings from her stepfather.

In 2015, Francine got engaged to Frank Shotkoski, an American scientist. The couple got married in 2016.

Filmography

Television and Digital Series

Movies

Radio Shows