 However in 1974, she took home the best child actress statuette in the 9th Manila Film Festival by playing the child of Boots Anson Roa and Dante Rivero.In 1973, Ading Fernando noticed her flair for comedy and cast her immediately as Shirley Puruntong, the street-smart, strong-willed yet funny daughter of John and Marsha Puruntung.The sitcom became a huge hit that movie franchises followed in 70s, 80s and 90s.