In 1980 she enrolled in Communication Arts at the Ateneo de Manila University and, later, the University of the Philippines, unfortunately, she did not graduate and finish her degree. Introduced by young actor Alfie Anido to director Joey Gosiengfiao, she first appeared in teen dramas "Underage" (1980) and "Temptation Island" (1980), but her breakout movie was "Katorse" (1980) with Anido and Gabby Concepcion. This film established her as one of the "Regal Babies" (named after the studio, Regal Films). She then appeared in a longer slew of teenage love or growing-pains dramas. "Bakit Ba Ganyan?" (1981) was a film whose theme song she sang and popularized.