Francine Carrel Saenz Diaz[1] (Tagalog:[pɾan'sinˈdɪas] born January 27, 2004)[1][2] is a Filipino actress and model. She began her career at age 10, playing minor and supporting roles in a number of television programs as young versions of the lead characters. She rose to prominence after playing Cassandra "Cassie" Mondragon in the series Kadenang Ginto.[5][6] Her accolades include a Box Office Entertainment Awards and two Anak TV Awards. Preview magazine named her one of the most influential Filipino personalities in 2022.[7]
Early life and education
Diaz is the third of the six children of Jesus Michael Diaz and Merdick Saenz. She has two older sisters, two younger sisters and one younger brother.[1]
Diaz began acting at the age of 10, in minor roles on television. She often portrayed younger versions of characters in various ABS-CBN tele-series. In 2014 she moved to a major role as young Ana Mauricio in the Ipaglaban Mo episode titled "Pagkilala sa Ama", alongside Jennica Garcia with Mylene Dizon. In 2015, she portrayed Young Sari in the drama series Pasión de Amor.[1]
In 2016, she played young Pinang in the noontime drama series, Be My Lady and Anya in the comedy-drama series We Will Survive. She also played Ginny in the drama series The Blood Sisters.
2018–2020: Rising popularity
Diaz in 2018
In 2018, Diaz played the protagonist, Cassie Mondragon, of ABS-CBN's afternoon television series Kadenang Ginto.[5][6] The success of Kadenang Ginto led to the founding of a group called "The Gold Squad", a teenage quartet made up of Diaz and fellow actors Kyle Echarri, Andrea Brillantes, and Seth Fedelin. Together, they appeared in several films and series.[citation needed]
2021–present: Subsequent projects and "FranSeth" love team
In 2021, she played a main character in the television series, Huwag Kang Mangamba, along with her fellow "Gold Squad" members. The quartet also became lead cast members in a digital anthology series, Click, Like, Share. Diaz's episode was called "Cancelled" with Renshi de Guzman in the first season. She also appeared in the film Tenement 66 with Francis Magundayao and Noel Comia Jr. It was directed by Rae Red and co-produced by Dreamscape Entertainment. Her first thriller film with Magundayao and Comia with director Rae Red competed in the 25th Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival, under the "Bucheon Choice" category in South Korea.[8] Her performance in Tenement 66 earned her the "PinakaPASADONG Katuwang na Aktres" ("Most Awesome Supporting Actress") at the 34th Gawad Pasado Awards.[9][10]
Diaz modeled at Michael Leyva's Enchanted Fashion Show at Hilton Manila in Pasay. She opened the show in a lilac gown with floral accents.[11][12]
In 2022, she appeared as the yearly cover girl of Metro magazine,[13] modeling fashion designer Michael Leyva's creations, Preview Ph,[14]Candy Mag - as their First Digital Cover Girl of the Year,[15]Stylish Magazine,[16]Mega Magazine, [17] and Village Pipol Magazine.[18]
Diaz appeared in the web series Bola-Bola in the episode, "Cook. Feed. Love. Repeat", with Akira Morishita, KD Estrada, and Ashton Salvador.[19][20]
After that she appeared with Fedelin in a series called Dirty Linen.[21] She also appeared in Zack Tabudlo's music video As You Are.[22]
Diaz was ranked the ninth top Filipino YouTube creator in 2022.[23][24]
In 2024, Diaz collaborated with Korean artist Seo In-guk for the song "My Love".[25]
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