It was a heartfelt reunion between former actress and TV host Nancy Castiglione and Boy Abunda on Fast Talk with Boy Abunda. Once known as the “OG host” of StarStruck and the ethereal lambana Muyak in Encantadia and Mulawin, Nancy has now returned to the Philippines after years of living abroad — bringing with her a renewed sense of purpose, peace, and gratitude.
Nancy opened up about her life away from showbiz, sharing that she left the industry in 2009 when she became a mother to her twin boys, Matteo and Joaquin. “That was a completely new chapter for me,” she told Tito Boy. “When I became a mom, I gave my whole self to it. I really focused on being a mom — and maybe in that process, I neglected my friendships.”
She reflected with honesty and vulnerability on how motherhood changed her priorities. “That’s one of my weaknesses. I didn’t do the work to maintain those relationships,” she admitted. “It wasn’t intentional; I was just consumed by learning how to be a mother to twins.”
Boy gently reminded her that “it’s not too late,” to which Nancy smiled and agreed. “No, it isn’t. The blessing of social media is that I still get to celebrate my friends’ wins from afar — as a fan. I see their projects, their courage, their growth. Like Chesca Kramer — she’s such an amazing mom, and I’m so proud of her.”
Born and raised in Canada, Nancy described herself as a “reverse immigrant.” “I was born in Canada, but I always find myself coming back to the Philippines,” she said. “I really love this country — I love the people, the culture, everything about it.”
Now back in the Philippines for three years with her youngest daughter, Riley Brooke, born in 2015, Nancy has settled into a new rhythm. “I’m a corporate girlie now,” she laughed. “I collaborate with teams from multinational companies as a mindset coach and hypnotherapist. It’s fulfilling in a different way because I get to help people unlock their potential.”
When asked if she would consider returning to showbiz, Nancy’s answer was open and full of optimism. “If the opportunity comes, I won’t say no,” she said. “I’ll never close my doors to it. I’ve always believed that everything happens in its right time.”
Her iconic role as the lambana Muyak — a character that crossed over from Mulawin to Encantadia — remains beloved among fantasy fans. Interestingly, the legacy continues today, with actress Skye Chua now portraying a lambana named Rikit in Encantadia Chronicles: Sang’gre.
From a sparkling career on screen to a grounded life as a mother and coach, Nancy Castiglione’s story is one of rediscovery and resilience. Though she admits to losing touch with parts of her old self, she has gained something deeper — wisdom, perspective, and a renewed sense of joy in the simple things.
“I’ve learned that it’s okay to evolve,” she shared. “Motherhood, work, friendships — they all shape you in different ways. What matters is that you keep growing, keep loving, and keep coming home to yourself.”