Coca Nicolas

Coca was born on November 7, 1966 in Olongapo City. Her birthname was Johnnalee Hickins, but after talent manager Rey dela Cruz discovered her, she famously became known as Coca Nicolas, one of the “Softdrink Beauties” (along with Sarsi Emmanuelle and Pepsi Paloma). She starred in a string of hit films and enjoyed a lavish lifestyle as a bankable actress, with films such as Snake Sisters (1984), Naked Island (1984) and Kalapating Musmos (1985).

Excessive vice lead to her addiction to the drug Mogadon. When the Bold Era passed, her film career deteriorated. She took work as an entertainer in Japan, where she turned to alcohol abuse and heavy smoking, later suffering from lung disease as a result. By the time she returned to the Philippines, she had squandered her savings. Her financial struggles were compounded when she lost her Pampanga house during the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in 1991. Coca began selling ice and ice candy to earn a living.

Since overcoming her vices, Coca has appeared on several YouTube programs. The 2015 GMA News program Sexy Star Coca Nicolas’ Homecoming – Tunay Na Buhay has over one million views. In 2024, Coca opened up about her former housemate and friend, Pepsi Paloma, in an interview on Julius Babao’s Unplugged channel. In the interview, which has over two million views, Coca maintained that Pepsi’s rape allegations were fabricated by their manager Rey dela Cruz for publicity. In 2025, Unplugged featured Coca in I’ll Be Home For Coca, a reunion of Coca and fellow 80’s bold stars Sarsi Emmanuelle and Myra Manibog.

Now a devoted mother to her children, Coca said she regrets not putting aside money for her future during her glory days as a bold star.

Last updated 4/2026