The daughter of a retired US Navy serviceman and a Puerto Rican/Filipina mother, Cristina (Jean Elizabeth May in real life) always dreamed of being a movie star while she was growing up in Olongapo. When one of her friends told her about a film scout, she applied immediately. Upon seeing her striking beauty, the talent scout asked her to be a bold star in the movies, an offer she quickly accepted.
Her fame was brief, and after appearing in about 10 or 12 movies, among them Kikirut-Kirot, Uhaw na Uhaw, Di mahilom ang Sugat and Paraisong Gubat, she fell in love and turned her back on what was then a very good career. Cristina became a sexy dancer after leaving acting. As a star attraction at Manila gentleman’s clubs, she at one point earned over P10,000 a night in pay and tips.
In recent years, Cristina has occasionally engaged with media. In 2008 she appeared on GMA’s TV program Wish Ko Lang, where she talked about the financial struggles of raising her children, and her desire for renewed opportunities in show business. In 2023 she was interviewed by journalist Julius Babao for his “Unplugged” series, where she reflected on her career and discussed her life post-acting. In 2024, she made a nostalgic guest appearance as part of Team Gandang ’80s on ABS-CBN’s Family Feud Philippines in an episode titled Hotties of the 80s. Her appearance on the show highlighted her enduring recognition among Filipino audiences, even though it had been decades since her stardom. Cristina has four children from different relationships and lives a simple life in Masantol, Pampanga with her husband, a construction worker, and two kids. She has no regrets about her life as a sexy star except not saving more money and not finishing her studies.
Last updated 4/2026
