Dorina Pineda

Dorina Pineda is a fictional character in "Bituing Walang Ningning" a sineserye on ABS-CBN that was remade from the movie with the same title released in 1985.

The role powered singer/actress Sharon Cuneta to her "mega-star" title. In the television remake, the role is portrayed by Sarah Geronimo.

Dorina in the Television Remake
Infancy and Early Childhood

Adorina Pineda, nicknamed Dorina, was born as Emilia Rose Suarez, the daughter of Rosamia and Emilio Suarez. In a cruel twist of fate, she is separated from her parents while still an infant because Rosamia's career took her to Cebu, and Emilio landed in jail for unknowingly delivering drugs for a drug lord.

Baby Emilia Rose was adopted by Adora Pineda, who decided to name her Adorina. She has an adoptive sister named Bencho, who is the daughter of Adora's departed sister.

As a child, Dorina was very sickly, and was frequently in and out of hospitals due to a weak respiratory system.

In her teens, Dorina began to show an interest and a talent for singing. Her constant singing helped to strengthen her respiratory system, and she appears to have completely overcome her initial weakness.

Dorina, the Flower Vendor
Dorina helped augment her family's meager income by selling sampaguita flowers outside a nearby church. She soon became a familiar sight outside the church, such at regular attendees know her by name and look for her when they want to purchase flowers.

Dorina, the Devoted Fan
Like Adora, Dorina was a devoted fan of the singer Rosamia Suarez, unaware that Rosamia is in reality her mother. She soon becomes a devoted fan of a new up-and-coming Lavinia Arguelles when she one day has an unpleasant encounter with Rosamia, and Lavinia is there to befriend her.

A devoted fan, she attended all of Lavinia's shows and appearances, and even makes almost-daily visits to Lavinia's home to present her idol with sampaguita leis. She is not aware that Lavinia finds her constant presence and devotion irritating.

Early Foray into Singing
Although Dorina's bestfriend, Oman, and her family believe in her musical talents, Dorina at first did not want to sing. When Oman entered her into a neighborhood singing contest, Dorina's nervousness overwhelmed her and caused her to faint onstage.

When Dorina accidentally learns that Adora is several months behind in rent payments, she overcame her stage fright and with Oman's help, began to sing hymns at wakes and memorial services to earn more money.

She finally joins another neighborhood singing contest and emerges as the winner. Her performance wins the attention of the church's choir director, and he invites her to become the choir's soloist -- an invitation that she accepts with her mother's blessing.

Dorina joins a Band
During one of Lavinia's concerts, Lavinia asks members of the audience to sing with her. When it was Dorina's turn, she enthusiastically sings the chorus of the song, much to the delight of the audience.

One of the people in the audience is Gary, a drummer and band leader who happens to be forming a new band. He asks Dorina if he would like to join his band as their vocalist, and Dorina accepts.

The band performs and rehearses regularly, and receive frequent bookings because of Dorina.

Dorina in Star In A Million
Soon after winning her first singing contest, Oman and Bencho bring an unsuspecting Dorina to a nearby Jollibee fastfood, where auditions were underway for a new singing contest for TV, Star In A Million. Unknown to Dorina, Oman had signed her up for the audition, and she is called back for the next round.

Through several more rounds of eliminations, Dorina survives the harsh comments of the show's judges and learns from her critics. She grows as a singer during the course of the competition and emerges as the Grand Champion of Star In A Million.

Romance

Unknown to Dorina, her best friend Oman is secretly in love with her. She is completely oblivious to his feelings, which at first dismays and frustrates Oman. However, he quietly accepts the challenge and is determined to win Dorina's love.

Gary, the leader of Dorina's band, soon falls in love with Dorina, and even confesses his feelings for her publicly. Dorina is upset by Gary's attempts at courtship, and he eventually agrees to stop courting her.

Dorina is not interested in getting into any romantic relationship. She has lost her faith in men because Adora was abandoned by her husband, and Bencho was abandoned by her father as well.

Dorina vs. Lavinia
Unknown to Dorina, Lavinia becomes increasingly threatened by Dorina's talent, especially after Dorina wins Star In A Million and receives a singing contract with Lavinia's recording label, LaCalma Recording Company.

Dorina in the Movie
Sharon Cuneta portrayed Dorina in the original movie which powered her to stardom and success.

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