Sanya Lopez

Shaira Lenn Osuna Roberto (born August 9, 1996), known professionally as Sanya Lopez , is a Filipino actress, singer, and television personality known for her work in Philippine television dramas and fantasy series. She began her career as a co-host on Walang Tulugan with the Master Showman after being discovered by veteran host German Moreno. She later appeared in supporting and minor roles before gaining wider recognition in The Half Sisters (2014).

Roberto rose to prominence in 2016 after portraying Danaya in the remake of Encantadia, which became her breakthrough role and established her as one of GMA Network’s rising lead actresses. She later starred in television series such as Haplos (2017–2018), First Yaya (2021), Mga Lihim ni Urduja (2023), and Pulang Araw (2024). In addition to acting, she released the single "Hot Maria Clara" in 2022, which later gained viral popularity on social media.

Early life and background Shaira Lenn Osuna Roberto was born on August 9, 1996, and raised in Malolos, Bulacan. She is the daughter of Marlene Osuna Roberto and Ramil Roberto, who died when she was two years old. Lopez is the younger sister of actor Jak Roberto. At the age of 14, Roberto met German Moreno and came to see him as a father figure; she dedicates her performance both to Moreno and her father. She was given the name Sanya, of Indian origin, by her manager.

Roberto currently resides in Quezon City with her brother Jak.

Career 2012–2015: Early career

Roberto's entry into showbiz began when she visited the taping of Walang Tulugan with the Master Showman with her brother, Jak Roberto. During the visit, some fans mistook her for Kim Rodriguez, which caught the attention of veteran host German Moreno, also known as Moreno. After being introduced by Jak, Roberto was invited by Moreno to return for another taping, opening opportunities for her in the entertainment industry. Since then, Moreno included her on the program as one of his co-hosts.

Roberto began her acting career in 2012 through the teleserye Magdalena: Anghel sa Putikan, where she appeared in a challenging role at a young age. In the following years, she spent around four years doing minor and extra roles in various GMA Network's programs. During this period, she experienced humiliation and unfair treatment on set, including being forced out of tents during tapings and staying under the heat of the sun. Despite these hardships, she said the experiences taught her humility, perseverance, and respect for people regardless of status or profession.

2016–2019: Breakthrough and transition to lead roles In 2014, Roberto gained attention after appearing in The Half Sisters as the best friend of Barbie Forteza. Before The Half Sisters ended, she was offered a management contract by GMA Artist Center. Zubiri, on the other hand, congratulated Roberto for bagging the role on her Twitter account.

Even before Encantadia ended in 2017, Roberto was already chosen to headline the teleserye Haplos. She later starred in Cain at Abel in 2018 alongside Dingdong Dantes and Dennis Trillo, whom she admired for their professionalism and humility. In 2019, she continued her rise as a lead actress through Dahil sa Pag-ibig.

2020–present: Career resurgence In October 2020, Roberto was announced to portray Melody Reyes in First Yaya, replacing Marian Rivera, who exited the project due to concerns over lock-in taping. In 2021, she was cast as the leading lady in Agimat ng Agila, opposite Bong Revilla. Both series aired in 2021 and contributed significantly to her rise in popularity. Due to their success, both shows were renewed for a second season in 2022. Her character in Agimat ng Agila was written off to accommodate her commitment to the second season of First Yaya, retitled First Lady.

On July 15, 2022, Roberto released her debut single "Hot Maria Clara" under GMA Music along with its music video. In 2023, she portrayed the legendary warrior Urduja in the television series Mga Lihim ni Urduja, alongside her fellow Encantadia co-stars Kylie Padilla and Gabbi Garcia. The following year, in 2024, she played Teresita Borromeo, also known as "Morena," in the historical drama Pulang Araw.

In 2025, Roberto reprised her role as Danaya in Encantadia Chronicles: Sang'gre, a spin-off of the fantasy series Encantadia. On June 10, 2025, almost three years after its release, her single "Hot Maria Clara" appeared on top of Spotify's "Viral 50 Philippines Chart" after being featured on viral videos on social media.

Personal life During the media conference for Samahan ng mga Makasalanan on March 27, 2025, Roberto confirmed that she was dating a non-showbiz Chinese businessman. She said they were still in the dating stage and were enjoying each other's company without pressure. Roberto also shared that she now viewed relationships more seriously compared to before, when she was more focused on her career. She described the businessman as sincere and consistent in pursuing her, adding that she still preferred traditional courtship and hoped to find a caring and serious partner.

Filmography Television Year Title Role 2013 Dormitoryo Thea 2014–2016 The Half Sisters Lorna 2016 The Millionaire's Wife Lovely 2016–2017 Encantadia Sang'gre / Hara Danaya 2017–2018 Haplos Angela Marie Alonzo-Cortez / Angela Marie Alonzo-Montecines / Anj / Angel / Elang / Exotica / Alice 2018–2019 Cain at Abel Margaret Tolentino 2019 Dahil sa Pag-Ibig Mariella "Mariel" Fajardo-Corpuz Beautiful Justice Thea Vasquez 2021 First Yaya Melody Reyes-Acosta 2021–2022 Agimat ng Agila Maya Lagman 2022 First Lady Melody Reyes-Acosta 2023 Mga Lihim ni Urduja Hara Urduja 2024 Pulang Araw Teresita "Morena" Borromeo 2025–2026 Encantadia Chronicles: Sang'gre Sang'gre / Hara Durie Danaya 2026 Born to Shine Melody Reyes-Acosta

Television (guest)

Film Year Title Role(s) 2017 Amalanhig: The Vampire Chronicles Aryana Dimalinlang 2018 Wild and Free Ellie 2020 Isa Pang Bahaghari Dolores "Dolly / Dolly Ariana" Sanchez 2024 Playtime Allyson 2025 Samahan ng mga Makasalanan Mila 2026 Midnight Girls Mary Anne "Paris" Garcia Sibal

Awards Year Category Work Award Giving Body Notes 2016 Gintong Kabataan Sa Larangan ng Sining at Kultura recognition — Gintong Kabataan Awards August 26, 2016 German Moreno Youth Achievement Award 2016 — FAMAS Awards 2016 December 10, 2016 Huwarang Artista ng Taon para sa mga Kabataan — 3rd Inding-Indie Short Film Festival Awards December 4, 2016 2017 Ranked No. 20, FHM Philippines 100 Sexiest Woman — FHM Philippines (Summit Media) First time to be nominated in the list, July 2017 issue 2019 New Movie Actress of the Year Wild and Free 35th PMPC Star Awards for Movies June 16, 2019 2021 Best Supporting Actress Isa Pang Bahaghari 4th EDDYS Entertainment Editors' Choice Nominee Top Celebrity Award — First TikTok Awards Philippines 2021 July 4, 2021