IN THE Hollywood teen world, where young blondes sport various levels of undress while singing and strutting in their pursuit of stardom, this 17-year-old Filipino-American brunette won stardom just by being herself.

Lalaine Vergara has also achieved what many other teenyboppers can’t claim: She was on the list of Teen People magazine’s 20 Teens Changing the World.

Mention the name Lalaine Vergara and you will get a puzzled look from most people. But say Miranda Sanchez and there’ll definitely be shouts of recognition, especially among children. Lalaine has been known as the best friend of Lizzie McGuire, portrayed by fellow teen star Hillary Duff.

"People ask me, ’Are you Spanish?’" said Lalaine, best known as Miranda Sanchez on "Lizzie McGuire." "I say I have Spanish in me but I’m not just Spanish. I’m proud of my ethnicities and I will always be proud of being a Filipino."

Born on June 3, 1987 to Filipino parents from Batangas and Pampanga, this 5-foot-5 sweetheart writes songs, dances and plays parts on TV, movies and stage.

Lalaine, who was last here in 1995, has been in the Philippines shooting "Flipside," a travel-cum-lifestyle program produced by CCI Asia Television Inc. and to be aired on Living Asia Channel in October.

"I am very excited about this project," she said. "It’s been a while since I was here and this is just great."

Earlier, she paid a visit to President Macapagal-Arroyo, who told Lalaine, "I’m sure you will be (more) successful. We Filipinos are very proud of you and claim you as our own."

In "Flipside," this teenage balikbayan reorients herself with a kaleidoscope of everything Filipino-culture, food, fashion, sports, film, music.

Lalaine grew up in California, but she understands Filipino and likes to eat adobo with steamed fragrant rice.

To be shown all over Asia and North America via The Filipino Channel, "Flipside" intends to re-educate Filipino viewers all over the world, particularly the young ones, to help them discover their heritage and culture. It also intends to introduce the Philippines to foreign audiences.

So far, Lalaine has been to Intramuros and Quiapo, and shopped in Makati and Greenhills.

Lalaine’s passion for charity work got her involved in events such as Aids Benefit Concert, Ronald McDonald Charity, N’ Sync Challenge for Youth, Children United International and other young people’s organizations. This in turn earned her a place in Teen People’s list of 20 Teens Changing the World.

Says Lalaine on her official website (http://www.lalaine.net, which averages 5,000,000 hits per month): "I visit hospitals all the time-spontaneously. Not for a ’Disney Day,’ not as ’Miranda Sanchez,’ just as myself. I like to show up at hospitals and visit sick kids without them knowing I’m coming, so that it’s a special surprise. They get so excited, and even get up out of bed. I’m probably making them feel good, but they also make me feel good."

The California youth program Power Play chose Lalaine as its spokesperson (after Shaquille O’Neal). The program encourages kids to eat fruits and veggies and take at least an hour a day to get active. Lalaine, who plays basketball, football, ice-skating, skiing, golfing, horseback riding, swimming and bowling, fits the bill well.

As for extending her helping hand in the Philippines, she said it’s part of her plans, "but nothing is definite as of now."

"Miranda is exactly like me except more amplified," said Lalaine of her "Lizzie McGuire" character. "I took the character and embraced it. I’m naturally funny, or comedic, if you will. It’s so me."

She receives thousands of letters from fans each week, some even from adults who see her as a role model.

"I know my responsibilities as a celebrity," she said. "Of course, there’s stuff I can’t do because kids look up to me, but that’s okay."

She said that as early as when she was 2 years old, she knew she was made for the stage. "I love theater," she said.

Inspired by her sister Cristina who was in "Miss Saigon" in 1996, Lalaine auditioned for various musicals and finally took a bow as Little Cosette/Eponine in Cameron Mackintosh’s Broadway production of "Les Miserables" when she was 10.

Then came endorsements for Barbie, Burger King, Quaker Oats and Microsoft. She did voices for the movies "Mrs. Santa Claus," "Inspector Gadget," "Lolita" and "Babe." Her latest guesting stint was on "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," which stars Sarah Michelle Gellar.

Lalaine’s song "You Wish," from her movie of the same title, became a huge hit on Radio Disney. She recently starred in an indie film, "Promised Land."

Does she have a special boy right now? "I have lots of friends," she said. "I’m just having fun and I’m too busy to be responsible for that."

"Flipside," produced by CCI Asia Television Inc., and sponsored by Sari-Sari Group and Philippine Airlines, airs on Living Asia Channel starting October.