{{Short description|Filipina actress and entrepreneur (born 1979)}} {{Multiple issues| {{BLP one source|date=August 2025}} {{BLP sources|date=August 2025}} }} {{Use mdy dates|date=April 2025}} {{Use Philippine English|date=April 2025}} {{Infobox person | name = Bamba Leelin Cruz | image = Bamba Leelin Cruz Portrait 2020.jpg | caption = Portrait of Bamba Leelin Cruz, 2020s | birth_name = Marvee Lou Basa Leelin | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1979|08|08}} | birth_place = Manila, Philippines | education = OB Montessori, Colegio San Agustin – Makati, De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde | occupation = Actress, entrepreneur | years_active = 1984–1996 | spouse = Jesus "Jay" Tan Cruz (m. 2005) | children = 1 | relatives = Lana Leelin Reyes (sister), Benjo Leelin (brother) | awards = FAMAS Award for Best Child Actress (1986) }}
thumb|Bamba Leelin Cruz in the mid-1980s
'''Bamba Leelin Cruz''' (born '''Marvee Lou Basa Leelin'''; August 8, 1979) is a Filipina former child actress and entrepreneur. She rose to fame in the 1980s as one of the country's most beloved child stars, winning the FAMAS Award for Best Child Actress for her role in ''Moomoo'' (1985). After retiring from the entertainment industry, she pursued studies in production design and later built a career in fashion and jewelry entrepreneurship.
== Early life and education == Leelin was born in Manila, Philippines, to Pascual Tancioco Leelin Jr. and Violeta Basa Leelin. She is one of three full siblings: her sister Lana Leelin Reyes and brother Benjo Leelin. Her family is linked to the founding lineage of Goldilocks Bakeshop, one of the Philippines' most iconic food chains. Her father, Pascual Tancioco Leelin Jr., is the younger brother of Milagros Leelin Yee and Clarita Leelin Go, the original co-founders of Goldilocks in 1966. Leelin studied at OB Montessori and Colegio San Agustin – Makati, and completed her degree in Production Design at De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde.
== Career == Leelin began acting at the age of 4, first appearing in ''Little Miss Philippines'' on ''Eat Bulaga!''. Her breakout role in ''Moomoo'' (1985) led to her receiving a FAMAS Award at age six. She went on to appear in numerous fantasy and comedy films throughout the late 1980s and became one of the most recognizable child stars of the era.
She also appeared in the drama series ''Gulong ng Palad'' and joined the Tuesday group of the teen variety show ''That's Entertainment'' on GMA Network.
== Business ventures == After her showbiz career, Leelin partnered with her sister Lana to launch a clothing brand, which was carried by select SM department stores. In the 2020s, she founded The Tatted Jeweller, a fine jewelry label marketed on Instagram, known for its storytelling-driven gold pieces and custom designs.
== Personal life == Leelin married Jesus “Jay” Tan Cruz in 2005. They have one daughter, Jaela. She remains known for her grounded and creative personality, maintaining strong family ties and continuing to influence fashion and design circles.
== Public image and legacy == Leelin is considered a defining figure in the “Golden Age” of Filipino child stardom. Her performances have been celebrated in pop culture retrospectives, and she was profiled by Philippine Tatler in 2016 for her transition from showbiz to entrepreneurship.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Legacy of Bamba Leelin Cruz|url=https://www.pressreader.com/philippines/tatler-philippines/20160101/283618169111917|publisher=Philippine Tatler|date=January 2016|access-date=April 22, 2025}}</ref>
== Filmography ==
=== Film === {| class="wikitable sortable" |+ ! Year !! Title !! Type !! Ref. |- | 1985 || ''Moomoo'' || Film || [1][2] |- | 1986 || ''God's Little Children'' || Film || |- | 1986 || ''Tuklaw'' || Film || |- | 1987 || ''Once Upon a Time (1987 film) |Once Upon a Time || Film || |- | 1987 || ''Bunsong Kerubin'' || Film || |- | 1987 || ''No Retreat... No Surrender... Si Kumander'' || Film || |- | 1987 || ''1 + 1 = 12 (+ 1): One Plus One Equals Twelve'' || Film || |- | 1988 || ''Love Boat: Mahal Trip Kita'' || Film || |- | 1988 || ''Nakausap Ko ang Birhen'' || Film || |- | 1988 || ''Love Letters'' || Film || |- | 1988 || ''One Day, Isang Araw'' || Film || |- | 1988 || ''Petrang Kabayo at ang Pilyang Kuting'' || Film || |- | 1988 || ''Sheman: Mistress of the Universe'' || Film || |- | 1989 || ''Barbi: Maid in the Philippines'' || Film || |- | 1989 || ''Bote, Dyaryo, Garapa'' || Film || |- | 1989 || ''Pulis Pulis sa Ilalim ng Tulay'' || Film || |- | 1989 || ''Captain Yagit'' || Film || |- | 1993 || ''Pido Dida 3: May Kambal Na'' || Film || |}
=== Television === {| class="wikitable" ! Year !! Title |- | 1984 || ''Eat Bulaga!'' – Little Miss Philippines Grand Finalist |- | 1986–1990 || ''Gulong ng Palad'' |- | 1992–1995 || ''That's Entertainment'' |}
== Awards and honors == * FAMAS Award for Best Child Actress – ''Moomoo'' (1986)
== References == {{Reflist}}
== External links == * {{IMDb name|1349255}} * [https://www.instagram.com/thetattedjeweller The Tatted Jeweller on Instagram] * [https://www.pressreader.com/philippines/tatler-philippines/20160101/283618169111917 Philippine Tatler Profile]
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Bamba Leelin Cruz}} Category:Living people Category:1979 births Category:Filipino child actresses Category:Filipino television actresses Category:Filipino businesswomen Category:20th-century Filipino actresses Category:Actresses from Manila Category:Filipino film actresses