Shaina Garcia Magdayao (Tagalog: [ʃaʔˈɪnɐ gaɾˈsɪa maɡˈdɐjaʊ, ʃaɪ-]; born November 6, 1989) is a Filipino actress.

Magdayao attended high school at the UST Angelicum College in Santo Domingo, Quezon City.

At age 7, Magdayao made her television debut in the series Lyra which premiered in April 1996 under GMA Network.

In 1999, she starred in the fantasy film Wansapanataym: The Movie with Christopher de Leon, Angel Aquino and Serena Dalrymple.

Her performance was met with critical acclaim, winning Most Popular Child Actress at the Box Office Entertainment Awards, Best Child Actress at the FAMAS Awards, and Best Performance at the Young Critics Circle, while the film became a success at the Philippine box-office with total earnings of over ₱167 million.

In 2002, she starred the film Mga Batang Lansangan...Ngayon with an ensemble cast and played a supporting role in Ang Agimat: Anting-anting ni Lolo.

In 2007, Magdayao starred as Selene in one of the most expensive Philippine television shows, Rounin and topbilled her first film in four years opposite Rayver Cruz titled Happy Hearts.

Writing for Philippine Entertainment Portal, Elvin Luciano praised Magdayao's ability to "portray intense emotions.

[44] For her portrayal, she won Best Supporting Actress at the Gawad Pasado Award alongside Angel Locsin, Bea Alonzo and Toni Gonzaga.

She played as a communication coach named Billie Pono in the political romantic comedy My CandiDate alongside Derek Ramsay and Iza Calzado.

According to Kantar Media, the series registered its highest national TV rating of 18.3% in September 8, 2017, beating its timeslot rival Haplos with only 13.7%.

[53] In 2018, Magdayao starred in the action drama Asintado with Julia Montes, Paulo Avelino and Aljur Abrenica.

[54] The show drew consistent viewership on throughout its run and achieved its highest TV rating of 19.9% in its finale episode, beating its timeslot rival My Special Tatay with only 11%.

[64] According to Kantar Media, the show achieved its highest TV rating of 24%, ahead of its timeslot rival Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko with 21.8%.

She played as Esmeralda Stuart in Lauv Diaz's Essential Truths of the Lake which premiered at the Locarno International Film Festival in Switzerland.

[69] In October 2023, she made a guest appearance in the romantic drama Can't Buy Me Love where she played the mother of Belle Mariano' s character.

[73] Often dubbed as the "Empress of Drama" for her acclaimed acting performances across film and television,[74][75] she has been described by critics as "one of the finest actresses of her generation.

"[76] Filipino director Joe Carreon praised Magdayao's acting prowess in the film Mga Batang Lansangan...

[77] Kathryn Bernardo also praised Magdayao's professionalism in the film Pagpag: Siyam na Buhay, where they both first worked together.

"[79] The success of her daytime soap operas have also earned her the moniker "Kapamilya Gold Queen", among them include Kambal sa Uma (2009),[80][81] Precious Hearts Romances Presents Alyna (2010),[82] Kung Ako'y Iiwan Mo (2012),[83] The Better Half[84] (2017) and Asintado (2018).

[89] Among the products she endorsed include Bench, Coca-Cola, Calayan, Cose Bags and Accessories, Charmee, Freshlook and Ystilo Salon.

[99] Shaina Magdayao works with diverse NGO's and orphanages such as Hospicio de San Jose and St. Luke Reach Out Foundation.

In 2014, using her own funds and donations from her friends in and out of the show-business, she went to remote Typhoon Yolanda-stricken towns and brought relief goods to those who were affected.

On her recent trip to Italy in 2015, she stayed in a convent at San Giovanni Rotondo and served children with terminal illnesses.