In 1996 she starred in various films with Star Cinema which includes, Radio Romance, her first film with Rico Yan, Mangarap Ka, her first major film role, with Mark Anthony Fernandez , and Madrasta with Sharon Cuneta and Christopher de Leon.
In 1997 she really became a household name and force in the country by starring at the top-rating television drama series, Mula sa Puso, starring with Rico Yan and Diether Ocampo. The series was so popular it ran for three consecutive years in ABS-CBN. That same year she starred in the films, Home Along Da Riles 2 with Dolphy, Calvento Files: The Movie with Rio Locsin and Diether Ocampo, and F.L.A.M.E.S.The Movie with Rico Yan, Paula Peralejo, and Boots Anson-Roa.
In 1998, she portrayed Mela at the critically acclaimed film, Dahil Mahal na Mahal Kita, directed by Wenn V. Deramas, alongside Rico Yan and Diether Ocampo.
In 2002 she starred in Olivia Lamasan's film Got 2 Believe with real-life partner Rico Yan. The film received critical and box office success some noting it as one of the best romantic movies of all time and has inspired countless films that followed it. Her real-life partner Rico Yan died in March of the same year. After a short break in work, Claudine had another box office hit film that same year in Rory Quintos' film Kailangan Kita with Aga Mulach, her acting in this film was once again acclaimed by critics and many has cited it as one of her best works.
Had a strained relationship with the family of Rico Yan after the death of the young actor in March 29, 2002. She was partly blamed for the untimely death of the actor whom she had a long relationship.