Empowered women: Heart Evangelista, Marian Rivera, Bea Alonzo

It is good to note that the entertainment industry is peopled with empowered women — individuals who possess an unwavering belief in their own capabilities and worth and use their confidence to navigate challenges and advocate for themselves and others.

Top of mind among showbiz personalities are Marian Rivera, Heart Evangelista, and Bea Alonzo who are not afraid to speak their minds, challenge the status quo, and pursue their ambitions with passion and resilience, and thereby inspire those around them to do the same.

For one, Rivera, whose phenomenal rise to stardom is one for the books, is now known beyond her acting career. Her philanthropic endeavors — notably as Ambassador for Women and Children with Disabilities, along with her role as a devoted wife to fellow actor Dingdong Dantes and mother to Zia and Ziggy — make her a well-respected figure in and out of the Philippine show business.

Over the years, she has also successfully diversified her career and established herself as a savvy businesswoman through endorsements, product collaborations, and launching her own brands. This demonstrates her keen understanding of the market and her audience. Her business ventures, for sure, contribute to her overall success and showcase her ability to excel in multiple fields. And this further solidifies her status as a significant influencer in the Philippines.

Today, she chooses her projects well, with her highly acclaimed Cinemalaya movie, “Balota,” earning multiple nominations from different awarding ceremonies slated this year.

Evangelista, on the other hand, has secured a spot for fashion and modeling in the international scene not only for herself but for the Filipinos. With her svelte figure and small stature, who would ever think that she could invade Paris, New York, and Milan fashion events?

Over the years, the celebrated endorser has cemented her position as Queen of Collaborations for both local and foreign brands.

A certified social media influencer and philanthropist, she is highly popular as a spokesperson for the Philippine Animal Welfare Society and her own campaign for Adopt, Don’t Shop (for fur pets). Given her busy schedule, Evangelista, wife to Sen. Chiz Escudero, finds time to pursue civic work alongside the legislative work of senators as the head of the Senate Spouses Foundation.

Meanwhile, Bea Alonzo is enjoying her life as a single woman — for now. After her failed relationships, including a broken engagement, Alonzo said it is the first time that she’s enjoying solo and discovering things she can do alone. Of course, her family, especially her mom, has always been on hand to assist her.

When not busy with projects in Manila, Alonzo is hands-on in tending to her farm in Zambales, learning the beauty of going organics and environment-friendly farming. And while waiting for the cameras to roll for new movies — one to be filmed in Europe and one  intended for Metro Manila Film Festival 2025 — she lends her star power to some endorsements and her own bag business.

Currently, Alonzo is the brand ambassador for a high-end jewelry brand which she said has a “deep commitment to ethical sourcing and genuine craftsmanship.”

It is easy to see that these women leverage their talents while continuously strive for growth. Overall, they define their own success, prioritize their well-being, and contribute to a world where all individuals have the opportunity to thrive.

For all women out there, let’s be empowered like Marian, Heart, and Bea. Happy Women’s Month, everyone!

Sips and slips

Who is this actor who accidentally divulged his romantic tryst with a beautiful actress after a drunken spree? The former matinee idol isn’t really the kiss-and-tell type, but having one too many drinks on one occasion caused him to become a boozy blabbermouth and so he couldn’t help but spill juicy, long-kept secrets.

Unknown to many, including his closest buddies, the actor had a romantic relationship with this actress whom he revealed that he considers to be the fiercest among the bedmates he has ever had! In his own words, he said, “sobrang napagod ako sa kanya, he sapped my energy and I really couldn’t believe myself that she was like that.”

This demure and angelic actress was never publicized to be among the past girlfriends of the actor, nor were they ever reported to have had a romantic fling. The actress is now happily married and with children of her own, who are also dabbling in showbiz.