Bela Padilla

Last updated

Bela Padilla
Bela Padilla performing at MMDA Anniversary in November 2016.png
Padilla performing at MMDA Anniversary in 2016
Born
Krista Elyse Hidalgo Sullivan [1]

(1991-05-03) May 3, 1991 (age 34)
Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines
Nationality Filipino
Other names
  • Krista Valle
  • Krista Sullivan
Occupations
  • Actress
  • television host
  • singer
  • director
  • writer
Years active2007–present
Agents
Height1.71 m (5 ft 7 in)
Family Padilla family

Krista Elyse Hidalgo Sullivan (born May 3, 1991), better known by her stage name Bela Padilla (Tagalog pronunciation: [paˈdɪlja] ), is a Filipino actress, host, singer, writer, and director.

Contents

She is best known for her roles in television dramas on GMA-7 and ABS-CBN, as well as critically acclaimed films such as 100 Tula Para Kay Stella (with JC Santos) and Meet Me in St. Gallen (with Carlo Aquino). She is also recognized for her performances in The Day After Valentine's and On Vodka, Beers, and Regrets . In 2022, she made her directorial debut with the film 366 (opposite Zanjoe Marudo and JC Santos), produced by Viva Films. Additionally, she wrote the screenplay for Joyce Bernal's film Last Night , starring Toni Gonzaga and Piolo Pascual. Aside from her acting career, she has continued to develop her skills in writing and directing for future projects.

Early life and education

Krista Elyse Hidalgo Sullivan was born to British father Cornelius Gary Sullivan and Filipina mother Margarette Cariño Hidalgo ("Meg"). Her father was divorced from his first wife. She has three elder half-siblings in England from her father's first marriage, as well as an older brother from both of her parents. She first attended a Montessori-style international school in Forbes Park, Makati, before attending the foreigners' class at Colegio San Agustin – Makati. [3] Padilla took up journalism as an elective in senior high school. [4] Padilla was a classmate of Lovi Poe. [5]

Padilla's maternal grandmother (mother of Meg) is the sister of Eva Cariño-Padilla, wife of actor-director and former Camarines Norte governor Roy Padilla Sr. [6] She is the niece, by second-degree consanguinity, of actors Rommel Padilla, Robin Padilla, and BB Gandanghari, [7] and second cousin to RJ and Daniel Padilla (sons of Rommel), as well as Queenie and Kylie Padilla (daughters of Robin). [8] She is a practicing Jehovah's Witness. [9] Padilla's father, Cornelius, died in August 2023. [10]

Career

Padilla was discovered by ABS-CBN talent scout Jet Valle during one of his field trips. Valle introduced her to ABS-CBN, where she joined Star Magic Batch 15 and adopted the stage name "Krista Valle." Her debut television role came in 2004 in the teen drama series Star Magic Presents : Abt Ur Luv Ur Lyf 2 . She later changed her stage name to "Krista Sullivan" when she transitioned to a freelance acting career. In 2009, she appeared in a minor role in the TV series Totoy Bato , and shortly after, she became a regular cast member of Lokomoko High on TV5.

In 2010, Padilla left Star Magic, signed with manager Claire dela Fuente, and moved to GMA. With this move, she also adopted the name "Bela Padilla." She starred in the 2011 fantasy series Machete alongside Aljur Abrenica. That same year, she won the Miss Friendship and Media's Darling awards at the 2011 Asian Super Model Contest, held in Guilin and Nanning in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of China. [11]

Padilla made headlines in 2012 when her FHM Philippines magazine cover for the March issue was pulled due to accusations of racism. [12] [13] Later that year, she starred in the titular role in the afternoon drama series Magdalena: Anghel sa Putikan . In 2013, she starred opposite Richard Gutierrez in the primetime series Love & Lies .

After a return to ABS-CBN in 2015, Padilla joined the action-packed series FPJ's Ang Probinsyano alongside Coco Martin. Two years later, in 2017, she headlined the drama series My Dear Heart and starred in the romantic film 100 Tula Para Kay Stella , which became the highest-grossing film at the first Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino. She made her debut as a screenwriter in the film Last Night , which premiered on September 27, 2017 through Star Cinema. [14]

Padilla took the lead role in the 2019 crime drama series Sino ang Maysala?: Mea Culpa . She also starred in the Philippine adaptation of the Korean film Miracle in Cell No. 7 , which was an official entry to the 2019 Metro Manila Film Festival. The film went on to earn ₱543 million at the box office, making it one of the highest-grossing Filipino films of all time. [15]

Padilla made her directorial debut with the drama film 366, which premiered on April 13, 2022 on Vivamax. Padilla starred in the film alongside Zanjoe Marudo. [16]

In 2024, Padilla made her return to television as a guest host on the noontime variety show It's Showtime . [17] [18] In November that same year, she launched her personal beauty brand Bela by Bela. [19] In October 2024, Padilla was confirmed to reprise her role in a sequel of 100 Tula Para Kay Stella, which would be titled 100 Awit Para Kay Stella. The film will premiere in September 2025. [20] [21]

Personal life

On November 24, 2021, Padilla revealed that she had relocated to London. [22] She attributed her move to be more productive during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as to find a sense of security following the nonrenewal of ABS-CBN's franchise. Additionally, she also held dual Filipino and British citizenship, and had several paternal relatives based in London. [23] [24] She was in a relationship with Swiss national Norman Bay. She first introduced him to the public in October 2020 through an Instagram post, in which she captioned, "the one I met in St. Gallen," in reference to her previous movie Meet Me in St. Gallen . [25] In November 2023, she enrolled in an acting course in the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. [26]

In January 2025, Padilla announced that she had moved back to the Philippines and "temporarily closing" her "chapter" in London to resume working full-time as an actress, as well as resume scriptwriting. [27] She later shared in August that she and Bay had mutually broken up, largely due to their long-distance relationship and her return to the Philippines; the two remained friends and Bay visited Padilla during the filming of 100 Awit Para Kay Stella. [28]

In November 2024, Padilla revealed that she has polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and hypothyroidism, having been diagnosed when she was nineteen years old. [29]

Filmography

Television

YearTitleRoleNotesSource
2008 Star Magic Presents: Abt Ur Luv Ur Lyf 2 JoCredited as "Krista Valle" [30]
2009 Tayong Dalawa Bar Girl
Carlo J. Caparas' Totoy Bato Rain [31]
Midnight DJ Guest, Episode: "Higanti ng Kamatayan"
New Pangarap Kong JackpotEpisode: "Sa Mundo ng Kahapon"
Credited as "Krista Sullivan"
Lokomoko High Herself / Various roles / Betty La Panget [31]
Maalaala Mo Kaya Pinky (teenage years)Episode: "Kalapati" [32]
Maalaala Mo KayaPinky (teenage)Episode: "Makinilya" [32]
Maynila IsaEpisode: "Makinig Ka, Puso"
2010 Endless Love Mayumi 'Yumi' Ramirez [3]
2011 Pablo S. Gomez's Machete Aginaya / Rosella
MaynilaLeaEpisode: "Love's Priority"
Sisid Monique
2012 Hiram na Puso Vanessa Saavedra / Kara Banaag [33]
Bubble Gang Herself - Various roles
Makapiling Kang Muli Amber
2012–2013 Magdalena: Anghel sa Putikan Magdalena "Lena" Fuentebella / Angela Natividad [34]
2013 Love and Lies Denise Salvador-Galvez [35] [36]
2014 Point of Entry Analyn Ocampo [37]
Magpakailanman AndreaEpisode: "Nakakulong Ang Puso"
Sa Puso ni Dok Dr. Gabrielle "Gab" Estrella [38]
MagpakailanmanMaeEpisode: "Asawa Mo, Hiniram Ko"
MagpakailanmanJessaEpisode: "Ang Nurse Na May Ikatlong Mata"
2015–2016 FPJ's Ang Probinsyano Carmen Guzman-de Leon
2016 Ipaglaban Mo FloraEpisode: "Sanggol"
Home Sweetie Home CriseldaGuest
2017 My Dear Heart Clara Estanislao-de Jesus [39]
Maalaala Mo KayaMelanieEpisode: "Ice Candy"
2018Maalaala Mo KayaKarlaEpisode: "Fireworks"
2019 Sino ang Maysala?: Mea Culpa Julie Iris Miranda / Atty. Juris Agoncillo-Montelibano
2023; 2024-present It's Showtime Herself / Host [40]
2024 Pamilya Sagrado Cristine MalonzoSpecial Participation
2025Maalaala Mo KayaNadia
What Lies Beneath

Film

YearTitleRoleNotesSource
2007 Bahay Kubo: A Pinoy Mano Po! Janet
2009 BFF (Best Friends Forever) Mean girl
2010 You to Me Are Everything MoniqueMain Antagonist
2012 My Kontrabida Girl Evelyn
2013 10,000 Hours Maya LimchaucoCo-Writer
2014 Sa Ngalan ng Ama, Ina at mga Anak Damian
2015 Felix Manalo Honorata de Guzman-Manalo [41]
2016TomodachiRosalinda [42] [43] [44] [45]
Camp Sawi Bridgette "Brij"Film producer [46]
I AmericaErica Berry [47]
The Super Parental Guardians Emmy Cameo
Working Beks Joy
2017Luck at First SightDianeScreenwriter
100 Tula Para Kay Stella Stella Puno
Last Night Writer
2018 Meet Me in St. Gallen Celeste / Katy Perry
The Day After Valentine's Lanie
Fantastica Fairy GodmotherNonspeaking role, lines delivered through Gus Abelgas' voiceover
2019Apple of My EyeWriter
Miracle in Cell No. 7 Yesha Gopez (Adult) [48]
Mañanita
2020 On Vodka, Beers and Regrets Jane Pineda
2022366JuneActress, Director, Writer [49]
The Ultimate OppaYana
2023SpellboundYuri
Yung Libro sa Napanood Ko LisaActress, Director, Writer
Wish You Were The OneAstrud [50]
TBA 100 Awit Para Kay Stella Stella Puno

Music video appearances

YearTitlePerformerDirectorRef.
2021Magpahinga Ben&Ben Jorel Lising [51]

Awards and nominations

YearWorkAwardCategoryResultSource
2013 10,000 Hours Metro Manila Film Festival Best ActressNominated
201412th Gawad TanglawBest Supporting ActressWon
30th PMPC Star Awards for MoviesMovie Supporting Actress of the YearNominated [52]
FAMAS Award Best Supporting ActressWon [53] [54]
2016 Felix Manalo 32nd PMPC Star Awards for Movies Movie Supporting Actress of the YearNominated
Female Face of the NightWon
FAMAS AwardBest ActressNominated
FPJ's Ang Probinsyano 6th EdukCircle AwardsBest Drama Actress of the Year (tied with Kim Chiu)Won
2018 100 Tula Para Kay Stella 5th Paragala: Central Luzon Media AwardsBest Actress in FilmWon
34th PMPC Star Awards for MoviesMovie Actress of the YearNominated
41st Gawad Urian Best ActressNominated [55]
2019 Meet Me in St. Gallen 42nd Gawad Urian Best ActressNominated [56]
Sino ang Maysala?: Mea Culpa 33rd PMPC Star Awards for TV Best Drama ActressNominated
2020Seoul International Drama Awards (SDA) 2020Best ActressNominated [57]
Mañanita43rd Gawad UrianBest ActressNominated
Miracle in Cell No. 7 Box Office Entertainment Awards Movie Supporting Actress of the YearWon
2021 On Vodka, Beers and Regrets 44th Gawad UrianBest ActressNominated

References

  1. "'So exhilarating!' Bela Padilla is back in school". ABS-CBN News. September 29, 2019.
  2. "Bela Padilla signs with Star Magic". Daily Tribune. Retrieved August 25, 2025.
  3. 1 2 Camposano, Jerni May (September 12, 2010). "Face of Allure: Bela Padilla". The Philippine Star. Retrieved January 2, 2016.
  4. Eduvas, Ronjay (March 14, 2012). "Bela Padilla - FHM Cover Girl March 2012". FHM Philippines . FHM . Retrieved February 3, 2016.
  5. "'Bela Padilla opens up about longstanding friendship with Lovi Poe'". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved September 8, 2023.
  6. "FIRST READ ON PEP: Eva Cariño-Padilla tells Marian Rivera to apologize to her granddaughter Bela Padilla". Philippine Entertainment Portal. September 11, 2010. Retrieved January 2, 2016.
  7. "Kapamilya Tree: The Padilla Family". ABS-CBN Corporation. December 13, 2015. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved January 2, 2016.
  8. "Why Bela Padilla doesn't celebrate her birthday". ABS-CBN News. April 12, 2016. Retrieved January 27, 2025.
  9. "Bela Padilla's father passes away". ABS-CBN News . August 29, 2023. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  10. FRJ (September 14, 2011). "Bela Padilla Wins Two Awards at the Asian Super Model in China". GMA News. Retrieved September 14, 2011.
  11. "FHM Philippines Scraps Cover in Racism Storm". BBC News. February 28, 2012. Retrieved February 29, 2012.
  12. "Bela Tells BBC: No Regrets About FHM Cover". ABS-CBN News. February 29, 2012. Retrieved March 1, 2012.
  13. Carvajal, Dolly Anne (October 3, 2017). "Bela on suicide: Be more discerning when it's time to help our troubled loved ones". Inquirer.net . Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  14. Corp, ABS-CBN. "PHOTOS: Bela Padilla as Juris in Sino Ang Maysala? Mea Culpa". ABS-CBN Entertainment. Archived from the original on July 23, 2019. Retrieved July 23, 2019.
  15. "Bela Padilla debuts as director with '366'". Manila Bulletin . April 3, 2022. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  16. "'It's Showtime' surprises viewers with sudden broadcast on AllTV". LionhearTV. June 17, 2024. Retrieved June 17, 2024.
  17. "Bela Padilla returns to 'Showtime'". ABS-CBN News. August 7, 2024. Retrieved August 9, 2024.
  18. "Bela Padilla shares how she ventured into the beauty business". ABS-CBN News . November 8, 2024. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  19. Evangelista, Jessica Ann (October 8, 2024). "Bela Padilla, JC Santos to reunite for '100 Awit Para Kay Stella'". Inquirer.net . Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  20. Mallorca, Hannah (August 7, 2025). "Bela Padilla was almost replaced in '100 Tula Para Kay Stella' sequel". Inquirer.net . Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  21. "Bela Padilla reveals she officially moved to London". November 24, 2021.
  22. "Bela Padilla explains why she really moved to London". ABS-CBN News . December 16, 2021. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  23. Policarpio, Allan (July 3, 2023). "Bela Padilla on putting down roots in London". Inquirer.net . Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  24. "Bela Padilla answers: 'Is Norman The One?'". March 3, 2023.
  25. Geli, Bianca (September 29, 2023). "Bela Padilla goes back to school in London". GMA News . Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  26. C., Toff (January 27, 2025). "Bela Padilla 'temporarily closing' London chapter as she returns to working full-time". ABS-CBN News . Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  27. Purnell, Kristofer (August 7, 2025). "Bela Padilla confirms 'amicable split' with Swiss-Italian Norman Bay". Philstar.com . Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  28. Sarmiento, Kate (November 29, 2024). "Bela Padilla Shares Her Struggles With PCOS And Hypothyroidism". Cosmopolitan Philippines . Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  29. Erece, Dino (January 10, 2008). "ABS-CBN airs new youth-oriented series "Astigs" starting January 12". Philippine Entertainment Portal. Entertainment Guide/Television. Archived from the original on July 22, 2009. Retrieved February 25, 2010.
  30. 1 2 Gonzales, Rommel (July 31, 2009). "Krista Sullivan is willing to go topless to play a mermaid". Philippine Entertainment Portal. News. Retrieved February 25, 2010.
  31. 1 2 "Ninoy and Cory Aquino's love story unfolds". Maalaala Mo Kaya. January 23, 2010. Archived from the original on March 25, 2010. Retrieved January 23, 2010.
  32. "Bela Padilla explains sexy see through dress at Hiram na Puso presscon". Philippine Entertainment Portal. Retrieved May 23, 2017.
  33. "Bela Padilla is Magdalena". Manila Standard. September 30, 2012. Retrieved May 23, 2017.
  34. "Bela Padilla about her role on Love and Lies: 'I get to be the girl Robin Padilla in this show'". GMA News. Retrieved May 23, 2017.
  35. Cruz, Marinel R. "Bela Padilla doesn't mind being second fiddle". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  36. "Bela Padilla on boyfriend Neil Arce: 'I hope kami na nga ang magkatuluyan'". GMA News. GMA Network Inc. April 22, 2014. Retrieved January 2, 2016.
  37. Franco, Bernie (May 20, 2015). "Bela Padilla returns to ABS-CBN; wants to seal her place as a Kapamilya". Philippine Entertainment Portal. Retrieved January 2, 2016.
  38. "Bela, Zanjoe + Loisa set to star in a new teleserye". starcinema.abs-cbn.com. Star Cinema. November 18, 2016. Archived from the original on November 18, 2016. Retrieved November 18, 2016.
  39. "Bela Padilla returns to 'Showtime'". ABS-CBN News. August 7, 2024. Retrieved August 9, 2024.
  40. "About the Film". FelixManaloTheMovie.com. Viva Films. Archived from the original on September 20, 2015. Retrieved May 19, 2017.
  41. Mendoza, Ruel (July 11, 2016). "Tomodachi, Starring Jacky Woo and Bela Padilla Wins in 2016 Madrid Film Fest". Philippine Entertainment Portal. Retrieved August 4, 2016.
  42. "Two PH Films Win in Madrid". Philippine Daily Inquirer. July 26, 2016. Retrieved August 4, 2016.
  43. "'Tomodachi' Bags Two Prizes in Madrid Festival". InterAksyon. July 10, 2016. Archived from the original on August 10, 2016. Retrieved August 4, 2016.
  44. "Madrid IFF 2016 Full Winners List". Film Fest International. Archived from the original on August 18, 2016. Retrieved August 4, 2016.
  45. Alpad, Christina (August 23, 2016). "A dramedy to empower brokenhearted women". The Manila Times. Retrieved May 19, 2017.
  46. "I America". Cinemalaya Institute. Archived from the original on August 6, 2016. Retrieved August 4, 2016.
  47. Galvez, Daphne. "Bela Padilla to replace Nadine Lustre as lead in 'Miracle in Cell No. 7' remake — MMFF spox". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved July 25, 2019.
  48. Hawson, Fred. "Movie review: 'On Vodka, Beers and Regrets' is anti-rom-com and that's good". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved March 28, 2020.
  49. Wish You Were the One (2023) - IMDb , retrieved January 24, 2024
  50. Cruz, Dana (May 24, 2021). "WATCH: Ben&Ben releases 'Magpahinga' video starring Joel Torre, Bela Padilla". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Archived from the original on July 28, 2021. Retrieved July 19, 2021.
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  52. "Bela Padilla is New San Mig Light Endorser". The Philippine Star. April 11, 2015.
  53. Dimaculangan, Jocelyn (July 14, 2014). "KC Concepcion and ER Ejercito win top acting honors in 62nd FAMAS Awards". GMA News Online. Retrieved August 3, 2020.
  54. "FULL LIST: Gawad Urian 2018 nominees". Rappler.
  55. "Presenting the 42nd Gawad Urian nominees". BusinessMirror.
  56. Biong, Ian (August 7, 2020). "Bela Padilla nominated Best Actress in 15th Seoul Int'l Drama Awards". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved August 8, 2020.