Liza Soberano | |
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Born | Hope Elizabeth Hanley Soberano January 4, 1998 Santa Clara, California, U.S. |
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Years active | 2011–present |
Hope Elizabeth Hanley Soberano ( /ˈlaɪzə/ LY-zə; born January 4, 1998) is an American and Filipino actress. Born in Santa Clara, California and raised in Quezon City, she started her career with supporting roles in several films and television series before playing lead roles in romantic comedies and drama. Her breakthrough in the series Forevermore (2014) opposite Enrique Gil. She has received a FAMAS Award, a PMPC Star Award and four Box Office Entertainment Awards, and was named by Tatler twice as one of the most influential Filipino personalities in Asia. [1]
Named as the "Box Office Queen" at the 49th Box Office Entertainment Awards, Soberano has starred in a string of blockbuster films such as Just The Way You Are (2015), Everyday I Love You (2015), My Ex and Whys (2017) and Alone/Together (2019). Named as one of the "TV Queens at the Turn of the Millennium" at the 33rd PMPC Star Awards for Television, she is also notable for her lead performances in several television series such as Forevermore (2014), Dolce Amore (2016), Bagani (2018), Make It With You (2020) and Trese (2021). She made her Hollywood debut in a supporting role in the horror comedy Lisa Frankenstein (2024).
Hope Elizabeth Hanley Soberano was born on January 4, 1998 in Santa Clara, California, the only child of a Filipino father, John Castillo Soberano, and an American mother, Jacqulyn Elizabeth Hanley. [2] [3] [4] She was raised in Visalia, California, by her paternal grandparents when her parents separated. [5] [6] At age ten, she moved to Manila, Philippines with her father and relatives. [7]
She was offered modeling work for print ads at the age of 12 after moving to Manila. When she was 13, she was discovered by a talent scout and introduced to Ogie Diaz, her new talent manager. Her talent manager urged her to learn Filipino so she could land successful television and film projects because she couldn't speak the language at the time. [3] [2] [8]
Soberano made her acting debut in the anthology series Wansapanataym (2011), under the stage name Hope Soberano. [3] She then had a minor role as Claire Raymundo in Kung Ako'y Iiwan Mo (2012). In 2013, she adopted the stage name Liza Soberano at the suggestion of Malou Santos of Star Creatives. [9] She next appeared in the film Must Be... Love . [3] In 2013 she also starred as Gillian in She's the One with Bea Alonzo, Dingdong Dantes and Enrique Gil. A year later in 2014, she joined the primetime television series Got to Believe as Padilla's other love interest. [10]
In the successful romantic comedy television series Forevermore (2014), Soberano made her debut as the strawberry farmer Maria Agnes Calay with Enrique Gil, who played Alexander "Xander" Grande III, a hotel business heir who gradually becomes Agnes' love interest. The series finale earned a 39.3 percent rating. [11] [12] The success of the TV series made Soberano and Gil gain popularity. [13] [14] [15]
Following the success of Forevermore, Soberano starred in the film based on the Wattpad book The Bet. The film adaptation, initially titled as the same name as its source material was renamed Just The Way You Are (2015). [16] [17] [18] [19]
In October 2015, Soberano and Gil then starred in a romantic drama film with Gerald Anderson, Everyday, I Love You , directed by Mae Czarina Cruz-Alviar. [20] [21] [22]
In February 2016, Soberano starred in the romantic comedy melodrama series Dolce Amore . She portrays Serena Marchesa, a young girl raised in Italy by her adoptive parents. Though she lives a good life, she cannot shake off the feeling that an important part of her identity seems to be missing. In August 2016, it was announced that Soberano had signed as the new face of Maybelline. [23]
In 2017, Soberano starred in the romantic comedy drama film My Ex and Whys opposite Enrique Gil. The film was directed by Cathy Garcia Molina, who had previously worked with her in Forevermore. [24] The film was released in February 2017, grossing ₱31.5 million on its first day and won her the Box-Office Entertainment Award for Box Office Entertainment Award for Box Office Queen. [25]
In May 2017, Soberano confirmed that she would star as the comics superheroine Darna in a planned film adaptation. [26] However, she withdrew her role in 2019 due to an injury she suffered while taping for Bagani . [27] Bagani ran from March 5 to August 17, 2018. [28]
The following cancellation of Make It with You due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines and its network's franchise renewal issues marked the end of the loveteam pairing with Gil. ABS-CBN Films head Kriz Gazmen stated that although they pitched several projects to the duo and was about to "shoot something" (that was later scrapped following COVID case surges in the country at that time), "the timing was never right," and "Liza made the decision to change [her] career direction.” [29] [30]
In 2022, Soberano signed with Careless Music, an American-Filipino based talent agency and record label founded by her contemporary James Reid in partnership with Far East Movement's Transparent Arts label. With this new career trajectory, she relocated back to the United States and has plans to forge a career in Hollywood, starting with Lisa Frankenstein for Focus Features. [31]
In August 2015, she was included in The Philippine Star Lifestyle "29 Most Bright & Beautiful" list. [32] Campaign Asia Magazine named Soberano as 2017 most popular endorser of the year. [33]
In December 2017, Liza Soberano was ranked first of "The 100 Most Beautiful Faces of 2017" by TC Candler's The Independent Critics, a group which has been publishing the list since 1990. [34] [35]
In 2018, YouGov an international Internet-based market research and data analytics firm in United Kingdom, listed Soberano as the No.1 most admired woman in the Philippines. [36]
Soberano is often described in the media as "one of Philippine television's most beautiful faces", [37] she stated "I appreciate it but sometimes that's all they notice and i don't want them to remember me because I'm pretty." As for her, she wants to be recognized for her confidence and courage to take new roles in her career. [38]
Soberano has been praised by Filipino critics for her acting prowess. Soberano's performance in the film Everyday, I Love You received positive reviews from critics; Peter P. Asilo of the Philippine Daily Inquirer said: "Soberano's acting choices may need more texture and refinement—but, at only 17, lovely Liza is quickly coming into her own as a fine actress!" [39] Columnist Mario Bautista said: "We'll have no reservations in declaring her the prettiest, most refreshing, most captivating young actress. Beautiful from any angle, she also acts competently, doing both her madcap as well as her dramatic scenes quite convincingly. The camera just loves her and she doesn't make any false move, whether she's clowning around or getting to be so emotional ... She has an endearing screen presence and palpable charisma." [40] while Abby Mendoza of Pep.ph, regarding her performance, said: "it is Liza Soberano who particularly stands out—which isn't to harp on her beautiful face on screen. She is a natural who displays the right restraint, pleasing to watch all the more since she doesn't try too hard." [41]
Soberano often uses her influence in Philippine media to promote subjects she cares about, such as mental health awareness, [42] and the need for the government to address the 2020 COVID-19 crisis with "empathy not threats." [43] [44] But she generally avoided being vocal about her opinions and advocacies, because she used to be afraid it would be divisive. She later remarked:
"I was always afraid that I would be dividing my supporters. I was afraid of creating conflict[...] Ang paniniwala ko po dati na pag artista ka, dapat umiiwas ka sa lahat ng issues. (I used to think that if you were an actress, you should avoid all issues.) [...]We just keep talking about our craft, and the next movie we’re making and everything. Kasi, I was afraid that people would judge me. They would say, what do I know, I'm just a girl, I'm just an actress.”
In September 2020, Soberano became the subject of various online "rape comments" as part of public reaction to an incident where her internet service provider supposedly prioritized her connection repairs because of elitism due to her expressing disappointment with the service. [45] Noting that there was no excuse for such online harassment, Soberano decided to lodge a formal case against one of the commenters, saying "“I was really upset because the fact that it is a rape joke, it is not something that should be taken lightly," and "I know that everybody is entitled to their own opinion, that is true, but at some point you have to be respectful to others online. I want people to learn that there are consequences to everything, like rape jokes, because that is not a light matter." [46]
In October 2020, Soberano spoke at an online event organized by Gabriela Youth, the youth arm of the women's rights group Gabriela. In her speech, she noted how the rape comment incident made her realize "the importance of standing up for [her]self", saying:
"As a woman, as a Filipino artist, I think that women and influencers alike should start speaking up. They can contribute not only awareness about these issues, but also encouragement and confidence to our fellow women and children — that they need to learn to stand up for themselves." [47]
Soon after speaking at an Gabriela Youth event, Soberano became the subject of an alleged red-tagging incident. [48] AFP Southern Luzon Command commander Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade Jr. said that Soberano and 2018 Miss Universe Catriona Gray should not support Gabriela and other rights groups, as fellow celebrity Angel Locsin has done. [49]
Parlade specifically said: "Liza Soberano, there's still a chance to abdicate that group. If you don't, you will suffer the same fate as Josephine Anne Lapira." Lapira, a 22-year-old student activist from the University of the Philippines Manila, had been killed in November 2017 in a clash between army troops and alleged suspected members of Marxist–Leninist–Maoist New People's Army. [49] Parlade clarified, however: "Is she an NPA? No, of course not. Not yet." [49]
In response, Soberano's legal counsel Juanito Lim Jr. said that the actress is not afraid of the statement of General Parlade and that Liza "will continue to exercise her constitutionally-protected right to free speech and expression without fear or restraint from anyone." [50]
Philippine Senator Risa Hontiveros also chided Parlade, [48] saying:
Don't use your position as a general to scare and threaten these women. Your threats and harassment are unacceptable. By silencing them, you are tolerating the violence, rape, and abuse being experienced by many Filipinos. [48]
In 2019, Soberano and Enrique Gil publicly confirmed they had been in a relationship since 2014. [51] Soberano and Gil were known together as the love team LizQuen. [52]
Soberano is a Roman Catholic. She and her brother, Justin David, received the sacraments of initiation. [53] She has dual American and Philippine citizenship. [54] [55]
While driving a $148,495 BMW i8 in the streets of Los Angeles, California, Soberano met Daniel Mac, “Hi! What do you do for a living? Your car is awesome,” exclaimed Mac, who featured her in a TikTok video: “Casually meeting the largest [Filipino] actress.” “I’m an actress. A lot of my work is in the Philippines, so you probably don’t recognize me,” she replied. [56] [57]
Year | Title | Role | Notes |
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2013 | Must Be... Love | Angel Gomez | Feature film debut |
She's the One | Gillian | ||
2015 | Just the Way You Are | Sophia Taylor | |
Everyday I Love You | Audrey Locsin | ||
2017 | My Ex and Whys | Calixta "Cali" Ferrer / Delilah | |
2019 | Alone/Together | Christine "Tin" Lazaro | |
2024 | Lisa Frankenstein | Taffy | Hollywood debut [58] |
TBD | Patron Saints of Nothing | Mia | First Filipino-American movie |
Year | Title | Role | Notes | Ref. |
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2011 | Wansapanataym: Mac Ulit-Ulit | Mac | ||
2012 | Kung Ako'y Iiwan Mo | Claire Raymundo | Credited as Hope Soberano | |
Maalaala Mo Kaya: Singsing | Young Gladys | |||
2013–present | ASAP | Herself | Co-host, performer | |
2013 | Wansapanataym: Flores De Yayo | Dahlia | ||
Maalaala Mo Kaya: Box | Una | [59] | ||
Luv U | Pia | Guest cast | ||
2013–2014 | Got to Believe | Alexa "Alex" Rodrigo | ||
2014 | Maalaala Mo Kaya: Orasan | Aileen | ||
2014–2015 | Forevermore | Maria Agnes Calay-Grande | ||
2016 | Dolce Amore | Serena Marchesa-Ibarra / Monica Urtola | ||
2017 | Maalaala Mo Kaya: Korona | Pia Wurtzbach | ||
2018 | Bagani | Ganda | ||
2020 | Make It with You | Belinda "Billy" Dimaguiba | Series cancelled with only 45 episodes aired from January 2020 to March 2020 | |
2021 | Trese | Alexandra Trese | Animated series; main voice role | [60] |
Year | Title | Performer | Director | Ref. |
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2019 | Estella | Philia | Ramona Cecilia Muñoz, Jeremy Jay Abaño | |
2020 | Make It With You | Ben&Ben | Miko Pelino | [61] [62] |
2021 | The Baddest | BGYO | Amiel Kirby Balagtas |
Year | Award | Category | Nominated work | Result | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2013 | 27th PMPC Star Awards for Television | Best Female New TV Personality | Kung Ako'y Iiwan Mo | Nominated | [63] |
2014 | 30th PMPC Star Awards for Movies | New Movie Actress of the Year | Must Be... Love | Nominated | [64] |
46th GMMSF Box-Office Entertainment Awards | Most Promising Female Star of the Year | Forevermore | Won | [65] | |
2015 | 29th PMPC Star Awards for Television | German Moreno's Power Tandem Award (shared with Enrique Gil) | — | Won | [66] |
28th Aliw Awards | Best Female Performer in Mall Shows | — | Nominated | ||
2016 | 47th GMMSF Box-Office Entertainment Awards | Most Popular Love Team of Movies and TV (shared with Enrique Gil) | Forevermore, Just The Way You Are, Everyday I Love You | Won | [67] |
32nd PMPC Star Awards for Movies | Movie Love Team of the Year (Special Award) (shared with Enrique Gil) | Everyday I Love You | Nominated | [68] | |
30th PMPC Star Awards for Television | Best Drama Actress | Dolce Amore | Nominated | [69] | |
2017 | 4th Paragala: The Central Luzon Media Awards | Best Television Actress | Dolce Amore | Won | [70] |
48th Box Office Entertainment Awards | Most Popular Loveteam of the Year (shared with Enrique Gil) | — | Won | [71] | |
30th Awit Awards | Best Performance by a New Female Recording Artist | Dolce Amore Soundtrack: "Spark" | Nominated | ||
2018 | 49th GMMSF Box-Office Entertainment Awards | Box Office Queen | My Ex And Whys | Won | |
32nd PMPC Star Awards for TV | Best Drama Actress | Bagani | Nominated | ||
2019 | ninth Edukcircle Awards | Most Influential Film Actress | Alone Together | Won | |
2020 | FAMAS Awards | German Moreno Youth Achievement Award | N/A | Won |
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Everyday I Love You is a 2015 Filipino romantic-drama film directed by Mae Cruz-Alviar. The screenplay is from writers Vanessa R. Valdez, Kookai Labayen, Iris Lacap, and Gilliann Ebreo. The film stars the year's breakthrough love team, Enrique Gil and Liza Soberano, together with Gerald Anderson. It was released October 28, 2015, and made 16 million pesos on its first day of showing and received generally positive reviews from critics.
Dolce Amore is a 2016 Philippine romantic drama television series directed by Mae Cruz-Alviar, Cathy Garcia-Molina and Richard Arellano, starring Liza Soberano and Enrique Gil. The series aired on ABS-CBN's Primetime Bida evening block and worldwide on The Filipino Channel from February 15 to August 26, 2016, replacing Pangako sa 'Yo, and was replaced by Till I Met You.
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My Ex and Whys is a 2017 Philippine romantic comedy drama film directed and co-written by Cathy Garcia-Molina. Starring Enrique Gil and Liza Soberano, the story is about a womanizer named Gio (Gil), who tries to prove he is a changed man to his ex-girlfriend, a blogger named Cali (Soberano). Cali, on the other hand, tests if Gio really has changed, and things do not go as planned. The film was released on February 15, 2017, to commercial and critical success, grossing over ₱400 million worldwide. My Ex And Whys is the highest-grossing film to be starred by Soberano and Gil to date.
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Alone/Together is a 2019 Filipino romantic drama film written and directed by Antoinette Jadaone, starring Liza Soberano and Enrique Gil. It follows the love story of Christine (Soberano) and Raf (Gil), who cross paths again five years after they broke up. The film was released by Star Cinema on February 13, 2019.
Make It with You is a 2020 Philippine romantic comedy-drama television series broadcast by ABS-CBN. Directed by Cathy Garcia-Molina, it stars Enrique Gil and Liza Soberano. The series aired on the network's Primetime Bida evening block and worldwide via The Filipino Channel from January 13 to March 13, 2020, replacing Starla.