Bea Alonzo

Biography

Phylbert Angelli Escalante Ranollo-Co (born Phylbert Angelli Ranollo Fagestrom; October 17, 1987), known professionally as Bea Alonzo, is a Filipino actress. She is best known for her starring roles in romantic comedy and romance drama films, including One More Chance (2007), The Mistress (2012), Four Sisters and a Wedding (2013), A Second Chance (2015) and The Love Affair (2015). Alonzo's films have grossed ₱3.15 billion (more than US$50 million), making her one of the highest-grossing Filipino box office stars of all time. In television, her most prolific roles include Jacqueline "Jackie" Madrigal-Roxas on Maging Sino Ka Man (2006–2007) and its sequel Maging Sino Ka Man: Ang Pagbabalik (2007–2008), the titular character on I Love Betty La Fea (2008–2009), Angela "Gelai" Agustin / Angela Abella on Magkaribal (2010), and Genevieve "Gen" Saavedra on A Beautiful Affair (2012–2013). She later starred on Start-Up PH (2022), the Philippine adaptation of the South Korean series of the same name, and on Widow's War (2024–2025).

== Early life == Alonzo was born Phylbert Angelli Ranollo Fagestrom on October 17, 1987 in Cainta, Rizal, Philippines, is the daughter of Mary Anne Escalante Ranollo and Philip Fagestrom. Alonzo's father is British. Her parents are separated, and she has a younger brother on her maternal side.

== Career ==

=== 2002–2006: Early breakthrough === In 2002, Alonzo debuted as a teen actress in K2BU, and quickly rose to fame with John Lloyd Cruz through the romantic television series Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay and It Might Be You. Bea Alonzo and Cruz then starred in a string of successful romantic films, such as My First Romance in 2003, Now That I Have You in 2004, All About Love and Close to You in 2006. She also portrayed Jinkee Pacquiao in the 2006 biographical film Pacquiao: The Movie. In television, the pair appeared in star-studded series, such as Ikaw ang Lahat sa Akin in 2005 and Maging Sino Ka Man from 2006 to 2007.

=== 2007–2011: One More Chance and romantic leading lady === In 2007, Alonzo and Cruz starred in the romantic film One More Chance, directed by Cathy Garcia-Sampana. The film was a critical and commercial success, as it grossed over ₱150 million and earned Alonzo the Box-Office Queen Award at the 38th Box Office Entertainment Awards. Her performance received multiple Best Actress nominations, including of those from FAMAS, Luna Awards, and Star Awards for Movies. In 2008, Alonzo released her debut album The Real Me under Star Records. She also portrayed the titular role in the Philippine adaptation of I Love Betty La Fea. In 2009, Alonzo starred in the romantic film And I Love You So opposite Derek Ramsay and Sam Milby. In 2010, Alonzo reunited with Cruz in the romantic film Miss You like Crazy. The film earned ₱143 million and earned Alonzo the Movie Actress of the Year at the 42nd Box-Office Entertainment Awards. She also headlined the revenge series Magkaribal alongside Gretchen Barretto, and appeared in the family drama film Sa ‘Yo Lamang. In 2011, Alonzo starred in the comedy film Pak! Pak! My Dr. Kwak! opposite Vic Sotto. She also led the action series Guns and Roses with Robin Padilla.

=== 2012–2020: Established actress === In 2012, Alonzo starred in the Olivia Lamasan romantic drama film The Mistress, opposite Cruz. The film grossed over ₱260 million and her performance received critical acclaim. The pair also returned to television through A Beautiful Affair. Alonzo then appeared with Zanjoe Marudo in the romantic comedy ensemble film 24/7 in Love. In 2013, Alonzo starred in two box-office hits: the family comedy drama film Four Sisters and a Wedding, which grossed ₱145 million; and the romantic drama film She's the One, which grossed ₱137 million. In 2014, Alonzo portrayed a dual role in the hit television series Sana Bukas Pa ang Kahapon with Paulo Avelino. In 2015, Alonzo starred in her two most successful films. She teamed up with Dawn Zulueta and Richard Gomez for The Love Affair. The film earned ₱320 million, making it the second Filipino film to surpass ₱300 million box-office gross. She then paired up with Cruz for A Second Chance, the sequel to the 2007 One More Chance. The film briefly became the highest grossing Filipino film of all time after earning ₱556 million. In 2016, Alonzo starred in the romantic film How to Be Yours with Gerald Anderson. In 2017, Alonzo starred in the romantic family drama series A Love to Last with Ian Veneracion. In 2018, Alonzo starred in the romantic drama film Kasal with Ramsey and Avelino. The film achieved commercial success after grossing ₱200 million. She also paired up with Aga Muhlach in the romantic drama film First Love. The film grossed over ₱90 million. In 2019, Alonzo starred in her first horror film Eerie with Charo Santos-Concio. The film earned ₱210 million. She closed the decade with the drama film Unbreakable with Angelica Panganiban. The film earned ₱120 million. She also started pursuing writing for film by enrolling in the writing workshop of Philippine screenwriter, journalist, novelist, and playwright Ricky Lee. Alonzo was also included in the lists of Variety and the International Film Festival & Awards Macao as among Asia's biggest stars poised for international stardom. In 2020, she had cameo roles in the coming of age film Fan Girl as a fictionalized version of herself and in Four Sisters Before the Wedding as Bobbie, reprising her role from the 2013 film.

=== 2021–present: Move to GMA Network === In 2021, Alonzo transferred to GMA Network as she signed an exclusive contract with the network after almost 19 years with ABS-CBN. Her first acting project with GMA Network is the 2022 television series Start-Up PH alongside Alden Richards, which is the Philippine adaptation of the 2020 Korean drama of the same name starring Bae Suzy and Nam Joo-hyuk. In 2023, Alonzo starred alongside Dennis Trillo in the Viu original series Love Before Sunrise, a partnership with GMA Network. In 2024–2025, Alonzo starred in the hit murder series Widow's War alongside Carla Abellana.

== Other ventures ==