Best Filipino Actresses
These are the best actresses the Philippines has.
List activity
4K views
• 28 this weekCreate a new list
List your movie, TV & celebrity picks.
50 people
- Actress
- Producer
- Director
She was born Nora Villamayor to a large, poor family in Iriga City, Camarines Sur. At age 5 she was selling water at the railroad station. The family lived in a nipa house with only one gasera to provide light, and sometimes Nora went to school barefoot. Then Tinseltown beckoned. She began to make films and was paired with Tirso Cruz III. As Guy and Pip, they were a popular pair for many years until they parted ways professionally. From musicals, Nora graduated to dramatic roles. And what an actress she turned out to be! She remains one of the very best.- Actress
- Soundtrack
Jaclyn Jose was born on 21 October 1963 in Angeles City, Pampanga, Philippines. She was an actress, known for The Flor Contemplacion Story (1995), Ma' Rosa (2016) and Service (2008). She was married to Mark Gil. She died on 2 March 2024.- Actress
- Producer
- Soundtrack
Born as Maria Cecilia Dador Soriano on February 25, 1965. A Filipina actress best known as "The Diamond Star" for her versatile acting and award giving performance. She is considered to be the 3rd most awarded female actress in the Philippines, next to Nora Aunor and Vilma Santos.
Soriano started her showbiz career as a child star in 1971, appearing as the kid sister of Tirso Cruz III in Sampaguita Pictures' "My Heart Belongs to Daddy". Appearing in a cameo role which lasted only for only 15 minutes, Soriano's screen presence in the film made an impact as she showed her singing, dancing and acting talent. She was seen in various films in the early 70s like Dalawang Mukha ng Tagumpay, Somewhere Over the Rainbow, Lady Luck, Captain Barbell Boom! and was billed simply as Maricel. However in 1974, she took home the best child actress statuette in the 9th Manila Film Festival by playing the child of Boots Anson Roa and Dante Rivero. In 1973, Ading Fernando noticed her flair for comedy and cast her immediately as Shirley Puruntong, the street-smart, strong-willed yet funny daughter of John and Marsha Puruntung. The sitcom became a huge hit that movie franchises followed in 70s, 80s and 90s. It was in the Iloilo Film Festival in 1974 that she bagged another best child actress for the movie version of "John en Marsha". She also starred in Kaluskos Musmos in 1978 as the feisty newscaster Jacklyn Pusit, Farrah Pusit's (Chichay) grandchild. It was in 1980, Soriano was the second choice to play the lead in "Katorse" after former child actress Snooky Serna turned down the offer. Since Soriano was not yet ready for daring roles, she begged off and opted to do instead, "Underage" in the same year. Soriano was re-launched into full stardom via Regal Films' Underage, where her thespian talent and charisma shone brightest among the lead stars of the movie. Her tandem with William Martinez was launched via the hit movie Oh My Mama in 1981. She was considered the top 'Regal Baby' in the 1980s and 1990s prompting the Regal matriarch, Lily Monteverde to quip, "Regal without Maricel is nothing".- Actress
- Writer
- Producer
Rosa Vilma Santos started as a child actress at the age of 9 in Trudis liit (1963). The same movie that gave her first FAMAS best child actress award. She was married to Eduardo Manzano, with whom she has a son named Luis Philip. The birth of her son gave more success to her movie career; the reason why she calls him "Lucky". Several years afterwards, her marriage with Eduardo Manzano ended with divorce. In the middle of the 90s, her second marriage, to a rich politician, Ralph Recto who is now a senator, took place. She was blessed with another son, Ryan Christian. Vilma, now in her late 40s, entered into the political arena when she won in the local elections as city mayor of her husband's home residence. She has proven to her detractors that showbiz people can also be an effective public servant. She enjoys the title, 'Star for all seasons' of the Philippine Movie Industry as she continues to shine by reaping more acting awards and box office success.- Actress
- Producer
- Music Department
Sharon Cuneta was born on 6 January 1966 in Manila, Philippines. She is an actress and producer, known for Dapat ka bang mahalin? (1984), Babangon ako't dudurugin kita (1989) and Pasan ko ang daigdig (1987). She has been married to Francis Pangilinan since 1998. They have two children. She was previously married to Gabby Concepcion.- Actress
- Soundtrack
Eugene Domingo was born on 23 July 1971. She is an actress, known for Kimmy Dora: Kambal sa kiyeme (2009), The Woman in the Septic Tank (2011) and Ang tanging ina mo: Last na 'to! (2010).- Angel Aquino was born on 7 February 1973 in the Philippines. She is an actress, known for Apoy sa dagat (2013), Anita's Last Cha-Cha (2013) and Donsol (2006).
- Actress
- Soundtrack
Cherry Pie Picache was born on 27 May 1970 in Metro Manila, Philippines. She is an actress, known for Foster Child (2007), Kaleldo (2006) and Manay po! (2006).- Actress
- Additional Crew
- Actress
- Producer
- Additional Crew
Jodi Sta. Maria was born on 16 June 1982 in the Philippines. She is an actress and producer, known for Sisa (2008), The Broken Marriage Vow (2022) and Pangako sa'yo (2015).- Actress
- Director
- Producer
Angel Locsin was born on 23 April 1985 in Bulacan, Philippines. She is an actress and director, known for One More Try (2012), Everything About Her (2016) and In the Name of Love (2011).- Actress
- Producer
- Soundtrack
Judy Ann Santos was born on 11 May 1978 in the Philippines. She is an actress and producer, known for Kasal, kasali, kasalo (2006), Sakal, sakali, saklolo (2007) and Sabel (2004). She has been married to Ryan Agoncillo since 28 April 2009. They have three children.- Actress
- Soundtrack
Claudine Barretto was born on 20 July 1979 in the Philippines. She is an actress, known for Milan (2004), Wherever You Are (2005) and Sukob (2006). She was previously married to Raymart Santiago.- Actress
- Soundtrack
- Actress
- Producer
- Soundtrack
Cherie Gil was born on 12 May 1963 in Manila, Philippines. She was an actress and producer, known for Sonata (2013), Bituing walang ningning (1985) and Ngayon at kailanman (1992). She was married to Roni Rogoff. She died on 5 August 2022 in Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA.- Actress
- Writer
- Music Department
Alessandra De Rossi was born on 19 July 1984 in England, UK. She is an actress and writer, known for My Amanda (2021), Through Night and Day (2018) and Watch List (2019).- Actress
- Composer
Mercedes Cabral was born on 10 August 1986. She is an actress and composer, known for Thirst (2009), The Hut by the Bamboo Grove (2015) and Erotica Manila (2023).- Actress
- Music Department
- Producer
Meryll Soriano was born on 9 December 1982 in the Philippines. She is an actress and producer, known for Donor (2010), John Denver Trending (2019) and Pauwi na (2016). She has been married to Bernard Palanca since 8 September 2006. They have one child.- Actress
- Producer
- Actress
- Additional Crew
- Producer
- LJ Reyes was born on 25 December 1987 in Manila, Philippines. She is an actress, known for Anino sa likod ng buwan (2015), The Leaving (2010) and Lovestruck (2005).
- Actress
- Writer
- Producer
Rosanna Roces was born on 24 May 1972. She is an actress and writer, known for La Vida Rosa (2001), Wanted: Border (2009) and Presa (2010).- Actress
- Producer
Iza Calzado was born on 12 August 1982 in Quezon City, Philippines. She is an actress and producer, known for The Echo (2004), Bliss (2017) and One True Love (2008).- Actress
- Script and Continuity Department
- Producer
Shamaine Buencamino was born on 28 February 1965 in the Philippines. She is an actress and producer, known for Niño (2011), Prinsesa (2007) and When the Waves Are Gone (2022).- Actress
- Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
- Producer
- Actress
- Producer
Sylvia Sanchez has been in the business for over 20 years. She has portrayed a variety of roles with the most common being mother roles or the villain roles ("contrabida"). She went to Manila as the breadwinner and provider for her family. She was discovered by Peque Gallaga when she was a teen and the rest is history. Her manager, Cornelia Lee, has been her manager since she started out.- Director
- Actress
Regina Alatiit was born as the eldest child, on June 28, 1959, to Bernardino Alatiit of Roxas City and Angelica Liguid of Cavite. She attended elementary school at the P. Burgos Elementary School and, after high school, took a one-year course on Tourism and Travel at the Centro Escolar University. She was a member of the Concerned Artists of the Philippines (CAP) which was headed by her mentor and friend, Lino Brocka, and with whom she took part in issues confronting the movie industry and other social concerns. Alatiit was only eight when she auditioned for Lea Productions' Kaibigan ko'ng Sto. Niño (1967). Among some 300 aspirants, she won the role of "Oreng" opposite Roderick Paulate. Later, Gina appeared in several Sampaguita pictures. Among her early films was Donata (1968), where she played the titular role of the girl who grows up to be Gina Pareño. (She would also play "Narda" to Gina Pareño's "Darna" in the 1969 film Si Darna at ang Planetman (1969). She also portrayed the real-life character of Irene Marcos in Pinagbuklod ng langit (1969), and was one of the children in Lina Brocka's Wanted: Perfect Mother (1970).
By the time Gina appeared in 'Cofradia' (1973), a remake of the Gloria Romero starrer, she was already a Sampaguita contract star. Gina's other films include Bandana (1968), Mga anghel na walang langit (1970), Mga basag na kristal (1977), Modelong tanso (1979), 'Diborsyada' (1980), City After Dark (1980), Brutal (1980), Salome (1981), Playgirl (1981), Caught in the Act (1981), Moral (1982), Ganti (1983), 'Dalmacio Armas' (1983), Sister Stella L. (1984), _Bulaklak ng City Jail (1985)_ and Orapronobis (1989). Gina also appeared in American-released movies shot in the Philippines, like Caged Fury (1983), Birds of Prey (1988), and The Debut (2000), which was topbilled by Dante Basco with other Filipinos and directed by a Fil-Am, Gene Cajayon. 1998 saw Gina in two significant roles: as the saintly Mother Ignacia (born 1663) in Mother Ignacia - Ang uliran (1998), and as the mother of José Rizal in the Marilou Diaz-Abaya film José Rizal (1998). Gina also joined the multi-awarded independent film Mga munting tinig (2002), which garnered nominations and honors at the 'Bangok Film Festival' and 'Palm Beach International Film Festival'. On stage, Gina performed in Dulaang UP's "Misteryo ng Pumpon ng Rosas" (1992), a translation of Manuel Puig's "Mystery of the Rose Bouquet." Gina won as Best Child Actress at the Film Academy of the Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) for Kaibigan ko'ng Sto. Niño (1967) and received a similar trophy from the Citizens' Council for Mass Media (CCMM) for Wanted: Perfect Mother (1970).
After 23 years, Gina received her second FAMAS award for Best Supporting Actress for Biktima (1990). She was also Best Supporting Actress at the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) for Brutal (1980). She has won the URIAN four times, as best actress for Brutal (1980), Salome (1981) and Bayan Ko (1984); and as best supporting actress for Biktima (1990). The Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP) gave her the best supporting actress award twice, for Kaya kong abutin ang langit (1984) and for Andrea, paano ba ang maging isang ina? (1990). At the 1991 Catholic Mass Media Awards (CMMA), she scored an unprecedented feat by winning Best Actress for Biktima (1990) and Best Supporting Actress for Andrea, paano ba ang maging isang ina? (1990). Of late, Gina has turned to directing TV shows, mini-series and soap operas on Philippine television, including "Vietnam Rose" (2005) and "Majika" (2006). Gina has been one of the finest actresses the 1970s and '80s has produced and continues to brighten up films with her performances.- Actress
- Soundtrack
Anne Curtis was born on 17 February 1985 in Yarrawonga, Victoria, Australia. She is an actress, known for A Secret Affair (2012), No Other Woman (2011) and Baler (2008). She has been married to Erwan Heussaff since 12 November 2017. They have one child.- Glydel Mercado is known for Sidhi (1999), My Husband's Lover (2013) and Kung mahawi man ang ulap (2007). She has been married to Tonton Gutierrez since 2004. They have two children.
- Actress
- Additional Crew
Janice De Belen was born on 9 November 1968 in Manila, Philippines. She is an actress, known for Rosenda (1989), Big Night! (2021) and Last Viewing (2009). She was previously married to John Estrada.- Actress
- Producer
- Additional Crew
Charo Santos-Concio was born on 27 October 1955 in Legazpi City, Albay, Philippines. She is an actress and producer, known for Dirty Affair (1990), Whether the Weather Is Fine (2021) and The Woman Who Left (2016). She is married to Cesar Concio. They have two children.- Actress
- Producer
Assunta De Rossi was born on 19 February 1983 in Lecce, Italy. She is an actress and producer, known for Wretched Lives (2001), The Palawan Script (2012) and Maria la del Barrio (2011).- Geraldine Acthley was born in 1950 to Patricia Dory Ocura of Bacolod, a ticket taker at the Mayfair Theater in Avenida, Manila, and to Bouffard Acthley, a German-American who didn't stay long after Geraldine's birth. Geraldine grew up in the rough neighborhood of Gagalangin, Tondo, accompanying her mother to work. Already the love for acting was very strong in the young girl. A fire burned down their house and at age eleven, Geraldine had to help her mother make ends meet. She actually drove a tricycle (a three-wheeled vehicle) near J. P. Rizal, and even as passengers mistook her for a tomboy, she was given tips for being the solitary female driver. She also sold fried bananas at the racetracks. In 1964, Geraldine won a dance contest on TV, "Dance-O-Rama," hosted by Boots Anson-Roa; she won for a day, and then she won the weekly title. Sampaguita Studios head Jose R. Perez asked Geraldine for a meeting, and she agreed. She was only in her second year of high school at the Immaculate Conception in Balut, Tondo. After a typical eight months of being groomed and shown in bit roles, she was soon given meatier supporting roles, usually playing the sister or best friend to Sampaguita Pictures' top female star,Liberty Ilagan and Susan Roces. In 1964 she was paired opposite a Sampaguita Pictures heartthrob Eddie Gutierrez in "Eddie Longlegs." With a new screen name of Gina Pareño, and clothed beautifully in Pitoy Moreno gowns for film shootings and movie premières, Gina was finally launched as a member of "Stars of '66," a Sampaguita Pictures roster of new faces for that year. This roster included Loretta Marquez,Blanca Gomez, Rosemarie Sonora, Sarah Calvin, Shirley Moreno, Dindo Fernando, Edgar Salcedo, Ricky Belmonte, Ramil Rodriguez and Pepito Rodriguez. Although everybody else followed the rigid rules of being a proper star, Gina proved to be the wild card. To be launched in the 1968 film "Mama", opposite Lolita Rodriguez, Gina got pregnant and was reprimanded by Doctor Perez. After giving birth in 1969, Gina made a stunning comeback as "Darna" in Si Darna at ang Planetman (1969), opposite Vic Vargas; she got several notices for her performance -- and her prominently displayed cleavage. In 1974, after her Sampaguita contract expired, Gina became a busy free-lance actress, proving her dramatic mettle in many melodramas and soapers. In 1984 she was part of the solid cast of Working Girls (1984), a multi-awarded film of Ishmael Bernal. More films followed where her presence lent gravitas to the cast or picture, including Bubble's Ativan Gang (1988), Kung tapos na ang kailanman (1990), Mangarap ka (1995) and Ipaglaban mo: The Movie Part 2 (1997)_. Gina had become perfect support for artists launched in solo movies [Ynez Veneracion in Babae sa dalampasigan (1997), Camille Prats and Serena Dalrymple in Hiling (1998), and Gladys Reyes in Anak ng dilim (1997)]. Gina also had a Michael Caine mentality, game enough to appear in sprightly OR sleazy sex comedies starring Abby Viduya, Rosanna Roces and Natasha Ledesma. Gina was one of the sexiest actresses of the 1970s, and it was a fitting tribute that she would play the big-bossomed mother (or grandma) of Rufa Mae Quinto in two movies parodying big-bossomed women: Booba (2001) and Masikip sa dibdib: The Boobita Rose Story (2004). Gina also provided perfect comic relief, along with comic veterans like Marissa Delgado in the Sharon Cuneta starrer, Pagdating ng panahon (1998). It wasn't a successful roller coaster ride all the way. In 1993, Gina appeared on the TV program "Lovingly Yours, Helen," haggard and toothless. Her reckless foray into drug abuse nearly destroyed her film career but some loyal friends, like the late Helen Vela, rallied for her rehabilitation and a second chance for acting. (Gina started taking drugs in 1988). Gina enrolled in the DARE Drug Rehabilitation Clinic, where she spent a gruelling but eye-opening eighteen months. In 2005, Gina yet again proved her ability to reach a wide range of audiences when she played the grandmother (and previous Darna) in the TV soap, "Darna" (2005), opposite young Angel Locsin. This fantasy soap was being watched both by elders and children alike and had very high ratings. In another successful career move, Gina accepted the chance to be in an "independent film", Kubrador (2006). Directed by Jeffrey Jeturian on a small budget and turned down by major studios, Gina and everybody behind the film were overwhelmed with Kubrador (2006)'s success in a few international festivals. Gina won the Best Actress award at the Osian's Cinefan 8th Festival of Asia (in New Delhi), and the film also won for Best Director and "Best Asian Film in Competition." Gina and Jeffrey were also invited to the 39th Moscow International Film Festival. Kubrador (2006) had won the Critics' award for Best Film! The film will have its North American/Canadian première at 'Toronto International Film Festival' from 7 to 16 september. From 28 september to 13 october, the film will be moving to Vancouver International Film Festival. Kubrador (2006) will have its Bollywood première at Mumbai's 5th Asian Film Festival from 12 to 19 october. From 12 to 20 october, it will be screened at the Pusan International Film Festival in Korea. It will also join the film festivals in Hawaii, Sao Paolo and Thessaloniki, Greece. After 40 years of show business, Gina Pareño has felt very much fulfilled and renewed.
- Actress
- Soundtrack
Mylene Dizon was born on 6 September 1976. She is an actress, known for Rome & Juliet (2006), 100 (2008) and Calvento Files: The Movie (1997).- Actress
- Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
- Camera and Electrical Department
Maria Julia Amorsolo Valdes born December 11, 1968, professionally known as Eula Valdes, is a Filipino actress, best known for her role as Amor Powers in the original version of Pangako Sa 'Yo (2000) and as Janice in the Bagets film series (1984). She was born at Singian Clinic (later became Singian Hospital) on December 11, 1968 in San Miguel, Manila to Estanislao Fermin Valdes (March 28, 1920 in Gapan, Nueva Ecija - June 14, 1988)[2] and Gracia Jorge Amorsolo (November 24, 1927 in Binondo, Manila - February 5, 2004 in Las Piñas).[3][1][4] Her maternal grandfather was Filipino painter Fernando Amorsolo. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Asian Studies at University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Arts and Letters and was a volleyball and track and field varsity player.- Actress
- Soundtrack
Jean Garcia was born on 11 June 1969 in Pampanga, Philippines. She is an actress, known for The Dance of Two Left Feet (2011), Watch Me Kill (2019) and Kambal, karibal (2017).- Actress
- Script and Continuity Department
- Soundtrack
Maria Margarita Amada Fteha Isidro was born on 20 July 1966 in Manila, Philippines. She was the granddaughter of film producer Narciso Isidro. Her first taste of the klieglights was when she appeared as cover girl for a magazine at 18. She then graduated in 1989 with an Interior Design degree. She worked in Singapore for a while then went to New York to study Fashion and Merchandising in New York's Fashion Institute of Technology.
She joins her sisters, who are back up singers for Sharon Cuneta, sometimes and that's where she got discovered and was asked to pinch-hit for then-pregnant Lara Melissa de Leon in Sa Linggo NAPO Sila. And as they say, the rest is history.
She continues to appear in TV guestings but has layed low ever since she got married to Manu Sandejas in 2000.- Serena Dalrymple is known for Bata bata paano ka ginawa? (1998), Daddy O, Baby O! (2000) and Ang tanging ina (2003).
- Actress
- Writer
- Production Designer
Raquel Villavicencio is known for Only You (1992), In the Wink of an Eye (1981) and Batch '81 (1982).- Actress
- Soundtrack
Ina Raymundo was born on 14 June 1978 in the Philippines. She is an actress, known for Kuya Wes (2018), Larger Than Life (2001) and Open (2019).- Actress
- Additional Crew
- Writer
Ina Feleo was born in 1986. She is an actress and writer, known for On the Job 2: The Missing 8 (2021), Endo (2007) and Sanglaan (2009).- Actress
- Producer
- Rustica Carpio was born on 9 August 1930 in Paombong, Bulacan, Philippines. She was an actress, known for Lola (2009), Ano ang kulay ng mga nakalimutang pangarap? (2013) and Menor de edad (1979). She died on 1 February 2022 in Imus, Cavite, Philippines.
- Actress
- Soundtrack
- Writer
Lovi Poe was born in Quezon City, Philippines. She is an actress and writer, known for Seasons (2023), Flower of Evil (2022) and Sleep with Me (2022). She has been married to Montgomery Blencowe since 27 August 2023.- Chanel Latorre is known for Woman of the Ruins (2013), The Coffin Maker (2014) and Excuse me po (2018).
- Actress
- Actress
- Producer
Angela Cortez is known for Gino and Marie (2019), Mga rebeldeng may kaso (2015) and Alpha: The Right to Kill (2018).- Actress
Anita Linda was born Alice Buenaflor Lake in Pasay City, Manila, Philippines. Her parents were James Lake, an American mining engineer, and Gorgonia Buenaflor of Iloilo. She attended Polo Elementary School and graduated from Good Shepherd Convent High School. She married actor Fred Cortes, with whom she had a son, actor Fred Cortes Jr..
Before WWII, a teenaged Alice, while watching a stage show at the Avenue Theater starring Leopoldo Salcedo and Lopito, was called backstage by director Lamberto V. Avellana and asked if she wanted to become an actress. There must have been something in her that the renowned director saw as she sat watching the show. She demurred that, being Visayan, she couldn't speak Tagalog. The director, nevertheless, told her to report for rehearsals for the next show. When she failed to appear he had her fetched. This is how she became an actress.- Aubrey Miles was born on 16 March 1982 in Caloocan City, Philippines. She is an actress, known for Super Noypi (2006), Xerex (2003) and Geisha of Death (2015).