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Glaiza Castro Galura-Rainey (born January 21, 1988), known by her stage name Glaiza de Castro, is a Filipino actress, recording artist and advocate. She is recognized as the industry's "''Drama Royalty''" for her acting prowess and versatility. Regarded as an acclaimed actress, she won "Best Actress" at the 37th Film Academy of the Philippines Luna Awards. She has also earned multiple nominations at the prestigious
FAMAS Awards The Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences Awards (also known as the FAMAS Awards) are the annual honors given by the Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS), an organization composed of award-winning writers and movie columni ...
&
Gawad Urian Awards The Gawad Urian Awards are annual film awards in the Philippines held since 1977. It is given by the Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino (MPP, "the Filipino Film Critics") and is currently regarded as the counterpart of the United States' New York Fi ...
. In 2016, de Castro won her first acting award as the "Teleserye Actress of the Year" at the 3rd PEP List Awards. In 2017, she was honored with a Gawad Filipino's Media People's Choice Award for being an advocate for women's rights. The following year, de Castro has once again won "Best Actress in a TV Series" at the 8th EdukCircle Awards. In 2019, she bagged another "Best Film Actress" award at the 5th Platinum Stallion Media Awards. In 2021, she received the "Best Film Award" for her movie “''Midnight in a Perfect World''” in
Italy Italy ( it, Italia ), officially the Italian Republic, ) or the Republic of Italy, is a country in Southern Europe. It is located in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, and its territory largely coincides with the homonymous geographical re ...
, which also became the top-selling film of
QCinema International Film Festival The QCinema International Film Festival is an annual film festival held in Quezon City, Philippines. The festival showcases local and international films, documentaries, and short films, and gives grants to their creators. As of 2017, the venue ...
. As a recording artist, she has released four studio albums with "Synthesis" achieving Gold certification from PARI, becoming the first artist under ''Homework Music'' to achieve this. She is best known for her performances in Temptation of Wife,
Stairway to Heaven "Stairway to Heaven" is a song by English rock band Led Zeppelin, released in late 1971. It was composed by the band's guitarist Jimmy Page and lead singer Robert Plant for their untitled fourth studio album (often titled ''Led Zeppelin IV'') ...
, Contessa and
Encantadia ''Encantadia'' is a Philippines, Filipino fantasy franchise produced and published by GMA Network. It consists of four television series that have run from 2005 to present and a single film. The first was shown in 2005 carrying the title alone ...
.


Acting career


Early career: minor roles on television and in movies (2002–2006)

De Castro began her career with
GMA Network GMA Network (Global Media Arts or simply GMA) is a Philippine free-to-air television and radio network. It is the flagship property of publicly traded GMA Network, Inc. Its first broadcast on television was on October 29, 1961. GMA Network (f ...
playing a minor role in the soap opera '' Ikaw Lang Ang Mamahalin''. However, after only a few months with the company, she transferred to rival network
ABS-CBN ABS-CBN (an initialism of its two predecessors' names, Alto Broadcasting System and Chronicle Broadcasting Network) is a Television in the Philippines, Philippine Commercial broadcasting, commercial broadcast broadcast network, network tha ...
and became a contract artist of
Star Magic ABS-CBN Center for Communication Arts, Inc., trade name, doing business as Star Magic (formerly known as ABS-CBN Talent Center), is the Talent agency, talent agency owned by ABS-CBN Corporation based in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines t ...
, the company's training ground for young talent. During her time in ABS-CBN, she continued to play both supporting and minor roles, two of the most prominent being the role of Halley in the teen-oriented show, '' Berks''. Between 2002 and 2005, she would only appear in films sporadically, playing
bit part In acting, a bit part is a role in which there is direct interaction with the principal actors and no more than five lines of dialogue, often referred to as a five-or-less or under-five in the United States, or under sixes in British television, ...
s in movies such as ''Singsing ni Lola'' (2002) and ''Miss Pinoy'' (2005). By 2006, she began to appear in films more frequently, with minor parts in the horror films ''
Sukob ''Sukob'' () is a 2006 Filipino horror film directed by Chito S. Roño and starring Kris Aquino and Claudine Barretto. ''Sukob'' was considered as the highest-grossing Filipino film of all-time earning ₱203 million, until 2009 when it was surp ...
'' and ''
White Lady A White Lady (or woman in white) is a type of female ghost. She has long straight hair, typically dressed in a white dress or similar garment, reportedly seen in rural areas and associated with local legends of tragedy. White Lady legends a ...
'', as well as the
Manny Pacquiao Emmanuel Dapidran Pacquiao Sr. (; born December17, 1978) is a Filipino politician and former professional boxer. Nicknamed "PacMan", he is regarded as one of the greatest professional boxers of all time. He served as a Senator of the Philip ...
biographical film, '' Pacquiao: The Movie''. Her most prominent film role during this point in her career was in the film adaptation of Carlo Vergara's
graphic novel A graphic novel is a long-form, fictional work of sequential art. The term ''graphic novel'' is often applied broadly, including fiction, non-fiction, and anthologized work, though this practice is highly contested by comic scholars and industry ...
, ''
Zsazsa Zaturnnah Zsazsa Zaturnnah is a fictional comic book superheroine created by Filipino illustrator and graphic designer Carlo Vergara. The character first appeared in the Filipino graphic novel, ''Ang Kagila-gilalas na Pakikipagsapalaran ni Zsazsa Zat ...
''; the film was an entry to the 2006
Metro Manila Film Festival The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) is an annual film festival held in Metro Manila, Philippines. The festival, which runs from December 25 (Christmas) through New Year's Day and into first weekend of January in the following year, focuses on ...
.


Return to GMA Network and breakout roles (2006–2008)

After four years with ABS-CBN, de Castro returned to her home network,
GMA Network GMA Network (Global Media Arts or simply GMA) is a Philippine free-to-air television and radio network. It is the flagship property of publicly traded GMA Network, Inc. Its first broadcast on television was on October 29, 1961. GMA Network (f ...
in 2006. One of her first roles back was as Honey on the fantasy-adventure series, '' Fantastikids'', where she starred alongside
Marky Cielo Mark Angelo Cadaweng Cielo (May 12, 1988 – December 7, 2008), better known as Marky Cielo, was a Filipino actor, dancer, and the first known Igorot in Philippine showbiz. He was notable for his win in the reality talent competition '' StarStru ...
,
Jackie Rice Jacqueline Sobreo Rice (born April 27, 1990) is a Filipino-American actress, singer, and model. Career and personal life Born to an American father and a Filipino mother, she grew up in Olongapo City, Zambales. She was a student at St. Anne ...
and Ryza Cenon, as well as former child star
Paolo Contis Paolo Enrico Tusi Contis (born March 14, 1984) is a Filipino actor host singer and comedian of Italian descent. Contis debuted as a child actor in the ABS-CBN show ''Ang TV'' during the 1990s. A GMA Network artist for 17 years, he has won sever ...
and former beauty queen
Melanie Marquez Mimilanie Laurel Marquez-Lawyer (; born 16 July 1964), popularly known as Melanie Marquez, is a Filipino personality development coach, actress, film producer, author, celebrity endorser, former supermodel and beauty pageant titleholder who was ...
. The reception to the show was mostly warm; journalist Paul Daza of ''
The Philippine Daily Inquirer The ''Philippine Daily Inquirer'' (''PDI''), or simply the ''Inquirer'', is an English-language newspaper in the Philippines. Founded in 1985, it is often regarded as the Philippines' newspaper of record. The newspaper is the most awarded br ...
'' compared it favorably to its counterpart on ABS-CBN (fantasy-drama
anthology In book publishing, an anthology is a collection of literary works chosen by the compiler; it may be a collection of plays, poems, short stories, songs or excerpts by different authors. In genre fiction, the term ''anthology'' typically categ ...
'' Komiks''), and commented that, based on ratings, "it would seem like the new MA-7stars are outshining the more established BS-CBNperformers." At this time, she also performed regularly on GMA's regular Sunday variety show, ''
SOP Rules ''SOP'' is a Philippine television variety show broadcast by GMA Network. It premiered on February 2, 1997, replacing ''GMA Supershow''. The show concluded on February 28, 2010, with a total of 672 episodes. It was replaced by '' Party Pilipina ...
''. In 2007, De Castro appeared in the afternoon
teen drama In film and television, drama is a category or genre of narrative fiction (or semi-fiction) intended to be more serious than humorous in tone. Drama of this kind is usually qualified with additional terms that specify its particular super-g ...
''
Boys Nxt Door ''Boys Nxt Door'' (International title: ''Boys Next Door'') is a Philippine television situational comedy series broadcast by GMA Network.
''. The series has been dubbed in
Malay Malay may refer to: Languages * Malay language or Bahasa Melayu, a major Austronesian language spoken in Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei and Singapore ** History of the Malay language, the Malay language from the 4th to the 14th century ** Indonesi ...
on the Malaysian channel 8TV and became the first Filipino drama to air in
South Korea South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea (ROK), is a country in East Asia, constituting the southern part of the Korea, Korean Peninsula and sharing a Korean Demilitarized Zone, land border with North Korea. Its western border is formed ...
, via
KBS2 The Korean Broadcasting System (KBS) () is the national broadcaster of South Korea. Founded in February 1927, it is one of the leading South Korean television and radio broadcasters. KBS operates seven radio networks, ten television channels, a ...
. The second role was in the 2007 action-adventure series, ''
Asian Treasures ''Asian Treasures'' is a 2007 Philippine television drama adventure series broadcast by GMA Network. The series marked as the first Philippine television drama series to be filmed in Mongolia, Thailand and China, and is one of the most expensiv ...
'', GMA-7's most expensive show to date. De Castro played Clara, an expert on history and geography who would use this knowledge to help the main characters find the titular treasures. 2007 also saw her featured prominently in the
independent film An independent film, independent movie, indie film, or indie movie is a feature film or short film that is produced outside the major film studio system, in addition to being produced and distributed by independent entertainment companies (or, i ...
''Still Life'', a film written and directed by Katski Flores, about an artist stricken with a
terminal illness Terminal illness or end-stage disease is a disease that cannot be cured or adequately treated and is expected to result in the death of the patient. This term is more commonly used for progressive diseases such as cancer, dementia or advanced he ...
who has traveled to an isolated island to paint his last work. In the film, de Castro plays Emma, a woman who relates her past to the main character. Her portrayal of Emma was noted by film critic Tito Valiente of ''Business Mirror'' as "one reason the short life on that island becomes very real." Valiente went on to note that de Castro's character was "vulnerable but not whiny. Even in tears she conjures an image of a woman whose only way out of life is finding life in anything." The film was a
finalist The final of a competition is the match or round in which the winner of the entire event is decided. In sports competitions following a knockout system, where only two individuals or teams compete in each match, the final is usually played between ...
at that year's
Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival The Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival is a film festival in the Philippines held annually during the month August at the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex and various cinemas. Its aim is the development and promotion of F ...
, where De Castro received a Golden Screen Awards nomination in the Best Actress category. She also played a supporting role that year in the romantic film ''Batanes'', alongside top GMA actress
Iza Calzado Maria Izadora Ussher Calzado-Wintle (born August 12, 1982), known professionally as Iza Calzado (), is a Filipino actress, television host, dancer and model. She is dubbed as the "''Goddess of Horror Films''" by local media for her acting prowe ...
,
Taiwanese Taiwanese may refer to: * Taiwanese language, another name for Taiwanese Hokkien * Something from or related to Taiwan ( Formosa) * Taiwanese aborigines, the indigenous people of Taiwan * Han Taiwanese, the Han people of Taiwan * Taiwanese people, ...
singer-actor
Ken Chu Ken Chu () is a Taiwanese singer, composer, actor, cook; and a member of Taiwanese Mandopop vocal quartet boy band F4. Educated in Singapore (Boon Lay Secondary School), he speaks Mandarin, Cantonese and English. Biography Chu was worki ...
, and Marky Cielo. The following year, 2008, she started shooting another independent film, ''Rakenrol''. The film is based on director Quark Henares' views on growing up in the local rock scene, as well as his own personal experiences in starting a band. De Castro described the film, which was still in production as of March 2009, as "a lighter version of ''
Almost Famous ''Almost Famous'' is a 2000 American comedy-drama film written and directed by Cameron Crowe, and starring Billy Crudup, Frances McDormand, Kate Hudson, and Patrick Fugit. It tells the story of a teenage journalist writing for ''Rolling Stone ...
'' and "a fun, feel-good movie". In 2008, she played the lead role in the television adaptation of the 1991 film, ''
Kaputol ng Isang Awit ''Kaputol ng Isang Awit'' (International title: ''Unsung Melody'' / ) is a 2008 Philippine television drama romance musical series broadcast by GMA Network. Based on a 1991 Philippine film of the same title, the series is the seventh instalmen ...
''. In the series, De Castro played Sarah Monteza a poor girl with a good voice but low self-esteem. De Castro herself would later go on to say that the role was her "biggest break" thus far.


Career resurgence (2009–present)

After another supporting role in the television adaptation of comic-book writer
Carlo J. Caparas Carlo Magno Jose Caparas (born December 15, 1948) is a Filipino comic strip creator and writer-turned film director and producer. He is best known for creating such Filipino superheroes and comic book characters as ''Panday'', '' Bakekang'' ...
' graphic novel ''
Gagambino ''Carlo J. Caparas' Gagambino'' is a Philippine television drama fantasy series broadcast by GMA Network. The series is based from Carlo J. Caparas' graphic novel of the same title. Directed by Topel Lee and Don Michael Perez, it stars Dennis ...
'', De Castro once again landed a lead role on another television adaptation of a Filipino film, '' Kung Aagawin Mo ang Lahat sa Akin'' opposite
Patrick Garcia Franz Patrick Velasco Garcia, known professionally as Patrick Garcia (born September 14, 1981), is a Filipino actor. Early life At the age of 9, Garcia started as an altar boy at St. James Parish Church Headed by Bro. Paul Abiog of Ayala, Alab ...
,
Maxene Magalona Maxene Sofia Maria Arroyo Magalona (born November 23, 1986) is a Filipino actress, model, host and yoga instructor currently signed under ABS-CBN. Being a former GMA talent under the GMA Artist Center, she was known for her portrayal as Vivian S ...
,
Jackie Rice Jacqueline Sobreo Rice (born April 27, 1990) is a Filipino-American actress, singer, and model. Career and personal life Born to an American father and a Filipino mother, she grew up in Olongapo City, Zambales. She was a student at St. Anne ...
and
JC Tiuseco John Carlo Barreras Tiuseco (born April 16, 1985), professionally known as JC Tiuseco, is a Filipino actor, basketball player, TV host and model. He achieved fame after participating in and winning the first season of '' Survivor Philippines'' ...
. In the series she played Gladys Andrada (a role originated by co-star
Jackie Lou Blanco Jacqueline Lourdes Blanco-Davao (born February 11, 1964) is a Filipina actress and aerobic instructor. During the 1980s and the 1990s, she appeared in different film genres including ''Hihintayin Kita sa Langit'', (1991), ''Si Aida, Si Lorna, o ...
), the jealous, only biological child of Gilbert (played by Nonie Buencamino) and Clara Andrada (played by Blanco). Her portrayal was well-received; columnist Jason John Lim commented that while she knew she was breaking out of her comfort zone, "What she didn't know that she would also begin breaking the expectations of everybody." Right after ''Kung Aagawin Mo ang Lahat sa Akin'', she played another supporting role on an episode of the drama anthology
SRO Cinemaserye ''SRO Cinemaserye'' () is a Philippine television drama anthology broadcast by GMA Network. It premiered on March 26, 2009. The show concluded on April 8, 2010 with a total of 35 episodes. Premise SRO Cinemaserye is a refreshing venture on dram ...
, which chronicled the life story of singer
Eva Castillo Minerva “Eva” Castillo (December 29, 1969 – March 22, 2022) was a Filipino singer. Biography Early life Minerva Castillo started singing at the age of nine. She endured a childhood of emotional and financial poverty. In her teenage year ...
(portrayed in this episode by
Manilyn Reynes Manilyn Reynes-Jimenez (born April 27, 1972), simply known as Manilyn Reynes, is a Filipino actress, singer, TV host and commercial model. In the Philippines, Reynes has been referred to as "The Star of All Decades" and is recognized as one of ...
). Shortly thereafter, she landed another role in the Philippine remake of the widely popular
Korean Korean may refer to: People and culture * Koreans, ethnic group originating in the Korean Peninsula * Korean cuisine * Korean culture * Korean language **Korean alphabet, known as Hangul or Chosŏn'gŭl **Korean dialects and the Jeju language ** ...
television drama, ''
Stairway to Heaven "Stairway to Heaven" is a song by English rock band Led Zeppelin, released in late 1971. It was composed by the band's guitarist Jimmy Page and lead singer Robert Plant for their untitled fourth studio album (often titled ''Led Zeppelin IV'') ...
'', alongside
Dingdong Dantes Jose Sixto Raphael Gonzalez Dantes III (born August 2, 1980), professionally known as Dingdong Dantes (), is a Filipino actor, television presenter, dancer, commercial model and film producer who is currently working as an employment contract, ...
,
Rhian Ramos Rhian Denise Ramos Howell (; born October 3, 1990), professionally known as Rhian Ramos, is a Filipino actress, commercial model, singer, host and race car driver. She is an exclusive talent of GMA Network Career Ramos started working in com ...
and
TJ Trinidad Raul Fenstad "TJ" Trinidad Jr. (born January 22, 1976) is a Filipino Filipino may refer to: * Something from or related to the Philippines ** Filipino language, standardized variety of 'Tagalog', the national language and one of the official ...
. She portrayed Eunice Manansala (serving as the counterpart for Han Yoori, played by actress
Kim Tae-hee Kim Tae-hee (; born 29 March 1980) is a South Korean actress. Considered one of South Korea's most beautiful actresses, she is best known for her roles in Korean dramas such as ''Stairway to Heaven'' (2003), ''Love Story in Harvard'' (2004), '' ...
), the envious stepsister of Jodi Reyes (played by Rhian Ramos). To prepare for the role, de Castro watched the original series in order to attempt to get an idea of who her character was as a person. De Castro also commented on the relative complexity of her character in this series compared to her character in ''Kung Aagawin Mo Ang Lahat Sa Akin'': "Unlike my previous role, you don't know what is going on inside the mind of Eunice. What's going inside her head is really devious. She is subtle in her approach and very scheming... Despite being evil, she still has a heart and there's a reason she became a bad person. If she is stepping down on people, she is also being stepped on by other people. She also has to fulfill her needs and wants and she will do everything for the person she loves." As with her two previous major roles, her portrayal was also well received by critics; Jerry Donato of ''
The Philippine Star ''The Philippine Star'' (self-styled ''The Philippine STAR'') is an English-language newspaper in the Philippines and the flagship brand of the Philstar Media Group. First published on July 28, 1986, by veteran journalists Betty Go-Belmonte, ...
'', in particular, has gone so far to say that "So far, Glaiza has given her Korean counterpart a run for her money." In 2009, de Castro appeared in five films. In the first, the independent political thriller ''Bente''she replaced former '' StarStruck'' contestant and fellow GMA star
Jewel Mische Jewel Fatima Avejade Mische-Kurzer (born 29 June 1990) is a Filipino former model and actress. Biography Although born in Manila, Mische grew up in Bocaue, Bulacan. Her father is of German-Spanish-American descent while her mother is Filipin ...
when the latter refused to film a sex scene she considered "beyond ermoral standards" as directed by Mel Chionglo. The film was released in June 2009 and received mixed reviews, with Rito Asilo of the ''Philippine Daily Inquirer'' citing its thematic substance and Gomez's and Calzado's "insightful performances", while also going on to blast the film's "disparate stories", "incohesive feel and style", and sudden ending "in a convenient anticlimax". The second film was the horror movie ''Tarot'', released on August 26. The film, about a girl who is able to predict the future through the use of
tarot The tarot (, first known as '' trionfi'' and later as ''tarocchi'' or ''tarocks'') is a pack of playing cards, used from at least the mid-15th century in various parts of Europe to play card games such as Tarocchini. From their Italian roots, ...
cards, was directed by Jun Lana and was top-billed by
Marian Rivera Marian Rivera Gracia-Dantes (; born 12 August 1984) is a Filipino recording artist, actress, and commercial model. She gained prominence as a widely-acclaimed actress for her roles in '' MariMar'', ''Dyesebel'', '' Amaya'', ''Darna'' and '' Te ...
and
Dennis Trillo Abelardo Dennis Florencio Ho (born 12 May 1981), known professionally as Dennis Trillo (), is a Filipino actor, model and recording artist. He is currently a contract star of GMA Network. He was known for his role as Eric del Mundo in the firs ...
. A third film, ''Ang Manghuhula'', was released commercially in September (it had been shown at the
Cinemanila International Film Festival The Cinemanila International Film Festival is an annual film festival held in Manila, Philippines. It was founded by Filipino filmmaker Amable "Tikoy" Aguiluz in 1999. The focus of the festival is on the cinema of the Philippines as well as Southea ...
the previous year). The film was directed by Paolo Herras and saw de Castro playing the daughter of Messina (played by
Eula Valdez 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 ...
), a seer. The production was received warmly, with Noelani Torre of the ''Philippine Daily Inquirer'' noting its "fascinating subject matter", "colorful cast" and "visual richness and clarity". The fourth film de Castro starred in that year was the independent film ''Astig'' (international title: ''Squalor'') alongside
Sid Lucero Timothy Mark Pimentel Eigenmann (; born March 12, 1983), better known by his stage name Sid Lucero (), is a Filipino television and film actor and model. He won the 31st Gawad Urian Best Actor award for his role in ''Selda''. Career Tim's ...
,
Edgar Allan Guzman Edgar Allan Guzman (born November 20, 1989 in Pasig, Philippines) also known by his nickname and screen name EA Guzman, is a Filipino actor, singer, host, model, and vlogger. He gained popularity after he became the Mr. Pogi 2006 of ''Eat Bula ...
, Arnold Reyes and
Dennis Trillo Abelardo Dennis Florencio Ho (born 12 May 1981), known professionally as Dennis Trillo (), is a Filipino actor, model and recording artist. He is currently a contract star of GMA Network. He was known for his role as Eric del Mundo in the firs ...
(who also directed the film). In ''Astig'', de Castro playing Elgine, a teenager afflicted with a
sexually transmitted disease Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), also referred to as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and the older term venereal diseases, are infections that are spread by sexual activity, especially vaginal intercourse, anal sex, and oral ...
who eventually becomes the love interest of Trillo's character. The film, released in July of that year, was a critical and financial success, topping the box office in that year's Cinemalaya Film Festival, with a profit of P137,890.00. Darwin Chiong of GMANews.tv called the film's
cinematography Cinematography (from ancient Greek κίνημα, ''kìnema'' "movement" and γράφειν, ''gràphein'' "to write") is the art of motion picture (and more recently, electronic video camera) photography. Cinematographers use a lens to focu ...
"remarkable" and praised the cast as a whole, saying, "The movie gathers an ensemble of actors that deliver in the acting department, even those in supporting roles like Glaiza de Castro and Malou Crisologo." Her performance in this film earned her a nomination in the Best Supporting Actress Category at the 33rd
Gawad Urian The Gawad Urian Awards are annual film awards in the Philippines held since 1977. It is given by the Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino (MPP, "the Filipino Film Critics") and is currently regarded as the counterpart of the United States' New York Fi ...
Awards. The fifth film was the sixth film under the ''
Mano Po ''Mano Po'' () is a 2002 Filipino drama film produced by Regal Entertainment, and an entry to the 2002 Metro Manila Film Festival. The film focuses on the lives of the Chinese Filipino community. ''Mano Po'' stars an all-star cast headed by Ma ...
'' banner, subtitled ''A Mother's Love''. The film, directed by
Joel Lamangan Joel Lamangan (born September 21, 1952) is a Filipino film director, television director and actor. His award-winning films includes '' The Flor Contemplacion Story'', ''Sidhi'', '' Deathrow'', ''Hubog'', '' Aishte Imasu 1941'', '' Blue Moon'' an ...
and top-billed by Sharon Cuneta, Zsa Zsa Padilla,
Heart Evangelista Love Marie Payawal Ongpauco (born February 14, 1985), known professionally as Heart Evangelista (, alternately ), is a Filipino actress, artist, businesswoman, and socialite. Early life Heart Evangelista was born as Love Marie Payawal Ongpau ...
and Dennis Trillo, saw de Castro playing a younger version of Cuneta's character, Melinda Uy. The film was released on December 25 and was an entry to that year's annual Metro Manila Film Festival. Her first project on GMA for 2010 was in another villain role in what was billed as the Philippines' first musical,
comedy-drama Comedy drama, also known by the portmanteau ''dramedy'', is a genre of dramatic works that combines elements of comedy and drama. The modern, scripted-television examples tend to have more humorous bits than simple comic relief seen in a typical ...
series, ''
Diva Diva (; ) is the Latin word for a goddess. It has often been used to refer to a celebrated woman of outstanding talent in the world of opera, theatre, cinema, fashion and popular music. If referring to an actress, the meaning of ''diva'' is clo ...
'', which debuted on GMA Network on March 1, 2010 and ended on July 30 of that year. The show, which also starred
Regine Velasquez Regina Encarnacion Ansong Velasquez ( ; born April 22, 1970) is a Filipina singer, actress, and record producer. She is considered one of the most influential figures in Philippine popular culture and is known for her vocal range and beltin ...
,
Mark Anthony Fernandez Mark Anthony Lacsamana Fernandez (born January 18, 1979) is a Filipino actor. He is the son of actor Rudy Fernandez and actress-politician Alma Moreno. Career He first rose to prominence when he was once a former member of one of the famous ...
,
TJ Trinidad Raul Fenstad "TJ" Trinidad Jr. (born January 22, 1976) is a Filipino Filipino may refer to: * Something from or related to the Philippines ** Filipino language, standardized variety of 'Tagalog', the national language and one of the official ...
and singer Jaya and is partly based on the American movie trilogy ''
High School Musical ''High School Musical'' is a 2006 American musical television film directed by Kenny Ortega and written by Peter Barsocchini. The 63rd Disney Channel Original Movie (DCOM) and first installment of the ''High School Musical'' film series, th ...
'' and the American television series ''
Glee Glee means delight, a form of happiness. Glee may also refer to: * Glee (music), a type of English choral music * ''Glee'' (TV series), an American musical comedy-drama TV series, and related media created by Ryan Murphy * ''Glee'' (Bran Van 30 ...
'', saw de Castro playing the ambitious Tiffany, who is Lady's ( Rufa Mae Quinto) assistant and soon-to-be a villainess to singer-actress
Regine Velasquez Regina Encarnacion Ansong Velasquez ( ; born April 22, 1970) is a Filipina singer, actress, and record producer. She is considered one of the most influential figures in Philippine popular culture and is known for her vocal range and beltin ...
's heroine Melody. After Diva, de Castro auditioned for and won the title role on the primetime fantasy series ''
Grazilda ''Grazilda'' is a Philippine television drama fantasy romance series broadcast by GMA Network. The series is a loose adaptation on Drizella, the stepsister of Cinderella. Directed by Dominic Zapata, it stars Glaiza de Castro in the title role. ...
''. The show, a sequel to the
Cinderella "Cinderella",; french: link=no, Cendrillon; german: link=no, Aschenputtel) or "The Little Glass Slipper", is a folk tale with thousands of variants throughout the world.Dundes, Alan. Cinderella, a Casebook. Madison, Wis: University of Wisconsi ...
story, centers on Grazilda, who is in turn based on one of Cinderella's wicked stepsisters, Drizella. The plot revolves around Grazilda's banishment from her home world of Fantasia to the human world, where she suffers a fate similar to Cinderella's. The series, which premiered on September 13, 2010, also stars
Geoff Eigenmann Geoffrey Michael Alatiit Eigenmann (; born March 23, 1985), better known by his screen name Geoff Eigenmann, is a Filipino actor, host and model notable for his performances in television; he is a member of the Eigenmann family of actors a ...
,
Yasmien Kurdi Yasmien Yuson Kurdi-Soldevilla (born January 25, 1989) is a Filipino actress, singer and model. She was one of the Final Four in the first season of '' StarStruck'', a reality-based talent search show by GMA Network in the Philippines, where ...
,
Jolina Magdangal Maria Jolina Perez Magdangal-Escueta (; born November 6, 1978) is a Filipina singer, actress, television presenter, and entrepreneur. She is referred to in the Philippines as the Queen of Pinoy Popular Culture (or simply as Pop Icon) and is ...
and
Cherie Gil Evangeline Rose Gil Eigenmann (; June 21, 1963 – August 5, 2022), known professionally as Cherie Gil, was a Filipino actress. With a career spanning nearly 50 years, she was dubbed the "''La Primera Contravida''" ("The Prime Villain") for he ...
, and marks de Castro's first lead role in a primetime series. Prior to the show's debut, the actress was constantly quoted as being unable to believe her success; she had by then been accustomed to playing only villainous roles and expected to do so for the remainder of her career. The show was both a critical and commercial success, beating its rival show ''
1DOL ''1DOL'' (stylized as ''iDOL'') was a 2010 Philippine drama starring Sarah Geronimo, Sam Milby and Coco Martin. That aired on ABS-CBN's ''Primetime Bida'' evening block from September 6, 2010 to October 22, 2010 replacing ''Agua Bendita''. The s ...
'' by a margin of five points in the AGB Mega Manila ratings. In light of the show's success, de Castro's manager, Manny Valera, has decided to turn down any further villain roles on behalf of his talent in order to build her up as a lead star. On October 30, it was announced that de Castro would no longer be cast in the remake of the film ''Temptation Island'' and would instead be launched as a lead star in the 2011 remake of the 1992 film ''Aswang'', produced by
Regal Films Regal Entertainment, Inc. (formerly and more commonly known as Regal Films) is a Philippine film production company based in Pasig. It was founded by Lily Monteverde on August 19, 1962. It has produced movies of all genres; and is the oldest s ...
with film director
Topel Lee Topel Lee is a Filipino film director, TV director and music video director known for the cinematography in his movies and his strong female characters. Filmography as director Television * 2019 Bukas May Kahapon * 2018 Spirits: Reawaken * 20 ...
. But her lead role went to Lovi Poe instead. De Castro later played the major role in an epic drama Amaya, opposite
Marian Rivera Marian Rivera Gracia-Dantes (; born 12 August 1984) is a Filipino recording artist, actress, and commercial model. She gained prominence as a widely-acclaimed actress for her roles in '' MariMar'', ''Dyesebel'', '' Amaya'', ''Darna'' and '' Te ...
and
Sid Lucero Timothy Mark Pimentel Eigenmann (; born March 12, 1983), better known by his stage name Sid Lucero (), is a Filipino television and film actor and model. He won the 31st Gawad Urian Best Actor award for his role in ''Selda''. Career Tim's ...
. In 2012, de Castro first appear on Tweets for My Sweet playing the role of Kimberly, the long lost daughter and a sister to Meg which is portrayed by
Marian Rivera Marian Rivera Gracia-Dantes (; born 12 August 1984) is a Filipino recording artist, actress, and commercial model. She gained prominence as a widely-acclaimed actress for her roles in '' MariMar'', ''Dyesebel'', '' Amaya'', ''Darna'' and '' Te ...
and on the 3rd Quarter of the year she was chosen to be cast on the Philippine adaptation of '' Temptation of Wife'', playing the role of Heidi which is originally by Alessandra de Rossi when she declined the role. In 2013, de Castro will co-star '' Vampire Ang Daddy Ko'' which is top billed by
Vic Sotto Marvic Valentin Castelo Sotto (; born April 28, 1954), professionally known as Vic Sotto, is a Filipino actor, singer and comedian known far and wide for his various television and film projects on the major Philippine television networks GMA ...
and
Oyo Boy Sotto Vittorio Mari Bonnevie Sotto (; born January 12, 1984), known professionally as Oyo Boy Sotto, is a Filipino actor. He is the son of Filipino actor-comedian-host Vic Sotto and Swiss-Filipino singer-actress Dina Bonnevie, nephew of Senator Tit ...
. In 2015, another major role has landed to de Castro's career. She played the role of Althea Guevarra in the hit TV lesbian series, "
The Rich Man's Daughter ''The Rich Man's Daughter'' is a 2015 Philippine television drama romance series broadcast by GMA Network. Directed by Dominic Zapata, it stars Rhian Ramos and Glaiza de Castro. It premiered on May 11, 2015 on the network's Telebabad line up rep ...
" alongside
Rhian Ramos Rhian Denise Ramos Howell (; born October 3, 1990), professionally known as Rhian Ramos, is a Filipino actress, commercial model, singer, host and race car driver. She is an exclusive talent of GMA Network Career Ramos started working in com ...
In 2016, she played the role of Pirena in the hit Telefantasya, "
Encantadia ''Encantadia'' is a Philippines, Filipino fantasy franchise produced and published by GMA Network. It consists of four television series that have run from 2005 to present and a single film. The first was shown in 2005 carrying the title alone ...
" originally by
Sunshine Dizon Sunshine Dizon (born Margaret Sunshine Cansancio Dizon; July 3, 1983) is an award-winning Filipino actress, director and producer. She is often called as the “''Daytime Drama Queen''” by various media outlets for her acting prowess and a ...
. In 2017, she reprised the role in the series
Mulawin vs. Ravena ''Mulawin vs. Ravena'' is a 2017 Philippine television drama fantasy series broadcast by GMA Network. The series served as a sequel to the 2004 Philippine television series ''Mulawin'' and the 2005 Philippine film '' Mulawin: The Movie''. Direct ...
. In March 2018, she took on the title role in the revenge series Contessa.


Other works

In March 2016, de Castro was part of
UN Women The United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women, also known as UN Women, is a United Nations entity working for gender equality and the empowerment of women. UN Women advocates for the rights of women and girls, and focu ...
's Safe Cities Program, a program that aims to increase the awareness and stop street harassment and sexual violence against women in public spaces. As part of the program, de Castro was part of
Quezon City Quezon City (, ; fil, Lungsod Quezon ), also known as the City of Quezon and Q.C. (read in Filipino as Kyusi), is the List of cities in the Philippines, most populous city in the Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a populatio ...
's campaign against sexual harassment.


Music

De Castro has so far released four albums. The first one, titled ''Magbalik Ka'', was released under XAX Music Entertainment, in 2001, when she was thirteen. Five years later, she released a second album, the self-entitled ''Glaiza'', this time released under Dyna Records. The latter album, described by de Castro herself as "more defined" compared to her first album, comprises pop and R&B songs, and contains mostly original content except for three tracks: a cover of
Joey Albert Joey Albert (born March 19, 1960) is a Filipina pop and jazz singer, musician, lyricist, and songwriter. An alumna of St. Theresa's College Manila and Assumption College San Lorenzo, she began her professional singing career in 1981. In 1982, she ...
's song "How Can I Make You See", as well as a Tagalog version (titled "Paano"), and an English version of
Dingdong Avanzado Fernando Cyril "Dingdong" Veloso Avanzado (born July 7, 1968) is a Filipino singer, actor, politician and TV host. Early life Avanzado was born on July 7, 1968 in Quezon City. He was born to the political Veloso Family of Samar, to Fernando ...
's "Basta't Kasama Kita". When asked why it took her half a decade to release a second album, De Castro explained that after the first album was completed, she did not renew her contract with the record company and instead focused on her television career. In June 2008, ''Glaiza'' was officially launched, two years after the album was released. In 2015, de Castro launched her third, self-produced album ''Synthesis''. She did mall shows to promote this album. It was her most successful album so far. In 2017, de Castro released her fourth album under PolyEast Records titled ''Magandang Simulain''. After its release, de Castro mounted a concert to promote the songs under this album. The concert was held at the Music Museum. De Castro received critical acclaim for her in-character covers of the Asin songs "Himig ng Pag-ibig" and "Pagbabalik" when she played anti-dictatorship activist Cecilia Flores-Oebanda in the 2018 film
Liway ''Liway'' is a 2018 Filipino independent film about the experiences of Dakip, a young boy growing up in a prison as the son of anti-Marcos dissident Cecilia Flores-Oebanda, better known as Commander Liway and referred to in the film by the vern ...
. Moviegoers were noted to be so emotional during the film that they often clapped in the cinemas after being moved by de Castro's performance, both in terms of acting and in performing the songs.


Public image

Despite gaining wider recognition for her roles as a villain in ''Kung Aagawin Mo Ang Lahat Sa Akin'' and ''Stairway to Heaven'', de Castro has reportedly had qualms about portraying a villain again in future projects. Of this, she commented, "I don't want to be typecast as an antagonist forever because it's difficult to get rid of that sort of image." However, she has expressed preference for antagonist roles over "sexy" roles. She later retracted this statement, saying that she "didn't think he'dget typecast because heplays different kinds of women each time" and explained this by saying, "The stories are different, so ercharacters' otivationsare also different." Although she had, in the past, considered posing for magazines such as ''
FHM ''FHM'' (For Him Magazine) is a British multinational men's lifestyle magazine that was published in several countries. Its master edition contained features such as the ''FHM'' 100 Sexiest Women in the World, which has featured models, actres ...
'' "for instant fame and fortune", she eventually decided against it and opted to hone her craft as a serious actress, saying, "I just want to start on the right foot by focusing more on acting than diverting my attention to other interests. I want to become an actress and to show what I can do." She has also expressed interest in playing "out-of-the-box and extreme roles", in the vein of
Natalie Portman Natalie Portman (born Natalie Hershlag, he, נטע-לי הרשלג, ) is an Israeli-born American actress. She has had a prolific film career since her teenage years and has starred in various blockbusters and independent films, receiving mu ...
in ''
V for Vendetta ''V for Vendetta'' is a British graphic novel written by Alan Moore and illustrated by David Lloyd (with additional art by Tony Weare). Initially published between 1982 and 1985 in black and white as an ongoing serial in the British antholog ...
'' and
Charlize Theron Charlize Theron ( ; ; born 7 August 1975) is a South African and American actress and producer. One of the world's highest-paid actresses, she is the recipient of various accolades, including an Academy Award and a Golden Globe Award. In 20 ...
in ''
Monster A monster is a type of fictional creature found in horror, fantasy, science fiction, folklore, mythology and religion. Monsters are very often depicted as dangerous and aggressive with a strange, grotesque appearance that causes terror and fe ...
''. In 2008, she spoke of her preference for independent film, commenting in Taglish, "As for me, I feel fulfilled in indie films. I'm given roles in indie projects that are heavier compared to the mainstream. And I'm rarely offered roles in mainstream ilmsanyway."


Advocacy and political positions

De Castro is known as a Women’s Rights and Protection Advocate, having won a Media People's Choice Award for her advocacy in 2017. After performing the role of anti-Marcos activist Cecilia Flores-Oebanda in 2018, de Castro has spoken against historical negationism regarding the Philippines' martial law era, which was the setting of the film. She agreed that it was a polarizing topic, but said that Filipino youth need to be "made more aware of it, because it's important to know history and learn from it. It's necessary for everyone's growth." In 2020, she participated in activities denouncing the then newly-signed
Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 The Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, officially designated as Republic Act No. 11479, is a counter-terrorism law intended to prevent, prohibit, and penalize terrorism in the Philippines. The law was passed by the 18th Congress of the Philippines, 18 ...
, joining numerous artists in reciting
Charlie Chaplin Sir Charles Spencer Chaplin Jr. (16 April 188925 December 1977) was an English comic actor, filmmaker, and composer who rose to fame in the era of silent film. He became a worldwide icon through his screen persona, the Tramp, and is consider ...
's final speech in the film
The Great Dictator ''The Great Dictator'' is a 1940 American anti-war political satire black comedy film written, directed, produced, scored by, and starring British comedian Charlie Chaplin, following the tradition of many of his other films. Having been the onl ...
, as translated into
Filipino Filipino may refer to: * Something from or related to the Philippines ** Filipino language, standardized variety of 'Tagalog', the national language and one of the official languages of the Philippines. ** Filipinos, people who are citizens of th ...
by writer Rody Vera.


Personal life

She also maintained a close friendship with consistent on-screen partner
Marky Cielo Mark Angelo Cadaweng Cielo (May 12, 1988 – December 7, 2008), better known as Marky Cielo, was a Filipino actor, dancer, and the first known Igorot in Philippine showbiz. He was notable for his win in the reality talent competition '' StarStru ...
for a significant part of the latter's career until his death in 2008. In the wake of her friend's death, de Castro recounted an exchange she had the day before Cielo died: she told Cielo about a dream she had about him and Rich Asuncion; according to her, Cielo had other people tell him they had dreams about him, which he took to be an omen of death."Ang panaginip ko, silang dalawa ni Rich suncion, StarStruck 4 First Princessparang tinutukso-tukso ko, magkasama sila sa kotse." ... "Tapos, ang text back sa akin ni Marky, marami raw siyang naririnig na napapaginipan din siya. Ang sabi niya, "Bakit kaya maraming nagsasabing napaginipan nila ako, mamamatay na kaya ako?" Na talagang ngayon ko lang naalala yung sinabi niyang yun, kaya kinilabutan ako!"


Filmography


Film


Television


Discography


Albums

*''Magbalik Ka'' (2001) *''Glaiza'' (2006) *''Synthesis'' (2015) *''Magandang Simulain'' (2017)


''Synthesis'' soundtrack

# "Dusk 'til Dawn" # "Sayo Pa Rin" # "Country Tree" # "Waiting Shed" # "Pag-ikot" # "Makaturok" # "Barcelona" # "Memo"


''Magandang Simulain'' soundtrack

# "Ganti" # "Itanong Mo sa Mga Bata" # "Dukha" # "London" # "Bato sa Buhangin" # "Sinta" # "Ang Himig Natin" # "Magandang Simulain"


Singles


Concerts


Poetry books


Awards and nominations


References


External links

*
Sparkle GMA Artist Center profile
{{DEFAULTSORT:de Castro, Glaiza 1988 births Living people Filipino child actresses GMA Network personalities ABS-CBN personalities Star Magic Filipino Christians Filipino evangelicals Filipino film actresses Filipino television actresses Filipino Pentecostals Filipino Protestants Actresses from Metro Manila People from Valenzuela, Metro Manila 21st-century Filipino actresses 21st-century Filipino women singers Filipino television variety show hosts Participants in Philippine reality television series