Glaiza Castro Galura-Rainey (Tagalog: [ˈglɐjsa]; born January 21, 1988), professionally known by her stage name Glaiza de Castro, is a Filipino actress and singer. She is known for playing various roles in television and mainstream, independent and sociopolitical films. Her performances have earned her accolades, including a Luna Award and a Facine Film Festival Award, as well as several FAMAS Awards and Gawad Urian Awards nominations.
Career[]
After four years with ABS-CBN, de Castro returned to her home network, GMA Network, in 2006. One of her first roles back was as Honey on the fantasy-adventure series Fantastikids, where she starred alongside Marky Cielo, Jackie Rice, and Ryza Cenon, as well as former child star Paolo Contis and former beauty queen Melanie Marquez. The reception to the show was positive; journalist Paul Daza of The Philippine Daily Inquirer compared it favorably to its counterpart on ABS-CBN (fantasy-drama anthology Komiks) and commented that based on ratings, "it would seem like the new [GMA-7] stars are outshining the more established ABS-CBN performers." At this time, she also performed regularly on GMA's regular Sunday variety show, SOP Rules.
In 2007, de Castro appeared in two television series. The first was the afternoon teen drama Boys Nxt Door, dubbed into Malay on the Malaysian channel 8TV and aired in South Korea via KBS2, becoming the first Filipino drama to air in the country. The second was the action-adventure series Asian Treasures. De Castro played Clara, an expert on history and geography who would use this knowledge to help the main characters find the titular treasures.
In 2007, she starred in the independent film Still Life, written and directed by Katski Flores. The film is about an artist diagnosed with a terminal illness who has traveled to an isolated island to paint his last work. De Castro played Emma, a woman who relates her past to the main character. Film critic Tito Valiente of Business Mirror noted her portrayal of Emma as "one reason the short life on that island becomes very real." Valiente noted 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 at that year's Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival, where de Castro received a Golden Screen Awards nomination in the Best Actress category. That same year, she also played a supporting role in the romantic film Batanes: Sa Dulo ng Walang Hanggan alongside Iza Calzado, Taiwanese singer-actor Ken Chu, and Marky Cielo.
In 2008, she started shooting another independent film, Rakenrol, based on director Quark Henares' views on growing up in the local rock scene and his personal experiences starting a band. De Castro described the film, which was still in production as of March 2009, as "a lighter version of Almost Famous" 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. In the series, de Castro played Sarah Monteza, a poor girl with a good voice but low self-esteem. De Castro would later 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' graphic novel Gagambino, de Castro once again landed a lead role in another television adaptation of a Filipino film, Kung Aagawin Mo ang Lahat sa Akin opposite Patrick Garcia, Maxene Magalona, Jackie Rice and JC Tiuseco. In the series, she played Gladys Andrada (a role originated by co-star Jackie Lou Blanco), the jealous only biological child of Gilbert (played by Nonie Buencamino) and Clara Andrada (played by Blanco). Regarding her portrayal, 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, which chronicled the life story of singer Eva Castillo (portrayed in this episode by Manilyn Reynes). Shortly after, she landed another role in the Philippine remake of the Korean television series Stairway to Heaven alongside Dingdong Dantes, Rhian Ramos, and TJ Trinidad. She portrayed Eunice Manansala (serving as the counterpart for Han Yoori, played by actress Kim Tae-hee), the envious stepsister of Jodi Reyes (played by Rhian Ramos). To prepare for the role, de Castro watched the original series 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." Her portrayal was well-received by critics; Jerry Donato of The Philippine Star, in particular, said: "So far, Glaiza has given her Korean counterpart a run for her money."
In 2009, de Castro appeared in five films. The first was the independent political thriller Bente, where she replaced former StarStruck contestant and fellow GMA actress Jewel Mische when the latter refused to film a sex scene she considered "beyond [her] moral 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, directed by Jun Lana and top-billed by Marian Rivera and Dennis Trillo, is about a girl who can predict the future using tarot cards.
A third film, Ang Manghuhula, was released commercially in September (it had been shown at the Cinemanila International Film Festival the previous year). The film, directed by Paolo Herras, saw de Castro play the daughter of Messina (Eula Valdez), 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 2009 was Astig (international title: Squalor) alongside Sid Lucero, EA Guzman, Arnold Reyes, and Dennis Trillo (who also directed the film). In Astig, de Castro played Elgine, a teenager afflicted with a sexually transmitted disease who eventually becomes the love interest of Trillo's character. The independent 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 ₱137,890.00. Darwin Chiong of GMA News called the film's cinematography "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 Best Supporting Actress nomination at the 33rd Gawad Urian Awards.
The fifth film was the sixth film under the Mano Po' banner, subtitled A Mother's Love. The film, directed by Joel Lamangan and top-billed by Sharon Cuneta, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Heart Evangelista, 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 Diva, billed as the Philippines' first musical comedy-drama series. It debuted on GMA Network on March 1, 2010, and ended on July 30, 2010. The show, which also starred Regine Velasquez, Mark Anthony Fernandez, TJ Trinidad, and singer Jaya and is partly based on the American movie trilogy High School Musical and the American television series Glee, 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's heroine Melody.
After Diva, de Castro auditioned for and won the title role on the primetime fantasy series Grazilda. The show, a sequel to the Cinderella 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, Yasmien Kurdi, Jolina Magdangal, and Cherie Gil and marks de Castro's first lead role in a primetime series. Before the show's debut, de Castro said she could not believe her success; she had become accustomed to playing villainous roles and expected to do so for the remainder of her career. The show was a critical and commercial success, beating its rival, 1DOL, by 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 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 the lead star in the 2011 remake of the 1992 film Aswang, produced by Regal Films with film director Topel Lee. However, her lead role instead went to Lovi Poe. De Castro later played Binayaan in the epic drama Amaya, opposite Marian Rivera and Sid Lucero.
In 2012, de Castro first appeared on Tweets for My Sweet, playing the role of Kimberly, Meg's (Marian Rivera) long-lost daughter and sister. In the third quarter of the year, she was chosen to be cast in the Philippine adaptation of Temptation of Wife, playing the role of Heidi, originally intended for Alessandra de Rossi, before she declined the role.
In 2013, de Castro co-starred in Vampire Ang Daddy Ko, top-billed by Vic Sotto and Oyo Boy Sotto.
In 2015, de Castro played Althea Guevarra in the lesbian series The Rich Man's Daughter alongside Rhian Ramos.
In 2016, she played Pirena in the television drama fantasy series Encantadia. In 2017, she reprised the role in the series Mulawin vs. Ravena.
In March 2018, she took on the title role in the revenge series Contessa.
In 2023, the new management of TAPE Inc. led to the departure of Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey de Leon, as well as their co-hosts, from the production company due to various issues at the end of May. De Castro was one of the new hosts of the revamped Eat Bulaga! when the show resumed taping live in June.
Trivia[]
- She shares the same birthday as Pepita Curtis.
Filmography[]
Television[]
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | Ikaw Lang ang Mamahalin | Marga's friend | |
| 2002 | Click | Pia | |
| 2006 | Fantastikids | Honey | |
| 2007–2010 | SOP Rules | Herself | Co-Host / Performer |
| 2007 | Asian Treasures | Clara Pinaglabanan | |
| 2007–2008 | Boys Nxt Door | Sari | |
| 2007–2008 | Carlo J. Caparas' Kamandag | Young Alicia | |
| 2008 | Sine Novela: Kaputol ng Isang Awit | Sarah Monteza-Rivera | Lead Role / Protagonist |
| 2008 | Maynila | Various roles | |
| 2008–2009 | Carlo J. Caparas' Gagambino | Leah Abuento / Super Bee | |
| 2009 | Sine Novela: Kung Aagawin Mo ang Lahat sa Akin | Gladys Andrada | Main Role / Antagonist |
| 2009 | SRO Cinemaserye: The Eva Castillo Story | Young Eva Castillo | |
| 2009 | Stairway to Heaven | Eunice Aragon | Main Role / Antagonist |
| 2010 | Laff En Roll | Herself | Host |
| 2010 | Diva | Tiffany Mendoza | |
| 2010–2013 | Party Pilipinas | Herself | Co-Host / Performer |
| 2010–2011 | Grazilda | Grazilda | Lead Role / Protagonist / Title Role |
| 2011–2012 | Amaya | Binayaan / Yang Tersayang | |
| 2012 | Biritera | Mikaela | |
| 2012 | Tweets for My Sweet | Kimberly | |
| 2012–2013 | Temptation of Wife | Heidi Fernandez-Montreal | Main Role / Antagonist |
| 2013–2016 | Vampire ang Daddy Ko | Vavavoom | |
| 2013 | Magpakailanman | Susan Fuentes | Episode: "The Susan Fuentes Story" |
| 2013 | Magpakailanman | Herself | Episode: "The Glaiza de Castro Story" |
| 2013–2015 | Sunday All Stars | Herself | |
| 2013–2015 | Wagas | Various roles | |
| 2013 | Katipunan | Gregoria de Jesus | |
| 2014 | Magpakailanman | Ayani / Aleli | Episode: "Kambal na Lihim" |
| 2014 | Rhodora X | Prisoner | |
| 2014 | Magpakailanman | Francia Ramillo | Episode: "Magkasalo sa Pugad" |
| 2014 | Dading | Elizabeth "Beth" Marasigan | |
| 2014 | Ilustrado | Gregoria de Jesus | |
| 2014 | Magpakailanman | Sheila | Episode: "Ang Babaeng Ama" |
| 2015 | The Rich Man's Daughter | Althea Guevarra | Lead Role / Protagonist |
| 2015 | Alamat | Liwliwa | Episode: "Ang Unang Bahaghari" |
| 2015 | Magpakailanman | Donna | Episode: "Una Siyang Naging Akin" |
| 2016 | Dear Uge | Cherry | Episode: "Kapitbahay" |
| 2016 | Bubble Gang | Herself | Guest, Episode: "Antonietta, Bumingo Kay Glaiza de Castro" |
| 2016–2017 | Encantadia (2016 TV series) | Sang'gre / Hara Pirena | Lead Role / Protagonist / Antihero |
| 2017–2022 | Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko | Various roles | |
| 2017–2022 | Tadhana | Various roles | |
| 2017 | Road Trip | Herself | Guest |
| 2017 | Dear Uge | Camille | Episode: "Kabit si Misis" |
| 2017 | Mulawin vs. Ravena | Sang'gre Pirena | |
| 2018 | Contessa | Beatrice "Bea" Resurreccion-Caballero / Contessa Venganza | Lead Role / Protagonist / Antihero |
| 2018 | Victor Magtanggol | Ena | |
| 2019 | Sahaya | Teacher Toni | |
| 2019 | Magpakailanman | Matet Craig | Episode: "Drive Me Crazy" |
| 2019 | Prima Donnas | Maita Salazar-Claveria | |
| 2019 | Beautiful Justice | Roxy | |
| 2019 | Magpakailanman | Leny | Episode: "Sino ang Baliw" |
| 2020–2023 | All-Out Sundays | Herself | Main Host / Performer |
| 2021 | Nagbabagang Luha | Maria Theresa "Maita" Ignacio-Montaire | Lead Role / Protagonist |
| 2022 | Tadhana | Mariel | Episode: "The Wedding" |
| 2022 | False Positive | Alyanna "Yannie" Ramirez-Dela Guardia | Lead Role / Protagonist |
| 2022 | First Lady | Ciara P. Reyna | |
| 2022; 2024 | Running Man Philippines | Herself | Contestant |
| 2023 | Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko | Belle | Episode: "InvisiBelle" |
| 2023 | The Seed of Love | Eileen Collantes-Jurado | Lead Role / Protagonist |
| 2023 | Magpakailanman | Lani Misalucha | Episode: "The Voice of Love" |
| 2023–2024 | Eat Bulaga! | Herself | Host |
| 2024 | Tahanang Pinakamasaya! | Herself | Host |
Trivia[]
- She shares the same birthday as Pepita Curtis.
| Hosts | |
|---|---|
| Related |
|
| See also | |