Bea Alonzo Has Always Been a Star in Her Own Right and She's Not Letting Anyone Dull Her Sparkle

The Makati studio was filled with bustling, frenetic energy—a pile of designer frocks here, a feather boa there—as a flurry of teams sped past one another to add finishing touches to the shoot, the commotion belying the fact that it was lunchtime on Sunday.

Then Bea Alonzo walked in, a vision in black, hair pulled back in a neat bun, evoking an effortless and graceful quality to her off-duty look comprised of a simple camisole and pants combo.

A brief hush fell, followed by a melodic chorus of “hellos” when Bea flashed her movie star smile at the team. Even when dressed down, there was no denying Bea Alonzo’s immense star power—a presence of that magnitude that could only be embodied by being a bona fide box office queen, a title she earned thanks to the string of blockbuster films and television shows she had amassed since joining show business at 13.

The actress gamely obliged as a drove of people doted on her; an eyeshadow sweep here, a lipstick swipe there. Once her wardrobe was fixed and her makeup was retouched, Bea instantly projected old Hollywood screen siren vibes, a bygone era of glamor and elegance only a star of her stature can channel. There’s a certain theatricality to Bea’s poses, a dramatic quality to her expression that eludes even the best top models as she glimmers in BVLGARI jewelry. 

Bea was there to do her job well—and have fun while she was at it, too.

PHOTO: Shaira Luna

Bea Alonzo for Preview.ph July 2022

In between takes, Bea would actively collaborate and give feedback to Shaira Luna, the cover shoot’s photographer, and Preview art director Bacs Arcebal. Mind you, she’s done several cover spreads at this point. Yet her dedication to nailing each layout gives a glimpse into the actress’ work ethic that, among other things, has brought her to where she is today—as one of the Philippines’ brightest stars. Now 34, Bea is calm and sure of herself, both professionally and personally. At this stage of her career, the actress knows what she wants and how to get it.

"Professionally, parang may rebirth (ako). Parang meron akong newfound energy, newfound courage, newfound confidence to do what I want and be bolder. Mas unapologetic ako when it comes to whatever comes out of my mouth. I can now speak up for myself without having to apologize for it and be myself without any apologies," Bea tells Preview.

Stepping away from the shadows of her beloved characters, Bea shines in her own spotlight and embraces what it means to take risks, be free, and be herself in the second act of her storied career.

A second wind

Bea’s industrious nature can make any observer wonder: What else she could be working hard for at this point when she’s at the top of her game? When you can lay claim to classics like One More Chance and Four Sisters and a Wedding, where else do you go?

But for the actress, who made headlines when she moved to GMA-7 after nearly 20 years at ABS-CBN, this is only the beginning of what feels like a second lease on her career.

PHOTO: Shaira Luna

ON BEA: Bustier Top and Long Skirt, Price unavailable, ROB ORTEGA; Serpenti Viper Necklace 18 kt Rose Gold Set with Demi Pavé Diamonds, €22,500.00 (approx. P1,268,265.61), BVLGARI; Serpenti Tubogas Lady watch, $19,300.00 (approx. P1,084,100.30), BVLGARI; Serpenti Viper Earrings 18kt White Gold Set with Full Pavé Diamonds, PHP 1,808,000, BVLGARI; Serpenti Viper 18 kt Yellow Gold bracelet with Pavé Diamonds, $28,800.00 (approx. P1,617,724.80), BVLGARI; Serpenti Viper Bracelet Two-coil 18 kt White Gold Bracelet, Set with Pavé Diamonds, $57,000.00 (approx. P3,201,405.00), BVLGARI; Serpenti Viper Wedding Band 18 kt White Gold, $1,450.00 (approx. P81,439.25), BVLGARI; Serpenti Viper Ring 18 kt Yellow Gold Ring with Pavé Diamonds, $7,950.00 (approx. P446,511.75), BVLGARI.

"I’m really enjoying what I’m doing. I feel like I was able to get a second wind pagdating sa career ko," Bea tells Preview. "The first time I was getting a lot of opportunities like this, I was younger. Ito ‘yung mga panahon ng One More Chance, sunud-sunod ‘yung work. Ngayon kasi lahat talaga ng dumadating na opportunities, kadalasan nagye-yes ako kasi I don’t want to regret anything."

The realization came when she found herself in the midst of a break during the pandemic and the forced shutdown of her then-home network, ABS-CBN. There were so many changes, Bea recounts. "I think I became a bit braver because of the pandemic. I realized that life is too short and that I always have to be courageous about the things that I want to do," she says.

PHOTO: Shaira Luna

ON BEA: Velvet Draped Gown, Price Unavailable, MARIAN ZARA; Sheer Scarf, Price Unavailable, PAOLO MIGUEL; Purple Opera Gloves, Price Unavailable, MIEL AVANA; Serpenti Tubogas Lady watch, 35 mm 18 kt Yellow Gold Curved Case Set with Diamonds, $44,800.00 (approx. P2,516,192.00), BVLGARI; Serpenti 18 kt Yellow Gold Earrings with Pavé Diamonds and Malachite Eyes, P1,451,000.00, BVLGARI; Serpenti Viper 18 kt Yellow Gold Bracelet with Pavé Diamonds, P1,643,000, BVLGARI; Serpenti Viper One-coil Ring in 18 kt Rose Gold Set with Pavé diamonds on The Head, $9,050.00 (approx. P508,320.40), BVLGARI; Serpenti Viper Ring 18 kt Yellow Gold Ring with Pavé Diamonds, $7,950.00 (approx. P446,511.75), BVLGARI; Serpenti Viper 18 kt Yellow Gold Ring, $2,080.00 (approx P116,823.20), BVLGARI.

Bea shares that the opportunity to move networks was an opportunity that just presented itself. "Months before the offer came, wala talaga siya sa hinanap ko. I never really thought of it. But the stars aligned, and it seemed like a good opportunity for me."

It was not an easy decision for the actress, however. "I really thought of it for months. It wasn’t an easy decision because I have been in ABS-CBN for more or less 20 years, so syempre I have built good relationships there. Parang naisip ko lang, it seemed like a perfect opportunity for me to grow, so it was really a career decision. I was also ready for a new chapter."

PHOTO: Shaira Luna

The move to leave her home for nearly two decades felt like a huge risk, which the actress won’t deny. "But what is life without risks?" she quips.

"Growth is always uncomfortable, and I feel like I’d rather be uncomfortable than to stay the same way the whole time. I always want to grow as an actor, as a person, as a human being, and I feel like I’m doing that."

Aside from working at a new network and meeting new co-stars, Bea is also doing something new for the first time: starring in a Philippine adaptation of a hit K-drama. The actress is set to star in Start-Up alongside new leading man Alden Richards. "It’s my first time to be doing a Korean title, and syempre may pressure because I know Start-Up is a big title, maraming fans. But also, it’s very exciting for me to show the world what my interpretation is of the character. And in fairness naman doon sa Korean producers and writers, they gave us ample space for me to play with the character," she shares.

PHOTO: Shaira Luna

Living in the moment

Bea’s demeanor is a far cry now from her younger days, where she admits that growing up in the industry was difficult because of having to live up to other people’s expectations. "It was hard because this industry can be cruel, lalo na nung mga panahon na ‘yon because I think you can be easily put in a box if you’re a teenager."

"You are really told what to do all the time, not by the network but by everybody because you are creating this character…. Kapag minahal nila, for example, si Basha or the characters that I did before, kapag nagustuhan nila yung character na binuo mo kasama ‘yung writers and directors, they think it’s you. And kapag may ginawa kang desisyon that is a bit off-character, they feel na 'Ah, hindi ikaw ‘yan eh. You have to go back to this. You have to be this. You have to be Basha again.'"

PHOTO: Shaira Luna

ON BEA: Liquid Lamé Catsuit, Price Unavailable, JOB DACON; Serpenti Necklace in 18 kt Rose Gold, Set with Rubellite Eyes and with Pavé Diamonds on The Chain and The Head, €21,000.00 (approx. P1,183,315.95), BVLGARI; Divas Dream Earrings in 18kt White Gold, Set with Full Pavé Diamonds, P753,000.00, BVLGARI; Serpenti Viper Wedding Band 18 kt White Gold, $1,450.00 (approx. P81,439.25), BVLGARI; Serpenti Viper Ring 18 kt Yellow Gold Ring with Pavé Diamonds, $7,950.00 (approx. P446,511.75), BVLGARI; Serpenti Viper One-Coil Ring in 18 kt Rose Gold, Set with Black Onyx Elements and Demi Pavé Diamonds, $11,100.00 (approx. P623,797.80), BVLGARI; Serpenti Viper One-coil Ring in 18 kt Rose Gold Set with Pavé diamonds on The Head, $9,050.00 (approx. P508,320.40), BVLGARI; Serpenti Viper Ring 18 kt Yellow Gold Two-coil Ring Set with Demi Pavé diamonds, $5,000.00 (approx. P280,750.00), BVLGARI; Serpenti Viper Two-coil 18 kt Rose Gold Ring Set with Demi Pavé Diamonds, $5,000.00 (approx. P280,750.00), BVLGARI.

The actress adds that kind of pressure weighs heavily on young actors who have not had time to grow into their own identity outside of showbiz. "For me, at that time, parang (nakakadiskaril) pa ‘yon ‘pag hindi mo pa nabubuo yung pagkatao mo or hindi mo pa ganun kakilala ung sarili mo because you’re a teenager or you’re in your early twenties. Parang iniisip mo, 'Oh my God, hindi ba ako ‘to? Eh sino nga ba talaga ako?' It took a lot of soul-searching and finding discipline, and it took a lot of work for me to surround myself with people who would ground me, who would tell me the truth even if it hurts. That means I would surround myself with family and friends who I have known even before I entered show business."

PHOTO: Shaira Luna

Adding to that challenge was the fact that she had started as a fledgling actress as her family’s breadwinner. Bea shares that she and her family had been very financially challenged before she entered showbiz, and being in the entertainment industry became a big blessing. “I remember, when I would show up for work, iniisip ko na, 'Uy, magkano kaya kikitain ko sa linggong ‘to? Ano kaya ipambibili namin ng ganito? Makakabayad kaya kami ng kuryente, ng rent sa bahay?'"

Being given that responsibility at a young age wired her differently, the actress says. It made her more mature, and even affected her dynamic with her brother. "I’m four years older than my brother, but he treats me as if I’m also his mom, so he has two moms because he knew I was sending him to school. He knew I was putting food on the table, and that changes a lot of dynamics pagdating sa pamilya namin. But one thing I find nice about it is even though I used to be a breadwinner, ‘yung dynamics namin ng nanay ko, klaro na nanay ko siya. Klaro na nasa kanya ung respeto ko at klaro na mas marami siyang wisdom at klaro rin na hindi ako mas mataas kaysa sa kanya kasi siya ‘yung nanay ko."

PHOTO: Shaira Luna

ON BEA: Black French Twill Long Sleeve Gown with Keyhole Bust Cutout and Oversized Cuffs, Price Unavailable, CHRIS NICK; Pink Hat, Price Unavailable, MIEL AVANA; Serpenti Viper Thin Necklace 18kt Rose Gold Set with Demi Pavé Diamonds, P2,600,000.00, BVLGARI; Serpenti Tubogas Lady watch, $19,300.00 (approx. P1,084,100.30), BVLGARI; Serpenti Tubogas Lady watch, 35 mm 18 kt Yellow Gold Curved Case Set with Diamonds, $44,800.00 (approx. P2,516,192.00), BVLGARI; Divas Dream earrings in 18kt White Gold, Set with Full Pavé Diamonds, P753,000.00. BVLGARI; Serpenti Viper Wedding Band 18 kt White Gold, $1,450.00 (approx. P81,439.25), BVLGARI; Serpenti Viper Ring 18 kt Yellow Gold Ring with Pavé Diamonds, $7,950.00 (approx. P446,511.75), BVLGARI; Serpenti Viper One-Coil Ring in 18 kt Rose Gold, Set with Black Onyx Elements and Demi Pavé Diamonds, $11,100.00 (approx. P623,797.80), BVLGARI.

Her breadwinner status also taught her not to live beyond her means, even when she was already gaining success as an actress. Bea says that she had only felt like she had "made it" when she and her family could take vacations abroad guilt-free. “Sa totoo lang, na-feel ko 'to nung nakaka-travel na kami as a family, when we went to Europe. And then napag-shopping ko na 'yung nanay ko sa mga designer stores nang hindi ako kinakabahan or hindi ko naiisip na 'Baka too much na 'to.'"

Bea admits to Preview that she didn’t even own a designer bag until years into being an actress. "Hindi ako bumili ako ng designer bag until I was able to build a house with my family, buy my own condo, and may business na kami bago 'yun. I remember that was 2008—my first designer bag. I started in showbiz in 2001… So for me to say na hindi ako na-guilty na ginagastusan ko 'yung pamilya ko, buying them luxury items, parang na-feel ko, 'Oh my god, ito ‘yung pinangarap ko lang dati.'"

PHOTO: Shaira Luna

Better days

From living life in fast-forward, Bea now cruises through and sees better days. She’s certainly earned her stripes in her career, but one aspect that keeps her grounded and secure is her relationship with Dominic Roque.

The actress is serene when she talks about her beau, as she describes their relationship as "very calm." While Bea is a source of strength for her family, Dominic is able to support her in return, an aspect that she says she "really loves about him."

"He’s the youngest guy that I ever dated, (he’s) three years younger than me. Akala ko dati baka hindi siya ganun ka-mature, although we’ve been friends since 2016."

PHOTO: Shaira Luna

ON BEA: Velvet Draped Gown and Hat, Price Unavailable, MARIAN ZARA; Sheer Scarf, Price Unavailable, PAOLO MIGUEL; Purple Opera Gloves, Price Unavailable, MIEL AVANA; Serpenti 18kt Rose Gold with Rubellite Eyes and Pavé Diamonds, P1,035,000.00, BVLGARI; Serpenti 18 kt White Gold bracelet Set with Emerald Eyes and Pavé Diamonds, P1,1616,000, BVLGARI; Serpenti Viper Pendant necklace in 18 kt White Gold Set with Pavé Diamonds, $8,250.00 (approx. P463,386.00), BVLGARI; Serpenti Viper 18 kt Yellow Gold Bracelet with Pavé Diamonds, P1,643,000, BVLGARI; Serpenti Viper One-coil Ring in 18 kt Rose Gold Set with Pavé diamonds on The Head, $9,050.00 (approx. P508,320.40), BVLGARI; Serpenti Viper Ring 18 kt Yellow Gold Ring with Pavé Diamonds, $7,950.00 (approx. P446,511.75), BVLGARI; Serpenti Viper 18 kt Yellow Gold Ring, $2,080.00 (approx P116,823.20), BVLGARI.

Bea elaborates that Dominic helps her be kinder and more forgiving to herself, and he reminds her to slow down and make time for other things that matter. "Ang dami niyang [pinapa-realize sa akin], like… 'Oh, tinatanggap mo lahat. You’re very busy. Para saan lahat 'yan if you’re not able to spend time with your friends? Para saan lahat 'yan, tatanda ka na, 'yung mga kaibigan mo napagod nang tawagan ka dahil lagi kang unavailable.' Tapos sabi pa niya, 'Bakit ka pa nagwo-work? Para saan?' That’s what I love about him. [He makes me think about] the things that I really don’t think about because I’m too busy reaching for my dreams. I’m too busy wanting to be great that sometimes, I tend not to be good to myself and not to be kind to myself."

PHOTO: Shaira Luna

When it comes to the conversation of settling down, Bea has a shifted take on the matter. While she used to constantly plan the future with her exes, the actress says she’s learned that everyone has their own timeline, including her. "I’ve come to realize na it’s something you cannot plan until it’s there. When you know, you know. So naniniwala ako, even though ang daming pressure sa mundo, sa society because I’m turning 35 this year, naniniwala talaga ako na may kanya-kanya tayong time plan. Sa totoo lang, feeling ko nga para lang akong 30. Totoo pala yung sinasabi nila na edad lang yung tumatanda because I feel young. I feel energetic."

That said, Bea clarifies she and Dominic are very serious, adding that their relationship gives her certainty. "Of course, we want to have kids in the future. We want to get a life together in the future, but I want to live in the moment. So right now, my focus is here. I want to do my job well. Ayoko na malilipasan ako ng panahon na hindi ko na-enjoy 'yung currently na ginagawa ko."

PHOTO: Shaira Luna

This also allows her not to impose expectations on her relationship and on other people. "I don’t want to expect anymore. Ngayon, parang mas okay pala 'pag ganon. Ang expectation lang na meron ako is for myself, na hindi na ko babalik doon sa tao na ako during my last relationship, 'yung tao na hindi mahal ung sarili niya, 'yung tao na hinahayaan na hindi siya irespeto ng taong mahal niya. Yun lang 'yung sigurado ako."

Plus, Bea has a laundry list of items she would like ticked off before possibly walking down the aisle. This includes learning to speak Spanish; as her fans know, she recently bought an apartment in Madrid. Bea would also like to go to college and eventually produce the three scripts she wrote in Ricky Lee’s scriptwriting workshop into films.

PHOTO: Shaira Luna

Naturally, after having made it in her beloved home country, she has her sights set on conquering the world. “I want to go global because I think now we live in a borderless world. Everything is possible. If the Koreans were able to do it, we can, too. Maybe even better.”

The future is bright for the second phase of Bea’s career, and at this point, she has fewer doubts. “When I was in my early twenties, I would be too worried. 'Tama ba 'tong gagawin ko?' I was so worried about what other people would say. I was too worried na baka 'di ko maabot yung gusto ko kapag ginawa ko ‘'to or kapag hindi ko ginawa 'to. Right now, I am accepting these opportunities because I am enjoying them.”

PHOTO: Shaira Luna

“So for the first time in my life, I am free and living in the moment because I know this will never happen again. This exact moment will never be repeated.”

Produced by Marj Ramos and Steph Sison

Co-produced by Jeymi Reyes and Em Enriquez

Photographed by Shaira Luna

Art Direction by Bacs Arcebal

Beauty Direction by Nicole Arcano

Fashion Direction and Styling by Steph Sison; Assisted by Jeymi Reyes

Makeup by Ting Duque

Hair by Mong Amado

Nails by Mimi Luxury Nails

Words by Sam Beltran

Assisted by Reg Rodriguez and Kat Dela Cruz

Set Design by Rocket Sets

Final Art by Kahlil Alcala

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