Catherine Cruz Gonzaga-Morada (Tagalog pronunciation: [gɔnˈsaga mɔˈɾada]; born January 16, 1988), professionally known as Alex Gonzaga, is a Filipino media personality, host, comedian, actress, businesswoman, singer and vlogger.[2] She played the lead role of Diane Santos on the Philippine television drama series Pure Love.[3]
Alex Gonzaga-Morada | |||||||||||||
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Born | Catherine Cruz Gonzaga January 16, 1988 | ||||||||||||
Alma mater | University of Asia and the Pacific(BS) | ||||||||||||
Occupations |
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Years active | 2006–present | ||||||||||||
Agents |
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Spouse | |||||||||||||
Parents |
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Relatives | Paul Soriano (brother-in-law) | ||||||||||||
Family | Toni Gonzaga (sister) | ||||||||||||
Musical career | |||||||||||||
Genres | |||||||||||||
Instrument | Vocals | ||||||||||||
Years active | 2015–present | ||||||||||||
Labels | Star Music | ||||||||||||
YouTube information | |||||||||||||
Channel | |||||||||||||
Years active | 2017–present | ||||||||||||
Genre | Comedy | ||||||||||||
Subscribers | 13.1 million[1] | ||||||||||||
Total views | 1.3 billion[1] | ||||||||||||
Associated acts |
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Last updated: April 15, 2022 | |||||||||||||
Spouse of Councilor of Lipa City, Batangas | |||||||||||||
Assumed office 2020 | |||||||||||||
Councilor | Mikee Morada | ||||||||||||
Early life
editAlex Gonzaga was born Catherine Cruz Gonzaga on January 16, 1988, in Taytay, a first-class densely populated municipality of Rizal, to spouses Crisanta "Pinty" Cruz and then-incumbent Vice-Mayor Carlito "Bonoy" Gonzaga. Her elder sister is TV host and actress Toni Gonzaga.
Alex graduated from the University of Asia and the Pacific with a Bachelor of Science in Child Development and Education.[4]
Personal life
editIn November 2016, Gonzaga began dating Lipa City councilor Michael "Mikee" Morada.[5] On January 16, 2020, Gonzaga announced on Instagram that she and Morada were engaged.[6] On January 17, 2021, Gonzaga announced on her YouTube channel that she and Morada have been married in a private wedding at the Gonzaga residence in Taytay since November 2020.[7]
In a vlog uploaded to her YouTube channel on October 24, 2020, Gonzaga and her family tested positive for COVID-19, and she shared how they recovered from the virus.[8]
In 2021, Gonzaga was pregnant with her first child, until she suffered a miscarriage.[9] In October 2023, she suffered a second miscarriage.[10][11]
Career
edit2006–2012: Early works
editGonzaga started her career on ABS-CBN for the sitcom, Let's Go!, where she played the role of Alex, which also became her personal nickname. Her role lasted until the series' fourth season called Gokada Go!. After her departure from the sitcom, she was cast in different dramas on the same network, such as Pangarap na Bituin, Your Song and My Girl.[12][13]
In 2008, Gonzaga transferred to TV5 and became one of the hosts for the talk show, Juicy!. She played a lead role in the 2011 soap opera Babaeng Hampaslupa. Further roles on the network include BFGF, P.S. I Love You and Enchanted Garden.[14][15]
2013–2019: Breakthrough
editGonzaga returned to ABS-CBN in April 2013.[16][17] She was a co-host for the Philippine version of The Voice.[18] She also served as a guest host for the Philippine version of Big Brother on its All In season. During the pilot episode of PBB: All In, Gonzaga was revealed to be the third and final celebrity housemate to enter the Pinoy Big Brother house, following collegiate athlete Michele Gumabao and actress Jane Oineza. She was given the title as "Sassy Sister ng Rizal".[19] During a diary room session with Big Brother, Gonzaga turns out to be actually a celebrity houseguest and was tasked to avoid revealing the information to the other official housemates.[20] After staying in the Big Brother house for two months, she returned to the "outside world" on June 14, 2014, and she was replaced by internet sensation Cheridel Alejandrino, also known as "Elevator Girl". Gonzaga went on to play her most major role as the lead character Diane Santos in the hit drama series Pure Love, a Philippine adaptation of Korean drama 49 Days, co-starring Yen Santos.[21] Pure Love aired from July to November 2014.[22][23]
She was also part of the comedy gag show Banana Split, and also starred in the drama anthology Maalaala Mo Kaya for two episodes.[24] She then released her novel book Dear Alex, Break na Kami. Paano? Love Catherine (2014), under ABS-CBN Publishing, Inc.[25] The novel received positive reviews from fans and critics alike, most complimenting the novel's "break-up" concept and enjoying its humor.[26] A film adaption for the novel was reported to be in the works, with Gonzaga sharing interest in casting Luis Manzano, John Lloyd Cruz and Piolo Pascual for the film adaption.[27]
She was also cast on her first film under Star Cinema, The Amazing Praybeyt Benjamin (2014), one of the official entries to the 40th Metro Manila Film Festival.[28][29][30] The film was commercially successful and achieved the milestones for having the highest-gross on opening day of any local film[31] and the title of being one of the highest-grossing local film of all time in the Philippines. The film received mixed to negative reviews from critics. Zig Marasigan from Rappler described the film in his movie review as "a brainless, hyper-stylized and utterly ridiculous family comedy."[32]
Gonzaga released her debut studio album I Am Alex G. (2015) with the studio album's lead hit single, "Panaginip Lang", under Star Music. The studio album had a grand launch at Eastwood Central Plaza on March 22, 2015,[33] and a concert,[29] AG from the East: The Unexpected Concert, which was later on held at the Araneta Coliseum to support her studio album on April 25, 2015. She had another major project as the lead star of the fantasy series Inday Bote,[34][35][36][37] a TV adaptation of the classic Filipino film of the same title.[36][38] She also took hosting duties in the original, local dance competition show Dance Kids, alongside Robi Domingo.[39][40]
2020–2023: Return to TV5 during the COVID-19 pandemic
editAfter the shutdown of ABS-CBN and loss of the network's franchise, Gonzaga returned to TV5 and was one of the main hosts of Brightlight Productions's variety show Lunch Out Loud (Tropang LOL), which aired from October 2020 to April 2023.[41]
Filmography
editFilm
editYear | Title | Role | Notes | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
2007 | I've Fallen For You | Samantha | Film debut | |
2014 | The Amazing Praybeyt Benjamin | Gundina Galamiton | Official entry for the 40th Metro Manila Film Festival | |
2015 | Buy Now, Die Later | Chloe Narciso | Official entry for the 41st Metro Manila Film Festival | |
2016 | My Rebound Girl | Rocky | ||
2018 | Nakalimutan Ko Nang Kalimutan Ka | Jaz Cruz | ||
Everybody Loves Baby Wendy | Wendy | iWant film | [42] | |
Mary, Marry Me | Mary Anne "MA" Lagman | Official entry for the 44th Metro Manila Film Festival | ||
2020 | Love the Way U Lie | Stacey Likauko | Netflix Film and Viva Films | |
2021 | The Exorsis | Daniella "Dani" Raymundo Morales | Viva Films; official entry for the 47th Metro Manila Film Festival | [43] |
2022 | The Entitled | Belinda Buenavista | Netflix Film | [44] |
Television
editYear | Title | Role |
---|---|---|
2006–2007 | Let's Go! | Alex Sy |
2007 | Gokada Go! | |
Pangarap na Bituin | Chorva Ayala-Gomez | |
Your Song Presents: Sana Ngayong Pasko | Anna | |
2008 | My Girl | Christine |
Your Song Presents: Without You | Jen | |
Mars Ravelo and Jim Fernandez's Tiny Tony | Michelle | |
Maynila | Various roles | |
2008–2009 | Lokomoko | |
Your Song Presents: My Only Hope | Cefelita "Fifi" Madrigal | |
2009–2010 | Everybody Hapi | Cathy |
2010–2011 | BFGF | Maria Claridad "Claring" Malinao |
2011 | Babaeng Hampaslupa | Grace Mallari Wong / Elizabeth Wong-See |
Regal Shocker: Piano | Amanda | |
2011–2012 | P. S. I Love You | Andrea Tuazon |
2012 | Regal Shocker: Manananggal | Rina |
2012–2013 | Enchanted Garden | Diwani Olivia / Aya Malfora |
2013 | Toda Max | Laila |
Maalaala Mo Kaya | Various roles | |
2013–2015 | Banana Split | |
The Voice of the Philippines | Host | |
2013–2020 | ASAP | Host / Performer |
2014 | Pinoy Big Brother: All In | House guest |
The Voice Kids | Host | |
Pure Love | Diane Santos | |
2015 | Pablo S. Gomez's Inday Bote | Inday Catacutan |
2015–2016 | Dance Kids | Host |
2016 | Pasión de Amor | Jenny (finale episode) |
Game ng Bayan | Host | |
2017 | I Can Do That | |
2017–2020 | I Can See Your Voice | Sing-vestigator |
2018 | Star Hunt: The Grand Audition Show | Host |
2018–2019 | Pinoy Big Brother: Otso | |
2019–2020 | Home Sweetie Home: Extra Sweet | Mikee Montes |
2020 | The Voice Teens | Host |
2020–2023 | Lunch Out Loud | |
2021–present | Alex Asks | Host |
Music videos
editTitle | Year | Director(s) | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|
"Panaginip Lang" | 2015 | Andrei Antonio | [45] |
"Break Na Tayo" | Jasper Salimbangon | [46] | |
"Unbound" (with Marion, Morissette and Kidwolf) |
2016 | Frannk Lloyd Mamaril | [47] |
"Chambe" | 2018 | Jasper Salimbangon | [48] |
"Chambe" (Christmas remix) |
[49] | ||
"Sissums" (with Toni Gonzaga) |
[50] | ||
"Tipints" | 2019 | Fifth Solomon | [51] |
"Please Lang" (featuring Toni Gonzaga) |
Jasper Salimbangon | [52] | |
"G" (featuring Perea Street) |
[53] | ||
"Amfee" | [54] | ||
"Amfee" (Performance video) |
[55] | ||
"Amfee" (Vertical video) |
[56] | ||
"WKT" (featuring Arvey) |
2021 | Alex Gonzaga and Edrex Clyde Sanchez | [57] |
Discography
editExtended plays
editTitle | Details |
---|---|
I Am Alex G. |
Track listing
|
Singles
editTitle | Year | Album | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
As lead artist | ||||
"Panaginip Lang" | 2015 | I Am Alex G. | ||
"Break Na Tayo" | ||||
"Chambe" | 2018 | Non-album single | ||
"Sissums" (with Toni Gonzaga) |
Mary, Marry Me OST | |||
"Tipints" | 2019 | Non-album single | ||
"Please Lang" (featuring Toni Gonzaga) |
Himig Handog | |||
"Amfee" | Non-album singles | |||
"WKT" (featuring Arvey) |
2021 | |||
As featured artist | ||||
"Unbound" (Marion featuring Alex Gonzaga, Morissette and Kidwolf) |
2016 | Non-album single |
Chart performance
editTitle | Year | Peak chart positions | Album | |
---|---|---|---|---|
PH | ||||
Hit Chart [58] |
Pinoy [59] | |||
"Panaginip Lang" | 2015 | 8 | 6 | I Am Alex G. |
"Chambe" | 2018 | 8 | 5 | Non-album single |
"Tipints" | 2019 | — | 16 | |
"Amfee" | — | 16 |
Concerts
edit- AG from the East: The Unexpected Concert (2015)
Written works
edit- Dear Alex, Break na Kami. Paano? Love Catherine (2014)
- Dear Alex, We're Dating. Tama, Mali?! Love Catherine (2016)
- Sissums (2018)
Awards and nominations
editYear | Award Giving Body | Category | Nominated Work | Results | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2013 | 27th PMPC Star Awards for TV | Best Comedy Actress | Banana Nite | Nominated | |
Best Talent Search Program Hosts | The Voice Kids | Won | |||
Anak TV Awards | Makabata Stars | — | Won | ||
2014 | 28th PMPC Star Awards for TV | Best Talent Search Program Hosts | The Voice of the Philippines | Won | |
Best Comedy Actress | Banana Nite | Nominated | |||
2016 | 12th USTv Awards | Students' Choice of Reality/Game Show Host | The Voice Kids | Won | |
Anak TV Awards | Makabata Stars | — | Won | ||
2019 | MOR Pinoy Music Awards | LSS Hit of the Year | "Chambe" | Nominated | |
PMPC Star Awards for Music | Female Recording Artist of the Year | Nominated | |||
Song of the Year | Nominated | ||||
2020 | Eastwood City Walk Of Fame | Celebrity Inductee | — | Won | |
PUSH Awards | Popular Digital Star | Won | |||
2nd VP Choice Awards | YouTuber of the Year | Won | |||
CICP Spotlight Awards | YouTube Superstar | Won | [60] |
References
edit- ^ a b "About YouTube". YouTube.
- ^ "The 10 biggest Filipino YouTubers in terms of subscriber count". Rappler. September 27, 2021. Retrieved October 17, 2021.
- ^ Almo, Nerisa (November 8, 2014). "Alex Gonzaga explains why she will have hard time letting go of her Pure Love character". PEP.ph. Retrieved July 8, 2024.
- ^ "Fresh Graduate Alex Gonzaga Hopes to Become a Teacher". ph.news.yahoo.com. April 3, 2012. Retrieved May 9, 2014.
- ^ Biong, Ian (November 4, 2019). "LOOK: Alex Gonzaga marks third anniversary with Mikee Morada". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved January 17, 2020.
- ^ "LOOK: Alex Gonzaga gets engaged on her birthday". ABS-CBN News. January 17, 2020. Retrieved January 17, 2020.
- ^ "Alex Gonzaga and Mikee Morada are married". CNN Philippines. January 17, 2021. Retrieved February 26, 2021.
- ^ "Alex Gonzaga, family tested positive for coronavirus". Rappler. October 24, 2020. Retrieved October 24, 2020.
- ^ "'Don't ever lose hope': Alex Gonzaga opens up about miscarriage". Rappler. October 17, 2021. Retrieved October 17, 2021.
- ^ Llemit, Kathleen A. (November 5, 2023). "Alex Gonzaga reveals 2nd pregnancy loss". Philstar.
- ^ Bravo, Frances Karmel S. (November 5, 2023). "Alex Gonzaga recounts pain of recurrent miscarriage after IVF". PEP.ph.
- ^ "Remember when Alex Gonzaga portrayed Sarah Geronimo's best friend in a teleserye?". PEP.ph. Retrieved December 20, 2023.
- ^ "Joross Gamboa, Alex Gonzaga, and Victor Basa form zany love triangle in "Your Song"". PEP.ph. Retrieved December 20, 2023.
- ^ Rodriquez Alipio, Kabbie (October 14, 2013). "15 MINUTES WITH ALEX GONZAGA". stylebible.ph. Retrieved May 9, 2014.
- ^ "PBB All In Housemate Alex Gonzaga Biography". centertechnews.com. April 30, 2014. Retrieved May 9, 2014.
- ^ Valeza, Karen (April 17, 2013). "Alex Gonzaga returns as a Kapamilya". ph.omg.yahoo.com. Retrieved May 9, 2014.
- ^ "Alex Gonzaga returns to ABS-CBN". tempo.com.ph. April 19, 2013. Archived from the original on February 23, 2014. Retrieved May 9, 2014.
- ^ "Failon teases Alex Gonzaga over 'Ted Filan' joke". ABS-CBN News. October 1, 2013.
- ^ Smith, Chuck (April 29, 2014). "The 18 housemates of 'Pinoy Big Brother All In'". The Philippine Star. Retrieved May 9, 2014.
- ^ Lastrilla, Gary Ann (May 4, 2014). "Big Brother reveals why Alex is inside his house". ABS-CBN Entertainment. Archived from the original on May 7, 2014. Retrieved May 9, 2014.
- ^ "WATCH: Alex Gonzaga in trending 'Pure Love' trailer". ABS-CBN News. June 20, 2014.
- ^ "'Pure Love' spares Diane in twist ending". ABS-CBN News. November 14, 2014.
- ^ "'Pure Love' exits with record rating". ABS-CBN News. November 18, 2014.
- ^ "Alex Gonzaga debuts on 'MMK'". ABS-CBN News. August 1, 2013. Retrieved May 9, 2014.
- ^ "Dear Alex, Break na Kami. Paano? Love Catherine". Goodreads. September 2014. Retrieved February 10, 2015.
- ^ "Dear Alex, Break na Kami. Paano? Love Catherine". Goodreads. September 2014. Retrieved November 14, 2015.
- ^ "Alex Gonzaga's book to be turned into a movie". ABS-CBN News. February 6, 2015. Retrieved November 14, 2015.
- ^ Alex gets news of 'Praybeyt Benjamin' casting
- ^ a b "News | Star Cinema". starcinema.abs-cbn.com.
- ^ Gonzaga, Alex; Sequel, One Of The Cast Of “Praybeyt Benjamin” (August 8, 2014). "Alex Gonzaga, One Of The Cast Of "Praybeyt Benjamin" Sequel". Philippine News.
- ^ PULIS, Fashion. "Tweet Scoop: The Amazing Praybeyt Benjamin is the Filipino Film with Highest Opening Day Gross".
- ^ "'Praybeyt Benjamin 2' Review: Show me the money". December 27, 2014.
- ^ "'I Am Alex G' all set for Grand Album Launch | Star Cinema". starcinema.abs-cbn.com. March 21, 2015. Retrieved April 3, 2021.
- ^ "Matteo Guidicelli Joins Alex Gonzaga for the TV Adaptation of "Inday Bote"". philnews. December 3, 2014. Retrieved February 4, 2015.
- ^ Matteo, Kean and Alex start preps for 'Inday Bote'
- ^ a b "Alex Gonzaga is 'Inday Bote'". March 3, 2015.
- ^ "Meet Alex Gonzaga and the star-studded cast of Inday Bote". March 11, 2015.
- ^ Bote”, Alex Gonzaga Excited To Reprise Maricel Soriano’s Role In “Inday (December 10, 2014). "Alex Gonzaga Excited To Reprise Maricel Soriano's Role In "Inday Bote"". Philippine News.
- ^ "Alex Gonzaga and Robi Domingo to host talent search Dance Kids this November on ABS-CBN". PEP.ph.
- ^ Alex Gonzaga and Robi Domingo to host talent search Dance Kids this November on ABS-CBN
- ^ Severo, Jan Milo. "Kapamilya stars dominate TV5's new entertainment lineup". Philstar.com. Retrieved February 26, 2021.
- ^ "Last film of Wenn Deramas to premiere on iWant". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved December 4, 2018.
- ^ "LOOK: Official posters of Toni, Alex Gonzaga's movie". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved December 22, 2021.
- ^ "JC de Vera and Alex Gonzaga's 'The Entitled' to debut on Netflix".
- ^ "Alex Gonzaga - Panaginip Lang (Music Video)". YouTube. Star Music. March 27, 2015.
- ^ "Alex Gonzaga - Break Na Tayo (Music Video)". YouTube. Star Music. November 7, 2015.
- ^ "Unbound - Marion feat. Alex Gonzaga, Morissette & Kidwolf (Music Video)". YouTube. Star Music. September 9, 2016.
- ^ "Alex Gonzaga - Chambe (Official Music Video)". YouTube. Alex Gonzaga. November 18, 2018.
- ^ "Alex Gonzaga - Chambe (Christmas Remix)". YouTube. Star Music. December 14, 2018.
- ^ "Alex and Toni Gonzaga - Sissums OST". YouTube. Alex Gonzaga. December 18, 2018.
- ^ "Alex Gonzaga - Tipints (Official Music Video)". YouTube. Alex Gonzaga. June 7, 2019.
- ^ "Please Lang - Alex Gonzaga feat. Toni Gonzaga (Music Video)". YouTube. Star Music. August 30, 2019.
- ^ "Alex Gonzaga ft Perea Street - G (Official Video)". YouTube. Alex Gonzaga. October 25, 2019.
- ^ "Alex Gonzaga - AMFEE (Official Music Video)". YouTube. Alex Gonzaga. December 7, 2019.
- ^ "AMFEE - Alex Gonzaga (Performance Video)". YouTube. Star Music. December 13, 2019.
- ^ "AMFEE - Alex Gonzaga (Vertical Video)". YouTube. Star Music. December 20, 2019.
- ^ "Alex Gonzaga ft. Arvey - WKT (Official Music Video)". YouTube. Alex Gonzaga. February 6, 2021.
- ^ Peak chart positions in the Philippines:
- For "Panaginip Lang": "MYX Hit Chart". MYX. April 12, 2015.
- For "Chambe": "MYX Hit Chart". MYX. January 6, 2019.
- ^ Peak chart positions in the Philippines:
- For "Panaginip Lang": "Pinoy MYX Countdown". MYX. April 11, 2015.
- For "Chambe": "Pinoy MYX Countdown". MYX. January 5, 2019.
- For "Tipints": "Pinoy MYX Countdown". MYX. June 22, 2019.
- For "Amfee": "Pinoy MYX Countdown". MYX. January 18, 2020.
- ^ . Manila Bulletin. Retrieved November 17, 2020.