Carla Guevara Laforteza
Carla Guevara Laforteza | |
|---|---|
Guevara in 2024 | |
| Background information | |
| Born | Maria Carla Helena Amado Guevara December 26, 1975 Manila, Philippines |
| Genres | R&B, musical theater, jazz, praise and worship |
| Occupations | Singer, actress |
| Instrument | Vocals |
| Years active | 1993–present |
| Label | Rebel Records Philippines |
| Spouse |
Godfrey Laforteza III
(m. 2002) |
| Children | 3, including Sophia |
Maria Carla Helena Amado Guevara-Laforteza (born December 26, 1975) is a Filipino musical theater actress who performs in both local and international productions.[1] She is known for playing Kim and Gigi in Miss Saigon in West End, London, in the 1990s.[2] She is also a recording artist and talent handler.[3][4]
Education and personal life
On March 2, 2002, Guevara married dancer and chef Godfrey Laforteza III in Long Island, New York.[5] Godfrey is a Chef.[6] They have three children, including Sophia (born 2002),[7] a singer and leader of the Los Angeles-based girl group Katseye.[8]
Career
Laforteza started with the Rep Children's Theater in 1993, where she was cast in various plays such as Camelot, Once on This Island, Annie, Romeo and Juliet, and Taming of the Shrew.[9]
In 1995, she joined the Miss Saigon production in London as an understudy for "Kim", "Gigi" and "Yvette". She stayed there for two years[10]
In 1997, she went back to the Philippines and appeared in theatrical and television shows.[9]
In 1999, Laforteza began her career in television in Munting Paraiso, ABS-CBN drama series.[11]
From 2001 to 2005, she moved to New York and worked there as a baker, medical assistant, restaurant manager, and salesperson, among others. She earned a degree in Hotel Operations Management and took courses at New York University in acting.
In 2011, Laforteza did the role of Nina in Breakups and Breakdowns.[12]
She also did the roles of Sour Kangaroo in Repertory Philippines' production of Seussical and Sister Berthe in Resort World Manila's Sound of Music.[13]
In 2013, Laforteza was among the actress of Be Careful with My Heart, a television hit series in the Philippines [14]
In 2018, Laforteza played the role Lily in Binonodo, a Tsinoy Musical wherein she was recognized as Aliw Best Actress in Musical.[15]
In 2019, Laforteza was chosen to play as Joy in Ang Huling El Bimbo, stage production that featured Eraserheads hit songs. She received honor for in this performance as 2019 LEAF Award for Most Outstanding Actress in a Musical.[16] [17]
In 2022, Laforteza was cast in the ABS-CBN television series Flower of Evil, a Filipino adaptation of a widely popular South Korean drama.[18] In the same year, Laforteza portrayed Rachel in Joseph the Dreamer, a role that earned her the Aliw Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical. Her performance stood out, bringing depth to the character and contributing to the overall impact of the production.[19]
Laforteza commemorated her 24-year journey with Star Magic, receiving a Loyalty Award in 2023.[20]
In 2024, Laforteza played the role of Rose and Edith in One More Chance: The Musical.[21]
Laforteza is one the Filipino stars who performed on the two-night fundraising concert "Do You Hear the People Sing?", featuring selections from Les Misérables and Miss Saigon.[22]
Laforteza celebrated her 30th year in musical theater at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) on the Triple Threats concert "A La Carlotta" on August 11, 2024.[23][24]
Achievements
Carla Guevara Laforteza's recognition in Philippine theater stems from her versatility and impact on stage. Some of her notable awards include:
2024 ALIW Best Featured Actress in a Musical for One More Chance.
2023 Best Featured Actress in Musical- Snow white and the Prince. Laforteza won this award for the portrayal of the Queen in Repertory Philippines Theater Production of Snow White and the Prince.[25]
2022 Aliw Best Featured Actress in Musical for her Role Rachel in Joseph the dreamer stage play where she sang "He opens the Window" [26][19]
2019 LEAF Award for Most Outstanding Actress in a Musical for her portrayal of Joy in Ang Huling El Bimbo. The show explored themes of friendship and the challenges faced over time.[16] [17]
2018 Aliw Best Actress In Musical - Laforteza won this award for her role as Lily in Binondo a Tshino Musical. [27]
GEM Award for Best Featured Artist - Laforteza was awarded this for her portrayal of Kapitana Mary Jane in Rak of Aegis. This award underscores her standout performance in a highly popular musical, which brought together comedy, music, and social themes[16] [17]
Notable stage credits
| Year | Title | Role | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Bagets: The Musical | Virgie | Manila (Viva Communications Inc) | |
| 2025 | Into the Woods | The Giant/Granny/Snow White | Manila (Theatre Group Asia) | |
| 2024 | Going Home to Christmas | Pat | Manila (Repertory Philippines) | |
| 2024 | One More Chance: The musical | Rose/Edith | Manila (Peta) | |
| 2023 | Snow White and the Prince | Queen | Manila (Repertory Philippines) | |
| 2022 | Joseph the Dreamer | Rachel | Manila (Trumpets) | |
| 2021 | The Great Christmas Cookie Bake-Off | Isabel Guevara/Anna’s Mom/Grandma | Manila (Repertory Philippines) | |
| 2019 | The Quest for the Adarna | Adarna | Manila (Repertory Philippines) | |
| 2019 | Beautiful: The Carole King Musical | Carole's Mother | Manila (Atlantis) | |
| 2018–2019 | Ang Huling El Bimbo | Joy Manawari | Manila | |
| 2018 | Rapunzel, Rapunzel, A Very Hairy Fairy Tale | Lady Za Za | Manila (Repertory Philippines) | |
| 2018 | Binondo: A Tsinoy Musical | Lily | Manila | |
| 2017 | Matilda the Musical | Mrs. Wormwood | Manila (Atlantis) | |
| 2017 | Spamalot | The Lady of the Lake | Manila (Upstart Prod) | |
| 2017 | Once Upon a Mattress | Princess Winnifred | Manila (Ephesus Teatron Group Inc.) | |
| 2016 | Hansel and Gretel | Witch | Manila (Repertory Philippines) | |
| 2016 | Rak of Aegis | Mary Jane (MJ) | Manila (Peta) | |
| 2016 | 3 Stars and a Sun | Congresswoman Inky | Manila (Peta) | |
| 2015 | Saturday Night Fever | Club Singer/Flo Manero | Manila (Atlantis) | |
| 2012 | Nine | Carla | Manila (Atlantis) | |
| 2011 | Breakups and Breakdowns | Nina | Upstart Prod (Philippines) | |
| 2011 | Seussical | Sour Kangaroo | Manila (Repertory Philippines) | |
| 2010 | Rent | Maureen Johnson | Manila (9 Works Theatrical) | |
| 2010 | The Wedding Singer | Manila (9 Works Theatrical) | ||
| 2010 | Sleeping Beauty | The Queen | Manila (Repertory Philippines) | |
| 2009 | Jack and the Beanstalk | Golden Harp | Manila (Repertory Philippines) | |
| 2009 | The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee | Olive Ostrovsky | Manila (Atlantis) | |
| 2007 | Fiddler on the Roof | Fruma-Sarah | Manila (Repertory Philippines) | |
| 2007 | Cinderella Kids | Stepmother | Manila (Repertory Philippines) | |
| 2007 | Song and Dance | Emma | Manila (Repertory Philippines) | |
| 2000 | The Little Mermaid | Princess Sapphire | Manila (Trumpets) | |
| 1998 | The Taming of the Shrew | Bianca | Manila (Repertory Philippines) | |
| 1998 | Annie | Lily St. Regis | Manila (Repertory Philippines) | |
| 1998 | The Baker's Wife | Genevieve Castagnet | Manila (Repertory Philippines) | |
| 1997 | Alice in Wonderland | Alice | Manila (Repertory Philippines) | |
| 1996 | Company | Marta | Manila (Repertory Philippines) | |
| 1995–1997 | Miss Saigon | Kim/Gigi | London | |
| 1995 | Once on This Island | Manila (Repertory Philippines) | ||
| 1994 | The Emperor's New Clothes | Lady Winifred | Manila (Repertory Philippines) | |
| 1994 | Camelot | Manila (Repertory Philippines) | ||
| 1994 | Jack and the Beanstalk | Manila (Repertory Philippines) | ||
| 1993 | Aladdin | Manila (Repertory Philippines) |
Television appearances
| Year | Show | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Rainbow Rumble | Herself/Contestant |
| 2022 | Flower of Evil | Lilia Ramirez |
| 2013–2014 | Be Careful with My Heart | Ms. Pacheco |
| 1999 | Ang Munting Paraiso | Honey |
References
- ^ "Carla Guevara Laforteza, Shiela Valderrama, Tanya Manalang Headline CCP's Triple Threats Concert Series". TheaterFansManila.com. June 4, 2024. Retrieved July 28, 2024.
- ^ "Carla Guevara-Laforteza dreams to do 'Miss Saigon' again". ABS-CBN News. June 18, 2022.
- ^ "Closer by Carla Guevara Laforteza on Apple Music". music.apple.com. March 8, 2019. Retrieved July 28, 2024.
- ^ Fernando, Jeff (March 23, 2021). "Carla Guevara-Laforteza ventures into talent management". ABS-CBN News.
- ^ Amoyo, Aster. "Love story ni Carla Guevarra". Philstar.com. Retrieved August 1, 2024.
- ^ "Chef Godfrey Laforteza: A Father's Special Recipe". Modern Parenting. 2023.
- ^ Lo, Ricky. "Theater (not school) is where Carla's heart is". Philstar.com. Retrieved August 1, 2024.
- ^ Mallorca, Hannah. "Carla Guevera Laforteza opens up on 'KATSEYE mamas' chat group, pact". Inquirer.net. Inquirer. Retrieved November 23, 2024.
- ^ a b "Rediscovering Carla | Philstar.com". www.philstar.com. Retrieved August 7, 2024.
- ^ "Rediscovering Carla | Philstar.com". www.philstar.com. Retrieved February 5, 2007.
- ^ "Carla Guevara-Laforteza on staying loyal to Star Magic for 24 years". news.abs-cbn.com. Retrieved November 20, 2023.
- ^ "Carla in Breakups and Breakdowns| Philstar.com". www.philstar.com. Retrieved March 10, 2011.
- ^ "Carla Guevara's banner year". Philstar.com. Retrieved August 7, 2024.
- ^ "Theater's Carla Guevara-Laforteza wants to cross over to TV". entertainment.inquirer.net. August 7, 2016. Retrieved August 7, 2016.
- ^ Manila Bulletin (December 19, 2018). "Aliw Awards 2018 winners revealed".
- ^ a b c Gianna Sibal (September 29, 2024). "EXCLUSIVE: The Mom Of KATSEYE's Sophia Laforteza on Sharing the Same Singing Prowess".
- ^ a b c "THE LEADING WOMEN IN PHILIPPINE MUSICAL THEATER ARE TRIPLE THREATS" (Press release). July 3, 2024.
- ^ "Carla Guevara-Laforteza dreams to do 'Miss Saigon' again". news.abs-cbn.com. Retrieved June 26, 2022.
- ^ a b Audie Gemora (August 8, 2024). "How God shone through Carla Guevara Laforteza".
- ^ "The impressive artistry of Carla Guevarra in the past 24 years". ABS-CBN News. November 19, 2023.
- ^ ""One more chance, the musical" announces 2024 rerun". Theater Fans Manila. May 23, 2024.
- ^ "Do You Hear The People Sing | Newport World Resorts". Do You Hear The People Sing | Newport World Resorts. Retrieved July 28, 2024.
- ^ ABC-CBN News (July 25, 2024). "CCP's Triple Threats feat. Carla Guevara-Laforteza moved to Aug. 11".
- ^ Anna Cerezo (August 11, 2024). "Carla Guevara Laforteza challenges herself at 'A La Carlotta". ABSCBN News. Retrieved August 11, 2024.
- ^ Brontë H. Lacsamana (December 13, 2023). "Ibarra wins big at the 2023 ALIW Awards".
- ^ ABS-CBN News (December 6, 2022). "Gerald Santos takes second Entertainer of the Year trophy in Aliw Awards".
- ^ Manila Bulletin (December 19, 2018). "Aliw Awards 2018 winners revealed".