Gina Alajar

Gina Alajar
Alajar in 2023
Born
Regina Liguid Alatiit

(1959-06-28) June 28, 1959
Tondo, Manila, Philippines
OccupationsActress, television director
Years active1968–present
Spouse
(m. 1978; ann. 2006)
AwardsFAMAS Award – Best Supporting Actress
1997 Malunay, Sa Pusod ng Paraiso
1991 Biktima

Gawad Urian Award – Best Supporting Actress
1991 Biktima
1997 Malunay: Sa Pusod ng Paraiso
Gawad Urian Award – Best Actress
1981 Brutal
1982 Salome
1983 Moral
1986 Bayan Ko: Kapit sa Patalim

– Best Supporting Actress
2011 Amaya

Regina Liguid Alatiit (born June 28, 1959), known professionally as Gina Alajar (Tagalog pronunciation: [alaˈhar]), is a Filipino film and television actress and director. One of the most awarded actresses in Philippine cinema,[1][2] she has won the Philippine movie grand slam, receiving several Best Actress or Best Supporting Actress wins at FAMAS, Gawad Urian and Luna Awards.

Career

Since appearing as a child actress in the early 1970s,[3] Alajar has been a critically acclaimed actress.[4] She has appeared in films such as Playgirl, Bayan Ko, Brutal, Salome, Mulanay, and has collaborated with directors such as Lino Brocka, Ishmael Bernal, Maryo J. de los Reyes, Chito S. Roño, Gil Portes, Marilou Diaz-Abaya, her directorial work has been enhanced in the 2000s in television work for GMA Network dramas.

From 1997–2009, she was seen mostly in television soap operas on GMA and in 2009–2010, she was seen in ABS-CBN dramas such as Kambal sa Uma and 2010's Habang May Buhay. In 2012, she received more massive acclaim for the TV series Hiram na Puso, a comeback feat in her TV career on GMA Network.

In 2016, she came back to television in the fantasy afternoon drama Magkaibang Mundo as a main antagonist. In 2018, she starred in the daytime drama Hindi Ko Kayang Iwan Ka as an antagonist-protagonist role of Adelaida "Adel" Angeles.[5]

In 2021, she was back in the remake of 1988 movie Nagbabagang Luha as Calida Montaire originally played by Gloria Romero as Imelda Montaire, she went viral a backhanded slap to Claire Castro which portrayed Cielo and dragged into the red cake and pouring liquid on flower to Claire.[6]

Personal life

Alajar was part of Dulaang UP. She has three sons with Michael de Mesa, from whom she is separated:[7] Ryan, Geoff and A.J. Eigenmann.[8]

Filmography

As an actress

Film

Year Title Role Note(s) Ref(s).
1967 Kaibigan Kong Sto. Niño Oreng
1968 Donata Donata
1969 Pinagbuklod ng Langit Irene Marcos
Si Darna at ang Planetman Narda
1970 Mga Anghel Na Walang Langit
Wanted: Perfect Mother
1971 Mag-inang Ulila
1972 My Little Brown Girl
1973 Zoom, Zoom, Superman! The Possessed
Cofradia Cofradia
1975 Big J
1977 Mahiwagang Kris
Malayo Man, Malapit Din
1978 Boy Pana (Terror ng Maynila '63)
1979 Dead or Alive: Arrest the King of Carnappers
Ang Leon, ang Tigre at ang Alamid
1980 Diborsyada Gina
Wanted: Wives
Manila by Night Vanessa
Anak ng Maton
Brutal Cynthia
1981 Playgirl
High School Scandal
Wild
Kontrobersyal Maria Theresa Eigenmann
Ako ang Hari
Salome Salome
Caught in the Act Rowena
1982 Brother Ben Lina
Karding
Moral Kathy
1983 Caged Fury Nguyet
Ganti
1984 Kaya Kong Abutin ang Langit Nancy
This Is My Country Luz Manalastas Original title: Bayan Ko: Kapit sa Patalim
Pieta, Ikalawang Aklat [9]
Sister Stella L.
Condemned Mayette
Bukas... May Pangarap Mering
Bulaklak sa City Jail Juliet
1985 Hindi Mo Ako Kayang Tapakan Josephine
Ano ang Kulay ng Mukha ng Diyos? Lani
The Moises Padilla Story (The Missing Chapter)
1986 Mabuhay Ka... sa Baril! Eloisa
Paano Hahatiin ang Puso? Alicia
The Graduates
Salamangkero
1987 Tatlong Ina, Isang Anak Belle
1988 Hiwaga sa Balete Drive Gilda "Ikatlong Mata" segment
Birds of Prey
Babaing Hampaslupa Desiree
1989 Fight for Us Esper Original title: Orapronobis
1990 Biktima Laura Malicat
Andrea, Paano Ba ang Maging Isang Ina? Joyce
1991 Kailan Ka Magiging Akin Shirley
Emma Salazar Case
Shake, Rattle & Roll III Rowena "Ate" segment [10]
1992 Lucia
Shake, Rattle & Roll IV Puri "Ang Madre" segment
The Wild Cowboys Regina Smith
1993 The Myrna Diones Story: Lord, Have Mercy!
Teenage Mama
1994 Sige, Ihataw Mo
1995 Campus Girls Mrs. Rosales
The Lilian Velez Story: Till Death Do Us Part
Ipaglaban Mo: The Movie Atty. Lilia Manalang "Rape: Case No. 538832" segment
Victim No. 1: Delia Maga (Jesus, Pray For Us!) – A Massacre in Singapore Delia Maga [11][12]
1996 Mulanay... Sa Pusod ng Paraiso Norma
1997 Puerto Princesa
Frats Oning
1998 Tatlo... Magkasalo
Mother Ignacia – Ang Uliran Young Mother Ignacia
José Rizal Saturnina Rizal
1999 Sa Piling ng Mga Aswang Lola Munda
2000 The Debut Gina Mercado
2001 Bahay ni Lola
2002 Small Voices Chayong Original title: Mga Munting Tinig
Singsing ni Lola Esper
Ang Agimat: Anting-Anting ni Lolo Clarita
Mano Po Gina Go
2003 Sanib
2005 Pinoy/Blonde
Lovestruck Amalia
2006 All About Love "About Anna" segment
Mainit Na Tubig [13]
Batad: Sa Paang Palay
Mano Po 5: Gua Ai Di (I Love You)
2007 Desperadas Patrick's mother
Shake, Rattle and Roll 9 Myrna "Christmas Tree" segment
2009 Grandpa Is Dead Marieta "Mameng" Hernandez Original title: Ded Na si Lolo
Fuchsia Nena
Dukot
Shake, Rattle & Roll XI Tita Beth "Diablo" segment
2010 Sigwa
2012 Guni-Guni Mrs. Arevalo
Mater Dolorosa
The Reunion Joanne
2015 The Last Pinoy Action King Herself
2017 Dark Is the Night Sara Original title: Madilim ang Gabi
Nabubulok Ingrid [14]
Pastor Mildred Aguila
2019 Last Fool Show Joanna Lee
Misterio de la Noche
Circa Maria [15]
2021 Big Night! Dharna's mother
2023 Monday First Screening Lydia Lead role [16]
Pieta Beth
When I Met You in Tokyo Susan [17]
2025 Everyone Knows Every Juan Rose Sevilla [18]
TBA The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma Charito Solis [19][20]

Television

Year Title Role Notes
1980–1996 Lovingly Yours, Helen
1988 Evelio Alyssa
Hello, Uncle Sam?
1992 Cebu
De Buena Pamilya
1993 GMA Telecine Specials
1994 Bisperas ng Kasaysayan Isabel[21]
1998 Maalaala Mo Kaya: Kinky Hair
Mula sa Puso Elena
GMA Telecine Specials: Pasada
2001–2002 Ikaw Lang ang Mamahalin Lilian Delos Santos
2004 Magpakailanman: "The Jennylyn Mercado Story" Thelma
2005–2006 Vietnam Rose Amanda Hernandez
2006 Noel ---
Majika Adana
2007 Asian Treasures Elvira
Sine Novela: Sinasamba Kita Corazon
2007–2008 Sine Novela: Pasan Ko ang Daigdig Metring Velez
2008 Carlo J. Caparas' Joaquin Bordado Doctora Regina
Sine Novela: Una Kang Naging Akin Luisa Yumul
2009 Jim Fernandez's Kambal sa Uma Celeste Miranda-Ledesma
SRO Cinemaserye Presents: Carenderia Queen Waray
2009–2010 Sana Ngayong Pasko Felicidad "Fely" Dionisio
2010 StarStruck (season 5) Herself (Mentor)
Habang May Buhay Rose Alcantara-Caparas
Sine Novela: Trudis Liit Lollipop "Lolly" Toledo-Ferrer
2011 Pablo S. Gomez's Machete Elena
2011–2012 Amaya Dian Lamitan
2012 Valiente Iluminada "Luming" Soledad- Valiente
Hiram na Puso Zeny Banaag
Luna Blanca Linda De Jesus
Protégé: The Battle For The Big Artista Break Herself (Mentor)
Magpakailanman: "The Mirriam Castillo Story" Mirriam Castillo
2016 Magkaibang Mundo Noreen Sandoval-Perez
2017 D' Originals The 4th Original (Guest Appearance)
Magpakailanman Co-lead role
Alaala: A Martial Law Special Sara Ilagan Television documentary film
2018 Hindi Ko Kayang Iwan Ka Doña Adelaida "Adele" Angeles
Sirkus Lola Waya
2019 Sahaya Almida Caliste
2021 Nagbabagang Luha Calida Montaire
2022 Start-Up PH Ligaya "Joy" Sison[22]
2024 Asawa ng Asawa Ko Carmen Salcedo
Lilet Matias: Attorney-at-Law Hon. Liberty Villaroman
2026 Never Say Die Rebecca Dizon

As director

Television

Year Programs Role Notes
1995 GMA Telesine Specials: Sa Pagdating ng Bagong Umaga Director
1995–1996 Kadenang Kristal
1999–2001 Rio Del Mar
Kirara, Ano ang Kulay ng Pag-ibig?
2003–2004 Narito ang Puso Ko
2003 Hawak Ko ang Langit
2003–2004 Walang Hanggan
2005 Tahanan: Eat Bulaga Special
2010–2012 Reel Love Presents Tween Hearts
2011 Machete
2012 Luna Blanca 2nd Unit Director
2012–2013 Magdalena: Anghel sa Putikan Director
Temptation of Wife 2nd unit director
2013 Unforgettable Director[23]
Anna Karenina
2013–2014 Villa Quintana
2014 Eat Bulaga! Lenten Special: Kulungan Kanlungan
2014–2015 Yagit
2015 Let the Love Begin
2015–2016 The Half Sisters 52 episodes
Destiny Rose
2017 Pinulot Ka Lang sa Lupa
2018–2019 Onanay
2019–2022 Prima Donnas
2023 Magpakailanman: Sa Puso't Isipan: The Cantillana Family Story Director
Won for Best Single Drama/Telemovie/Anthology—Asian Academy Creative Awards[24][25]

Film (as director)

  • Angels (segment "Angel's of Mine", 2007)

References

  1. ^ Dy, Philbert (July 31, 2024). "Five Actresses Who Define Over Six Decades of Filipino Cinema". vogue.ph. Retrieved February 15, 2025.
  2. ^ Mauricio-Arriola, Tessa (October 11, 2014). "Gina Alajar comes full circle". The Manila Times. Archived from the original on February 15, 2025. Retrieved February 15, 2025.
  3. ^ Taculao, Patricia S. (September 6, 2022). "Gina Alajar takes a step back from 'kontrabida' roles". Manila Standard. Archived from the original on February 15, 2025. Retrieved February 15, 2025.
  4. ^ Young, Karen E. (September 8, 2017). "Gina Alajar: God Is Ready to Restore You Anytime". BUTTERFLY IN THE SPRING. Archived from the original on February 15, 2025. Retrieved February 15, 2025.
  5. ^ Sagun, Daphne (August 6, 2024). "Gina Alajar Shares The Secret To Her Decades-Long Career". vogue.ph. Retrieved February 15, 2025.
  6. ^ "Backhand slap scene ni Gina Alajar kay Claire Castro, pinag-usapan ng netizens".
  7. ^ "Why is Gina glowing even if she's separada?". Philstar.com. Retrieved February 15, 2025.
  8. ^ "Family tree: Mark Gil and the celebrity Eigenmanns". ABS-CBN News. September 1, 2014. Archived from the original on October 21, 2021. Retrieved February 4, 2021.
  9. ^ Asilo, Rito P. (January 8, 2024). "Nora, Gina and Jaclyn's provocative dramatic synergy in 'Pieta'". INQUIRER.net. Archived from the original on February 15, 2025. Retrieved February 15, 2025.
  10. ^ III, Joaquin Lorenzo. "Gina Alajar: Tough, thorough and timeless". Philstar.com. Retrieved February 15, 2025.
  11. ^ "The Much-Awaited Movie Will Shock You Today!". Manila Standard. Kamahalan Publishing Corp. May 17, 1995. p. A4. Retrieved December 29, 2021. This movie will unmask the real killer!!!
  12. ^ Daza, Jullie Y. (May 18, 1995). "Women as losers". Manila Standard. Kamahalan Publishing Corp. p. 9. Archived from the original on December 29, 2021. Retrieved December 29, 2021. Carlo J. Caparas is out to prove that he can leave his signature on the longest subtitles in movie history.
  13. ^ Asis, Salve V. (June 15, 2006). "Phillip kuntento na sa digital film" [Phillip now content in digital film]. Pilipino Star Ngayon (in Filipino). Retrieved January 2, 2026. Wala pang playdate ang pelikula.
  14. ^ Santos, Mari-An (August 6, 2017). "CINEMALAYA REVIEW: Nabubulok will keep you on the edge of your seat". PEP.ph. Retrieved January 2, 2026.
  15. ^ Reyes, Beatriz C. (September 17, 2019). "Circa is a lackluster tribute to Philippine film". Vantage Magazine. Retrieved January 2, 2026.
  16. ^ "NET25 Films makes World of Cinema debut with 'Monday First Screening' starring Ricky Davao and Gina Alajar". Manila Standard. June 20, 2023. Archived from the original on February 15, 2025. Retrieved February 15, 2025.
  17. ^ Jusay, Annalyn S. (April 1, 2023). "Vilma and Boyet are shooting their reunion movie in Tokyo". Manila Bulletin. Manila Bulletin Publishing Corporation. Archived from the original on August 31, 2023. Retrieved August 24, 2023.
  18. ^ Hawson, Fred (October 28, 2025). "'Everyone Knows Every Juan' review: One-take showcase of ensemble brilliance". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved February 16, 2026.
  19. ^ Gabinete, Jojo (January 1, 2024). "Darryl Yap nag-ingay agad with The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma teaser" [Darryl Yap already made noise with The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma teaser]. PEP.ph (in Filipino). Philippine Entertainment Portal Inc. Archived from the original on January 8, 2025. Retrieved January 8, 2025.
  20. ^ Gabinete, Jojo (January 7, 2024). "Pelikula ni Darryl Yap base sa kuwento ng pamilya ni Pepsi Paloma" [Darryl Yap's film based on the account of Pepsi Paloma's family]. PEP.ph (in Filipino). Philippine Entertainment Portal Inc. Retrieved January 8, 2025.
  21. ^ "Tonight, New Vision 9 Unfolds a Landmark Television Event!". Manila Standard. Kamahalan Publishing Corp. September 19, 1994. p. 24. Retrieved June 3, 2024. The 1890s. A period of turmoil.
  22. ^ Donato, Jerry. "Why director Gina Alajar remains excited to act". www.msn.com. Retrieved February 15, 2025.
  23. ^ Eusebio, Aaron Brennt. "Jillian Ward, Althea Ablan, and Sofia Pablo greet 'Prima Donnas' director Gina Alajar on her birthday". www.gmanetwork.com. Retrieved February 15, 2025.
  24. ^ "Alden Richards, hiniling na maging direktor si Gina Alajar sa pinakamatinding '#MPK' episode niya". GMA Network. August 24, 2023. Archived from the original on January 5, 2025. Retrieved January 5, 2025.
  25. ^ Ruiz, Mariah (January 2, 2025). "Award-winning 'Magpakailanman' episode ni Alden Richards, mapapanood muli". GMA Network. Retrieved January 5, 2025.