Ramona Anndrew Blythe Daguio Gorostiza (born March 12, 2003), known professionally as Andrea Brillantes (Tagalog pronunciation:[bษพilหjษntษs]), is a Filipino actress, model and entrepreneur. She began her career as a child actress, debuting in the sketch comedy show Goin' Bulilit. After playing minor and supporting roles in a number of television programs, she starred in her breakthrough titular role, Annaliza. She is best known for her portrayal as Marga Mondragon-Bartolome in the melodrama Kadenang Ginto. Her accolades include two PMPC Star Awards for Television and a Box Office Entertainment Awards.
In 2013, Brillantes was cast in two programs Bukas Na Lang Kita Mamahalin and Pidol's Wonderland.[9] After playing supporting and minor roles since her acting debut, she starred in her first lead role, Annaliza.[10][11] The series reigned over its timeslot and received its highest national TV rating of 27.8% on February 12, 2013.[12] Her performance earned her an accolade for Best Child Performer at the 27th PMPC Star Awards for Television.[13] The following year, she landed another role in the family drama series Hawak Kamay.[14] Her portrayal as Lorrie earned her another accolade at the Yahoo! Celebrity Award for Child Star of the Year.[15][16][17]
Brillantes ventured more dramatic roles and played supporting roles in Pangako Sa 'Yo as Lia Buenavista and in Ikaw Lang ang Iibigin as Stephanie Reyes.[18] She became an occasional perforner in the musical variety show ASAP and was cast in two more television programs in 2017, A Love to Last and another episode of Wansapanataym opposite Grae Fernandez.
Further film and television appearances (2018-present)
Brillantes worked on three television projects in 2018. She was cast in a minor role as Young Matadora played by Aiko Melendez in Bagani and starred in an episode of the weekly drama anthology Ipaglaban Mo!.[19] In October 2018, she was cast to play one of the lead characters of her biggest role to date, Marga Mondragon Bartolome, in the afternoon drama soap Kadenang Ginto.[20] Along with newcomer Francine Diaz, Dimples Romana, and Beauty Gonzalez, it reigned over the rival shows and received its highest national TV rating of 27.1% on April 23, 2019.[21] The series also helped propel Brillantes to new heights of popularity, increasing her presence on social media. Her portrayal earned her a number of accolades such as Most Promising Loveteam for Television with Seth Fedelin at the Box Office Entertainment Awards, Best Performance in a Supporting Role at the GEMS Hiyas ng Sining Awards and Outstanding Social Media Personality of the Year at the EdukCircle Awards.
The same year, Brillantes also appeared in a supporting role in the comedy film Ang Dalawang Mrs. Reyes and starred in the film Kahit Ayaw Mo Na alongside Empress Schuck and Kristel Fulgar. The film received underwhelming numbers at the Philippine box office, grossing less than โฑ300,000 on its opening day.[22] In 2019, she became more visible in films. She starred in an iWantTFC Originals produced movie Spark opposite Grae Fernandez. In May 2019, she starred with Miguel Tanfelix, Bianca Umali, Taki and Kim Last in the horror film Banal. While the film received average reviews from critics, the film underperformed at the box-office.[23][24] In August 2019, she starred in another horror film The Ghosting with Khalil Ramos.[25] Despite the decent critical reviews, the film still received underwhelming numbers.[26]
The following year, Brillantes starred in two iWantTFC produced series, Lyric and Beat and Drag You & Me.[32] Both shows received overwhelming reception from the audience.[33] In August 2023, she made her television comeback in the teen drama Senior High where she plays both roles of twin characters Sky and Luna Cruz.[34][35] Following the success of Senior High, she reprised her role in a 2024 TV series sequel, High Street.[36]
Acting style and reception
Brillantes is lauded for her dramatic performances in film and television programs. Writing for ABS-CBN Entertainment, Liezel dela Cruz praised her for pushing "herself further into new acting territories" in the series Senior High, saying: "she doubles her talent and grit as she takes on dual duty playing twin characters Sky and Luna."[37] Filipino actress Angel Aquino also praised her acting prowess saying: "I've seen her works and I know how good she is."[38]
Commercially, Brillantes is regarded as one of the most bankable actresses of her generation.[39] She is the most followed Filipino celebrity on TikTok.[40][41] According to the online financial service provider NetCredit, she is fifth biggest earner on Instagram based on sponsored posts in 2021 with โฑ75 million ($1,281,692).[42][43] She has been chosen as the brand ambassador of renowned brands such as H&M, Infinix Mobile and Beautรฉderm.[44][45][46] At age 19, she became the youngest celebrity CEO in the Philippines,[47] launching her own make-up empire, Lucky Beauty.[48] She made her runway debut in Michael Leyva's bridal couture show at the Hilton Manila.[49]
Personal life
Brillantes had previously dated past on-screen partner Seth Fedelin[50] before entering a relationship with basketball player Ricci Rivero in April 2022, following a public "proposal" from Rivero after a basketball game.[51][52] The couple ended their relationship a year later in May 2023.[53]
