Five of the Philippines’ brightest actresses are proving that stardom is just the beginning. From blockbuster hits to daring new roles and personal milestones, Kathryn Bernardo, Barbie Forteza, Nadine Lustre, Belle Mariano, and Andrea Brillantes are embracing growth, independence, and reinvention — showing how today’s young leading ladies are redefining success on their own terms.
Kathryn Bernardo
Kathryn Bernardo remains one of the country’s most versatile actresses, known for beloved teen hits like Mara Clara and Got to Believe. She continues to show her growth both on and off screen as she served as a judge on the recently concluded Pilipinas Got Talent Season 7.
In her career, Kathryn is exploring more diverse roles and embracing greater independence behind the scenes. She recently made a significant move by purchasing her own house and is using this new chapter to make bold, creative choices.
Barbie Forteza
Barbie Forteza is now in her daring “solo era,” focused on self-discovery, advocacy, and growth as an artist. She first gained recognition for her energetic performances in GMA youth shows and reached a new career high with the hit historical series Maria Clara at Ibarra alongside David Licauco.
Following the success of the rom-com That Kind of Love in 2024, Barbie is now tackling more serious, socially relevant TV roles. She stars in the horror-thriller P77 (Penthouse 77) and leads Beauty Empire, a revenge drama that challenges conventional beauty standards. She also has a reunion movie with filmmaker Mark Reyes that revisits their work from The Half Sisters.
Nadine Lustre
Nadine Lustre continues to redefine her career on her own terms, balancing mainstream success with her passion for independent projects. After her acclaimed MMFF-winning role in Deleter, she has embraced more experimental and genre-bending work, including the Philippine thriller Roadkillers, which premiered on Amazon Prime in late 2023.
Beyond acting, Nadine is carving her space in the independent music scene, using her platform to champion self-expression, sustainability, and mental health advocacy. With her fearless approach to creativity—whether through music, film, or fashion—Nadine proves she’s an artist who isn’t afraid to break the mold and stay true to her vision.
Belle Mariano
Belle Mariano’s breakthrough came with He’s Into Her (2021), and she’s remained committed to exploring her artistic range ever since. Most recently, she led How to Spot a Red Flag, a Viu rom-com miniseries with Donny Pangilinan, which explores themes of trust, identity, and online deception. Early reviews praised their natural chemistry, solidifying Belle’s rising status.
She continues to take on more mature, performance-driven projects that show her growth as an actress. Meanwhile, fans continue to admire her singing talents, which remain an impressive part of her expanding repertoire.
Andrea Brillantes
Andrea Brillantes first turned heads as Marga in Kadenang Ginto, where she showcased her flair for intense, emotional drama. She went on to take on more challenging roles, including Senior High (2023). This year, she’s part of the cast of Batang Quiapo (2025), tackling themes of mental health, identity, and teenage struggles — earning praise for her depth and authenticity.
While she hasn’t announced her next project yet, Andrea’s bold persona and strong social media presence hint at bigger drama roles and exciting brand partnerships ahead. Her confidence and relatability continue to make her a standout voice for Gen Z audiences. (Glae Ann Richardson, Spamast Intern)