Liza Soberano
Hope Elizabeth Soberano[fn 1](English: /ˈlaɪzə/ LY-zə,[3] Tagalog: [ˈlɐjsa sɔbɛˈɾɐno]; born January 4, 1998),[4] professionally known as Liza Soberano, is a Filipino American actress, model and singer.[5] She started in a range of television series and films, including Wansapanataym (2011), Kung Ako'y Iiwan Mo (2012), She's the One (2013), Must Be... Love (2013). She rose to prominence after playing the protagonist in the romantic comedy television series Forevermore (2014–2015) with Enrique Gil. She has since paired with Gil in the films Just The Way You Are (2015), Everyday I Love You (2015), My Ex and Whys (2017), Alone/Together (2019) and the television series Forevermore (2014) Dolce Amore (2016) Bagani (2018) and Make It with You (2020).
Liza Soberano | |
|---|---|
Soberano in 2016 | |
| Born | Hope Elizabeth Soberano[fn 1] January 4, 1998 Santa Clara, California, U.S. |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 2011–present |
| Agent(s) | Star Magic (2011–2022) Careless Music Manila (2022–present)[1] |
| Height | 1.68 m (5 ft 6 in)[2] |
| Partner | Enrique Gil (2014–present) |
| Signature | |
Early life
Liza Soberano was born as Hope Elizabeth Soberano on January 4, 1998, in Santa Clara, California. She is the daughter of a Filipino father, John Castillo Soberano of Asingan, Pangasinan, and an American mother, Jacqulyn Elizabeth Hanley, who raised her in Santa Clara, California.[6][7] She was raised in Visalia, California, by her paternal grandparents when her parents separated.[8][9] When she was ten years old she moved to Manila, the Philippines to live with her father and relatives.[10]
Career
2011–2014: Beginnings
She was offered modeling work for print ads at the age of 12 after moving to Manila. When she was 13, she was discovered by a talent scout and introduced to Ogie Diaz, her new talent manager. Her talent manager urged her to learn Filipino so she could land successful television and film projects because she couldn't speak the language at the time.[4][11]
Soberano made her acting debut in the anthology series Wansapanataym (2011). She then had a minor role as Claire Raymundo in Kung Ako'y Iiwan Mo (2012). Soberano then played the role of Angel in Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo's premier movie Must Be... Love. In 2013 she also starred as Gillian in She's the One with Bea Alonzo, Dingdong Dantes and Enrique Gil. A year later in 2014, she joined the primetime television series Got to Believe as Padilla's other love interest.[12]
2014–2015: Breakthrough with Forevermore
In the successful romantic comedy television series Forevermore (2014), Soberano made her debut as the strawberry farmer Maria Agnes Calay with Enrique Gil, who played Alexander "Xander" Grande III, a hotel business heir who gradually becomes Agnes' love interest. The series finale earned a 39.3 percent rating.[13][14] The success of the TV series made Soberano and Gil gain popularity.[15][16][17]
Following the success of Forevermore, Soberano starred in the film based on the Wattpad book The Bet. The film adaptation, initially titled as the same name as its source material was renamed Just The Way You Are (2015).[18][19][20][21]
In October 2015, Soberano and Gil then starred in a romantic drama film with Gerald Anderson, Everyday, I Love You, directed by Mae Czarina Cruz-Alviar.[22][23][24]
2016–present: Continued success, loveteam separation and expansion to Hollywood
In February 2016, Soberano starred in the romantic comedy melodrama series Dolce Amore. She portrays Serena Marchesa, a young girl raised in Italy by her adoptive parents. Though she lives a good life, she cannot shake off the feeling that an important part of her identity seems to be missing. In August 2016, it was announced that Soberano had signed as the new face of Maybelline.[25]
In 2017, Soberano starred in the romantic comedy drama film My Ex and Whys opposite Enrique Gil. The film was directed by Cathy Garcia Molina, who had previously worked with her in Forevermore.[26] The film was released in February 2017, grossing ₱31.5 million on its first day and won her the GMMSF Box-Office Entertainment Award for Box Office Entertainment Award for Box Office Queen.[27]
In May 2017, Soberano confirmed that she would star as the comics superheroine Darna in planned film adaptation, which was set to be released in 2019. However, due to an injury she suffered during primetime drama Bagani, she chose to withdraw from the role on April 4, 2019.[28][29] The new adaptation was later reworked as a television series.
The following cancellation of Make It with You due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines and its network's franchise renewal issues marked the end of the loveteam pairing with Gil. ABS-CBN Films head Kriz Gazmen stated that although they pitched several projects to the duo and was about to "shoot something" (that was later scrapped following COVID case surges in the country at that time), "the timing was never right," and "Liza made the decision to change [her] career direction.”[30][31]
In 2022, Soberano signed with Careless Music, an American-Filipino based talent agency and record label founded by her contemporary James Reid in partnership with Far East Movement's Transparent Arts label. With this new career trajectory, she relocated back to the United States and has plans to forge a career in Hollywood, starting with Lisa Frankenstein for Focus Features.
Public image
In August 2015, she was included in The Philippine Star Lifestyle "29 Most Bright & Beautiful" list.[32] Campaign Asia Magazine named Soberano as 2017 most popular endorser of the year.[33]
In December 2017, Liza Soberano was ranked first of "The 100 Most Beautiful Faces of 2017" by TC Candler's The Independent Critics, a group which has been publishing the list since 1990.[34][35]
In 2018, YouGov an international Internet-based market research and data analytics firm in United Kingdom, listed Soberano as the No.1 most admired woman in the Philippines.[36]
Soberano is often described in the media as "one of Philippine television's most beautiful faces",[37] she stated "I appreciate it but sometimes that's all they notice and i don't want them to remember me because I'm pretty." As for her, she wants to be recognized for her confidence and courage to take new roles in her career.[38]
Soberano has been praised by Filipino critics for her acting prowess. Soberano's performance in the film Everyday, I Love You received positive reviews from critics; Peter P. Asilo of the Philippine Daily Inquirer said: "Soberano's acting choices may need more texture and refinement—but, at only 17, lovely Liza is quickly coming into her own as a fine actress!"[39] Columnist Mario Bautista said: "We'll have no reservations in declaring her the prettiest, most refreshing, most captivating young actress.Beautiful from any angle, she also acts competently, doing both her madcap as well as her dramatic scenes quite convincingly. The camera just loves her and she doesn't make any false move, whether she's clowning around or getting to be so emotional ... She has an endearing screen presence and palpable charisma."[40] while Abby Mendoza of Pep.ph, regarding her performance, said: "it is Liza Soberano who particularly stands out—which isn't to harp on her beautiful face on screen. She is a natural who displays the right restraint, pleasing to watch all the more since she doesn't try too hard."[41]
Advocacy and issues
Soberano often uses her clout in Philippine media to promote subjects she cares about, such as mental health awareness,[42] and the need for the government to address the 2020 COVID-19 crisis with "empathy not threats."[43][44] But she generally avoided being vocal about her opinions and advocacies, because she used to be afraid it would be divisive. She later remarked:
"I was always afraid that I would be dividing my supporters. I was afraid of creating conflict[...] Ang paniniwala ko po dati na pag artista ka, dapat umiiwas ka sa lahat ng issues. (I used to think that if you were an actress, you should avoid all issues.) [...]We just keep talking about our craft, and the next movie we’re making and everything. Kasi, I was afraid that people would judge me. They would say, what do I know, I'm just a girl, I'm just an actress.”
Speaking up against rape jokes
In September 2020, Soberano became the subject of various online "rape comments" as part of public reaction to an incident where her internet service provider supposedly prioritized her connection repairs because of elitism due to her expressing disappointment with the service.[45] Noting that there was no excuse for such online harassment, Soberano decided to lodge a formal case against one of the commenters, saying "“I was really upset because the fact that it is a rape joke, it is not something that should be taken lightly," and "I know that everybody is entitled to their own opinion, that is true, but at some point you have to be respectful to others online. I want people to learn that there are consequences to everything, like rape jokes, because that is not a light matter."[46]
In October 2020, Soberano spoke at an online event organized by Gabriela Youth, the youth arm of the women's rights group Gabriela. In her speech, she noted how the rape comment incident made her realize "the importance of standing up for [her]self", saying:
"As a woman, as a Filipino artist, I think that women and influencers alike should start speaking up. They can contribute not only awareness about these issues, but also encouragement and confidence to our fellow women and children — that they need to learn to stand up for themselves."[47]
Red-tagging incident
Soon after speaking at an Gabriela Youth event, Soberano became the subject of an alleged red-tagging incident.[48] AFP Southern Luzon Command commander Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade Jr. said that Soberano and 2018 Miss Universe Catriona Gray should not support Gabriela and other rights groups, as fellow celebrity Angel Locsin has done.[49]
Parlade specifically said: "Liza Soberano, there's still a chance to abdicate that group. If you don't, you will suffer the same fate as Josephine Anne Lapira." Lapira, a 22-year-old student activist from the University of the Philippines Manila, had been killed in November 2017 in a clash between army troops and alleged suspected members of Marxist–Leninist–Maoist New People's Army.[49] Parlade clarified, however: "Is she an NPA? No, of course not. Not yet."[49]
In response, Soberano's legal counsel Juanito Lim Jr. said that the actress is not afraid of the statement of General Parlade and that Liza "will continue to exercise her constitutionally-protected right to free speech and expression without fear or restraint from anyone."[50]
Philippine Senator Risa Hontiveros also chided Parlade,[48] saying:
Don't use your position as a general to scare and threaten these women. Your threats and harassment are unacceptable. By silencing them, you are tolerating the violence, rape, and abuse being experienced by many Filipinos.[48]
Personal life
In February 2019, Soberano and Enrique Gil publicly confirmed they had been a couple since October 24, 2014.[51]
Soberano is a Roman Catholic. She and her brother, Justin David, received the sacraments of initiation.[52] She is a dual citizen of the United States and the Philippines.[5]
Filmography
Film
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Must Be... Love | Angel Gomez | Feature film debut |
| She's The One | Gillian | ||
| 2015 | Just The Way You Are | Sophia Taylor | |
| Everyday I Love You | Audrey Locsin | ||
| 2017 | My Ex and Whys | Calixta "Cali" Ferrer / Delilah | |
| 2019 | Alone/Together | Christine "Tin" Lazaro | |
| 2022 | Lisa Frankenstein | Taffy | Hollywood debut[53] |
Television
| Year | Title | Role | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Wansapanataym: Mac Ulit-Ulit | Mac | ||
| 2012 | Kung Ako'y Iiwan Mo | Claire Raymundo | Credited as Hope Soberano | |
| Maalaala Mo Kaya: Singsing | Young Gladys | |||
| 2013–present | ASAP | Herself | Co-host, performer | |
| 2013 | Wansapanataym: Flores De Yayo | Dahlia | ||
| Maalaala Mo Kaya: Box | Una | [54] | ||
| Luv U | Pia | Guest cast | ||
| 2013–2014 | Got to Believe | Alexa "Alex" Rodrigo | ||
| 2014 | Maalaala Mo Kaya: Orasan | Aileen | ||
| 2014–2015 | Forevermore | Maria Agnes Calay-Grande | ||
| 2016 | Dolce Amore | Serena Marchesa-Ibarra / Monica Urtola | ||
| 2017 | Maalaala Mo Kaya: Korona | Pia Wurtzbach | ||
| 2018 | Bagani | Ganda | ||
| 2020 | Make It with You | Belinda "Billy" Dimaguiba | Series cancelled with only 45 episodes aired from January 2020 to March 2020 | |
| 2021 | Trese | Alexandra Trese | Animated series; main voice role | [55] |
| 2022 | 2 Good 2 Be True | Ali's Sister | Guest cast |
Music video appearances
| Year | Title | Performer | Director | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Estella | Philia | Ramona Cecilia Muñoz, Jeremy Jay Abaño | |
| 2020 | Make It With You | Ben&Ben | Miko Pelino | [56][57] |
| 2021 | The Baddest | BGYO | Amiel Kirby Balagtas |
Awards and nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Nominated work | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 27th PMPC Star Awards for Television | Best Female New TV Personality | Kung Ako'y Iiwan Mo | Nominated | [58] |
| 2014 | 30th PMPC Star Awards for Movies | New Movie Actress of the Year | Must Be... Love | Nominated | [59] |
| 46th GMMSF Box-Office Entertainment Awards | Most Promising Female Star of the Year | Forevermore | Won | [60] | |
| 2015 | 29th PMPC Star Awards for Television | German Moreno's Power Tandem Award (shared with Enrique Gil) | — | Won | [61] |
| 28th Aliw Awards | Best Female Performer in Mall Shows | — | Nominated | ||
| 2016 | 47th GMMSF Box-Office Entertainment Awards | Most Popular Love Team of Movies and TV (shared with Enrique Gil) | Forevermore, Just The Way You Are, Everyday I Love You | Won | [62] |
| 32nd PMPC Star Awards for Movies | Movie Love Team of the Year (Special Award) (shared with Enrique Gil) | Everyday I Love You | Nominated | [63] | |
| 30th PMPC Star Awards for Television | Best Drama Actress | Dolce Amore | Nominated | [64] | |
| 2017 | 4th Paragala: The Central Luzon Media Awards | Best Television Actress | Dolce Amore | Won | [65] |
| 48th Box Office Entertainment Awards | Most Popular Loveteam of the Year (shared with Enrique Gil) | — | Won | [66] | |
| 30th Awit Awards | Best Performance by a New Female Recording Artist | Dolce Amore Soundtrack: "Spark" | Nominated | ||
| 2018 | 49th GMMSF Box-Office Entertainment Awards | Box Office Queen | My Ex And Whys | Won | |
| 32nd PMPC Star Awards for TV | Best Drama Actress | Bagani | Nominated | ||
| 2019 | ninth Edukcircle Awards | Most Influential Film Actress | Alone Together | Won | |
| 2020 | FAMAS Awards | German Moreno Youth Achievement Award | N/A | Won |
Notes
References
- ^ Antonio, Josiah (June 20, 2022). "Liza Soberano joins James Reid's record label Careless Music". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved June 20, 2022.
- ^ "Liza Soberano". Star Magic.
- ^ @lizasoberano (November 1, 2013). ""@cathyyperry: @lizasoberano whats the proper pronunciation of your name? Is it 'leeza' or 'lieza'? Kinda confused!" lieza!!" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ a b Umerez, Remy (October 26, 2014). "Betting on Liza Soberano". The Philippine Star. Retrieved January 16, 2016.
- ^ a b Cruz, Marinel R. "Liza: No boys just yet". Philippine Daily Inquirer.
- ^ "Liza Soberano reunites with mom after 7 years". Philippine Daily Inquirer. June 21, 2015. Retrieved June 28, 2016.
- ^ "WATCH: Liza reunites with mom after 7 years". ABS-CBN News. ABS-CBN Corporation. June 20, 2015. Retrieved June 28, 2016.
- ^ Liza Soberano shares humble beginnings during "Forevermore" press con. Paglicawan, Richard. October 3, 2014.
- ^ Up-close and Personal with Liza Soberano. ABS-CBN Star Cinema. November 22, 2014.
- ^ Ciar, Troy (May 27, 2014). Liz Soberano: The next girl to watch, Sunstar, Manila. Retrieved May 27, 2014.
- ^ Bautista, Mario (October 6, 2014). "New Teen Star Liza Soberano On The Possibility Of Being In Love With Enrique Gil While They're Taping 'Forevermore'". showbiz-portal.com. Showbiz Portal. Retrieved January 16, 2016.
- ^ Dumaual, Jose Miguel (November 4, 2014). "Why Liza Soberano left GMA-7". ABS-CBN News. ABS-CBN Corporation. Retrieved January 16, 2016.
- ^ Gavilan, Jodesz (May 23, 2015). "FULL RECAP: 'Forevermore' series finale". Rappler. Retrieved February 21, 2017.
- ^ Garcia, Vince (May 22, 2015). "'Forevermore' finale sets social media ablaze". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved February 21, 2017.
- ^ "More of Enrique and Liza on the big screen". The Manila Times. Retrieved July 1, 2015.
- ^ "Enrique and Liza in 'Forevermore'". The Manila Times. October 11, 2014. Retrieved October 22, 2014.
- ^ "SNEAK PEEK: Enrique Gil, Liza Soberano in 'Forevermore'". ABS-CBN News. August 29, 2014. Retrieved October 22, 2014.
- ^ "Enrique Gil, Liza Soberano star in 'The Bet'". Star Cinema. ABS-CBN Corporation. June 25, 2014. Retrieved January 16, 2016.
- ^ "Liza Soberano likes it 'super fast'". Star Cinema. ABS-CBN Corporation. July 10, 2014. Retrieved January 16, 2016.
- ^ "Liza Soberano bags lead role in 'The Bet'". ABS-CBN News. ABS-CBN Corporation. June 26, 2014. Retrieved January 16, 2016.
- ^ Dizon, Irish Christianne (June 20, 2015). "Team Forever". The Philippine Star. Retrieved January 16, 2016.
- ^ "Another LizQuen film coming soon". ABS-CBN News. ABS-CBN Corporation. July 24, 2015. Retrieved January 16, 2016.
- ^ Buan-Deveza, Reyma (July 28, 2015). . ABS-CBNnews.com. ABS-CBN Corporation. Archived from the original on January 27, 2016. Retrieved January 16, 2016.
- ^ "WATCH: Liza, Enrique, Gerald in 'Everyday I love You' official trailer". Rappler. October 14, 2015. Retrieved January 16, 2016.
- ^ Vila Caole, Alixandra (August 3, 2016). "Liza Soberano lands first global beauty label endorsement". Philippine Star Lifestyle. Retrieved August 3, 2016.
- ^ "WATCH: Liza Soberano, Enrique Gil in 'My Ex and Whys' trailer". Rappler. January 22, 2017. Retrieved February 9, 2017.
- ^ "'My Ex and Whys' makes P200 million". ABS-CBN News. February 24, 2017. Retrieved February 25, 2017.
- ^ https://www.abs-cbn.com/newsroom/news-releases/2019/4/4/press-statement-on-liza-soberano-and-darna?lang=en[bare URL]
- ^ "It's official! Liza Soberano is the new Darna". ABS-CBN News. ABS-CBN Corporation. May 30, 2017. Retrieved May 30, 2017.
- ^ https://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/09/04/22/liza-enrique-to-go-separate-ways-in-terms-of-career[bare URL]
- ^ "ABS-CBN film exec on 'LizQuen' tandem going their separate ways". September 2, 2022.
- ^ Yap, Tim (August 23, 2015). "29 women so bright & beautiful". The Philippine Star. Lifestyle. Retrieved September 6, 2016.
- ^ Soon, Chen Kang (June 26, 2017). "Q&A: The factors that make Philippines a unique market". Campaign. Retrieved July 4, 2017.
- ^ "Liza Soberano has the 'most beautiful face in the world'". Asia Times. December 28, 2017. Retrieved May 22, 2020.
- ^ "Liza Soberano is 'Most Beautiful Face' for 2017". Rappler. December 29, 2017. Retrieved May 22, 2020.
- ^ "World's most admired 2018". YouGov. April 13, 2018. Retrieved April 13, 2018.
{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires|journal=(help) - ^ "Why Liza Soberano thinks she's not pretty". ABS-CBN News. August 23, 2016. Retrieved February 4, 2017.
- ^ "Liza Soberano says she doesn't see herself as the 'most beautiful'". The Philippine Star. August 31, 2016.
- ^ "LizQuen tandem hits the rom-com spot". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved October 31, 2015.
- ^ Bautista, Mario (November 5, 2015). "Everyday I Love You Review: Liza Soberano Shines Brightly With Oozing Charisma And Star Quality". showbiz-portal.com. Showbiz Portal. Retrieved September 6, 2016.
- ^ "MOVIE REVIEW: Gerald Anderson, Liza Soberano, Enrique Gil in Everyday I Love You". Philippine Entertainment Portal. Retrieved October 30, 2015.
- ^ "Liza Soberano and Enrique Gil air opinion regarding mental health". Retrieved April 5, 2020.
- ^ Severo, Jan Milo (April 2, 2020). "Nadine Lustre, Liza Soberano express dismay over handling of COVID-19 situation". The Philippine Star. from the original on April 4, 2020. Retrieved April 5, 2020.
- ^ Guno, Niña V. (April 4, 2020). "'Empathy not threats': Stars speak up on Duterte's 'shoot-to-kill' order". Philippine Daily Inquirer. from the original on April 4, 2020. Retrieved April 5, 2020.
- ^ "Liza Soberano reacts to a rape comment: 'We won't let this one pass'". ABS-CBN News. September 21, 2020. Retrieved October 23, 2020.
- ^ News, MJ Felipe, ABS-CBN (September 24, 2020). "Liza Soberano files complaint vs. netizen over rape remark". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved October 23, 2020.
{{cite web}}:|last=has generic name (help) - ^ "Liza Soberano gets emotional speaking at Gabriela Youth event". Manila Bulletin. October 14, 2020. Retrieved October 23, 2020.
- ^ a b c "Lawmakers to AFP official: Stop 'red-tagging' celebrities, others who speak up on women's issues". cnn. Retrieved October 23, 2020.
- ^ a b c Talabong, Rambo (October 22, 2020). "Parlade warns Liza Soberano on supporting Gabriela: 'You will suffer the same fate' of those killed". Rappler. Retrieved October 23, 2020.
- ^ Gonzales, Cathrine (October 23, 2020). "Soberano not afraid of Parlade's 'unsolicited advice,' says lawyer". Inquirer.net. Retrieved October 24, 2020.
- ^ "WATCH: Liza reveals relationship with Enrique since 2014". ABS-CBN News. February 15, 2019. Retrieved February 24, 2019.
- ^ Regondola, Glenn (July 27, 2016). "Liza Soberano and brother undergo baptism, confirmation, and first communion in Christian ceremony". Philippine Entertainment Portal (in Filipino). Retrieved August 15, 2016.
- ^ Grobar, Matt (August 11, 2022). "'Lisa Frankenstein': Carla Gugino, Liza Soberano, Joe Chrest & Henry Eikenberry Board Zelda Williams' Horror-Comedy For Focus Features". Deadline. Retrieved August 12, 2022.
- ^ "Ella Cruz will star with Diego Loyzaga and Khalil Ramos in MMK". Philippine Entertainment Portal. GMA New Media. May 31, 2013. Retrieved January 16, 2016.
- ^ "Liza Soberano and Shay Mitchell Are Alexandra Trese". Netflix Media Center. Retrieved March 7, 2021.
- ^ "Make It With You - Ben&Ben (Official Music Video)". YouTube. January 31, 2020.
- ^ "WATCH: Ben&Ben's 'Make It With You' cover". Rappler. February 1, 2020. Retrieved August 31, 2021.
- ^ "PMPC announces the nominees of the 27th Star Awards for Television". November 8, 2013. Retrieved November 8, 2013.
- ^ "30th PMPC Star Awards for Movies nominees unveiled". Reyes, William. Retrieved February 24, 2014.
- ^ "Piolo, Toni named 2014 Box Office King & Queen". Philippine Entertainment Portal. Retrieved May 18, 2015.
- ^ . Philippine Entertainment Portal. Archived from the original on November 24, 2015. Retrieved October 9, 2015.
- ^ "John Lloyd, Bea, Vice, Coco, Vic, Ai-Ai lead winners at the Box Office Entertainment Awards". Philippine Entertainment Portal. Retrieved February 21, 2016.
- ^ Reyes, Leony (February 24, 2016). "32nd Star Awards for Movies nominees unveiled". Philippine Entertainment Portal. Retrieved February 24, 2016.
- ^ "Heart, Jennylyn, Kim, Julia, Liza, Nadine, Dawn nominated for Best Drama Actress at Star Awards for TV". Philippine Entertainment Portal. October 8, 2016. Retrieved October 9, 2016.
- ^ Medina, Rogelio (February 22, 2017). . The Philippine Star. Archived from the original on March 1, 2017. Retrieved March 2, 2017.
- ^ Jarloc, Glaiza (April 23, 2017). "ABS-CBN stars win big at 48th Box Office Entertainment Awards". SunStar.
External links
- Profile on Star Magic
- Liza Soberano at IMDb