It's Me, Gracee: Glaiza De Castro

Sinagtala is a film about Life, Music and long-lasting friendships

Arci Muñoz Wednesday, March 12, 2025

Most friendships started during childhood, while some meet their friends in their college days when they are starting to build up their courage to be independent.

In the upcoming film "Sinagtala", a college rock band named "SINAGTALA" who used to be famous in their days, is making a comeback — but it’s not quite what they had in mind. This film is sure to strike a chord with every Filipino who understands the power of music to uplift and connect with the heart.

Meet the Cast

Glaiza De Castro

Rayver Cruz

Rhian Ramos

Matt Lozano

Arci Muñoz

Once a hit, the band Sinagtala broke up years ago. Now, each member is on a journey to rediscover themselves while dealing with the chaos of life and the weight of adulting.

The film is written and directed by Mike E. Sandejas of the Directors’ Guild of the Philippines (DGPI). Direk Mike shared that this film was meant for the cast, they did everything they can so that their hectic schedule would fit while they are filming. It's a star-studded cast and all of them were quite busy with different projects at that time but they were able to finish the movie without any problems. Although music took up almost half of the film since they are a band performing, this is not a musical genre film. They will feature original songs as well.

Direk Mike’s previous films are two of our personal all-time favorites in Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival – “Tulad Ng Dati” (won best film, best editing, and best sound in Cinemalaya 2006) and “Dinig Sana Kita” (which bagged the audience choice award and best original music score in Cinemalaya 2009).

During the mediacon of Sinagtala The Movie, the cast shared that they enjoyed doing this film. For Glaiza, she can very well relate to her role since her first love will always be music. According to her, when she is down, she always rely on music, she listens to Hillsong and pray that everything will be fine in time. As a singer, she can very well relate since she is also a vocalist of their band in this movie.

Most of the fans of Rhian and Glaiza who worked together in GMA Network's The Rich Man's Daughter will be excited to know that they are working again in a project, even after Encantadia, this time as friends. Rhian plays the drums in this film which is actually a movie truly meant for her because even before entered showbiz, she was playing drums although she admitted that because she became an actress, she took classes again to refresh her skills in playing drums again.

Rayver Cruz on the other hand came from a family who are into singing, most of her cousins are singers and he admits that if ever given the chance, he would also want to explore singing because people know him as a dancer and actor. He is also inspired because her girlfriend Julie Anne San Jose is her me tor when it comes to singing, they are both musically inclined which makes their bond stronger.

Arci Muñoz said that she was about to turn down this project because of how heavy her character is but when she read the script, she felt like it was really meant for her and that no one can portray it better than her. She can relate to the film because she is also part of a band in real life although they mostly play metal songs. She added that music plays a big part of her life because it saved her from sadness especially now that she is hooked on BTS and is a big fan of SUGA.

Matt Lozano is thankful to be part of this film because he can explore his musical side since he is also a singer. It's been his dream to perform to a big crowd and his dreams are finally coming true with a bonus of being an actor. He added that his family are proud of his accomplishments and he is excited to do more for his career.

Don't miss SINAGTALA The Movie showing on April 2 in cinemas nationwide!

For more updates, follow their official Social Media Accounts: Facebook, Instagram

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A gender-switch story like no other with FALSE POSITIVE starring Xian Lim & Glaiza De Castro

Entertainment Thursday, May 12, 2022

Have you ever wondered what it would be like if there will be a gender role switched between a man and a woman? Let's say there will be a spell that would make Men have monthly menstrual periods and then get pregnant as well? It would've been chaos right?

This is an extraordinary event that will definitely shock both genders since we're so accustomed to each individual's roles from the very beginning. Premiered last May 2, GMA Entertainment Group proudly presented the most explosive gender-switch on Philippine TV via ‘False Positive.’

The fantasy romcom stars the pairing of sought-after leading man Xian Lim in his first GMA primetime series and multitalented Kapuso actress Glaiza De Castro.

Xian during the Bloggers Conference of

False Positive

Xian is grateful to be given the chance to portray the unique and challenging character of Edward, “Nakakatuwa lang kasi nabigyan ako ng chance to portray ang pinagdadaanan ng isang babae. Kahit papaano, naiintindihan ko na yun, naiparamdam sa akin kumbaga, kurot pa lang yung nararamdaman sa dami na pagdadaanan. That gives me a whole level of respect for you guys. Sobrang hirap, lahat ng mothers sa set, I was asking for advice, comment and feedback para mas maging legit, and genuine yung performance kasi hinding-hindi ko mararamdaman yun or paano ba aralin yung pagbubuntis...I think a big part din is inenjoy lang namin yung proseso kung paano hanapin yung kanya-kanyang characters.”

Xian shared that he enjoyed doing the romcom project for a change because he wanted to do something light since we have experience a lot in the past two years so he felt that this is the best project that he can give to the viewers. Since it was comedy, he did his best to portray each scene that best and most natural was he can deliver and most of it he said were impromptu and made by his creative mind. Xian has been one of the lucky stars that has been busy despite the pandemic, getting projects -movies and teleseryes plus he is also busy with his YouTube Channel. He said that he just loves what he is doing, if you're passionate with your craft, it will just flow naturally even if you're busy and will continue to make time for it.

Glaiza, in turn, reveals feeling pressured channeling her role Yannie in this series, “Honestly, natakot ako. Nagtanong talaga ako kung paano ba yung comedy. Kasi nga doon sa mga eksena, hindi ko alam kung paanong approach yung gagawin ko kasi nasanay nga ako sa mga intense so, nasanay ako na inaaral ko lagi, sanay ako na by the books na verbatim ako sa script kung mag aadlib man ako, aaralin ko yan days before. Hindi ako sanay sa impromptu so natatakot talaga ako…pero nagpapasalamat ako sa tulong lang rin ng lahat. Na-fulfill ko naman kahit papaano, feeling ko naman nagawa ko naman yung dapat kong gawin. Masaya siya, na-enjoy ko talaga yung process.”

Since Glaiza recently got married, this role seems perfectly fit for her. She got married last year October 2021 to David Rainey, an Irish Business at Northern Ireland. Although she said she doesn't have plans yet of having a baby soon because she wanted to be physically, mentally and emotionally ready for it. Basing on her family and friend's advices, it felt like she will be on a marathon if she finally enters motherhood which is why she wanted to be very prepared when it the right time comes.

Glaiza shared that working with Xian was so nice since they are very comfortable working with each other they also love working with Direk Irene.

Also present during the Bloggers Conference were Rochelle Pangilinan as Bernice Siodra (Yannie’s best friend), Luis Hontiveros as Devon Rosales (Edward’s cousin and right hand man) and Yvette Sanchez as Pauline Dare (Edward’s sexy-tary who will do everything to level up their relationship).

Watch the Bloggers Conference of False Positive with the cast openly answered witty questions ♂️♀️

Edward (Xian) and Yannie (Glaiza) are the perfect couple. Young, in love, and crazy for each other, they promised to build a life and a family that they would always put first. Not long after getting married, Yannie found out she was pregnant and the couple was overjoyed; but that joy was gradually replaced with bickering, fights, and even jealousy. Edward became too busy with his job, often leaving Yannie alone. After one major fight, Yannie cursed into the wind hoping that Edward would understand what she was going through. A playful diwata heard this, and granted her wish, a little too literally.

A roster of talented artists joins them in this ground-breaking series: Dominic Roco as Froilan Siodra, Bernice’s husband and Yannie’s OB GYNE; Buboy Villar as Malakas, Maganda’s partner; Herlene “Hipon Girl” Budol as Maganda, the playful diwata; Alma Concepcion as Marla, Edward’s mother; Dianne dela Fuente as Maritess, a vlogger who will discover Edward’s condition.

Making the program equally exciting is the special participation of Mr. Tonton Gutierrez as Rodrigo de la Guardia, Edward’s strict father; and Ms. Nova Villa as Lola Mamerta, Yannie’s grandmother whom she is very close to.

Esteemed director Irene Villamor is at the helm of this much-awaited primetime soap.

Love, drama, heaps of laughter, and valuable life lessons await Kapuso viewers in this original drama. Join Edward and Yannie as they go through their marriage together – roles reversed, or not – in False Positive, weeknights 8:50 p.m. right after First Lady on GMA Telebabad.

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Glaiza De Castro is HAPPY in My Letters to Happy showing on July 17

Entertainment Monday, July 01, 2019

Even with a job as an actress and a celebrity, Glaiza takes her craft seriously and does her best to deliver on her roles on screen. She started out in smaller roles in films in her early years in show business. Years later she made a name for herself starring in villain roles before headlining the fantaserye Grazilda in 2019.

Later on, she was able to make a name for her self as a singer and even put out an album. She returned to music, but offers for projects on television and film didn't cease. She starred in multiple dramas like Encantadia, The Rich Man's Daughter, and Contessa. Even, with a number of successful teleseryes sunder her belt, she returned to film with the indie gem Liway.

Now she is on her journey to her next big project. This year Glaiza will be pursuing her studies in London, as this is something she always wanted to do. Her short break from showbiz in the Philippines to pursue her happiness is well-deserved. Surely, she will be back revitalized and ready to tackle on whatever comes next for her.

Happy is a positive force to be reckoned with. She will overwhelm you with her exuberant personality and boundless love for life. To Albert, she is a girl with infinite possibilities and random whims.

Before her hiatus, Glaiza has one more film to share with her fans and Filipino audiences. The upcoming film "My Letters to Happy" is her last project before leaving. Here she worked with Pertee Brinas and actor TJ Trinidad to tell a story that is both heartbreaking and very relevant in society.

The film about the romance and the struggles of a relationship in the modern age, where a brilliant corporate star, Albert, loses his drive after a series of unfortunate events unfold. In his darkness, his luck changes when he meets a random person online. He doesn't know that she is the one who would change his life forever.

Glaiza De Castro, once again showcases her versatility in My Letters to Happy. She will not disappoint because she's a very talented actress. She will always give her 100% and there's no role she can't do and each project she does, she makes it a point that it will now have a resemblance to any character or role she has done in the past. Every project she does is a fresh one and one can't help but praise her for all her efforts and collaborative work with the staff, director and the cast.

Glaiza De Castro at the red carpet premiere of "My Letters to Happy" at SM Megamall

Glaiza talks about her role as Happy, "As much as she wants to stay positive, may mga episodes siya na hindi na nya ma-control, may mga bagay siya na hindi niya kayang ayusin sa sarili niya." She continued to express her collaborative work with Dr. Brinas on researching more about anxiety and depression to properly convey the message to audiences.

My Letters To Happy stars Glaiza De Castro, Tj Trinidad, Benj Manalo, Teetin Villanueva, and Alyssa Valdez. Melai Etuna produced it with Executive producers Kent Ley Troy C. Cuyco MD and Gabrielle Alvarez- Cuyco under studios I Am Who I Am Foundation Inc. and Keep Filming.

Don't miss MY LETTERS TO HAPPY showing on July 17 in cinemas!

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Cinemalaya's all-time highest grossing film 'LIWAY' starring Glaiza De Castro now showing!

Dominic Roco Thursday, October 11, 2018

After a very successful premiere at the 2018 Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival, the film "Liway" begins its commercial release across the country which started last October 10. Quantum Films is the distributor of this stirring motion picture. The story, which is set during Martial Law, is about a young mother who uses storytelling to protect her young son from the painful realities of prison life.

The movie is based on director Kip Oebanda's experiences as he was growing up inside the prison camp where his parents were detained.

It features rousing performances by Glaiza de Castro as inday/Kumander Liway, Dominic Roco, Soliman Cruz, Joel Saracho, Nico Antonio, Sue,Prado, Paolo Ohara, Ebong Joson, Gerry Cornejo, Diana Alferez. Julie Bautista, Pau Benitez, Liway Gabo, She Maala, Renante Bustamante, with Vance Larena, Upeng Galang-Fernandez, and Khalil Ramos in a very special role. Child actor Kenken Nuyad plays Inday's son, Dakip. The screenplay is written by Kip Oebanda and Zig Dulay.

Present during the Blogcon were two of the main cast of LIWAY

Glaiza De Castro as Liway

Dominic Roco as Ric

Glaiza De Castro shared her experience on her role as "Liway. She wasn’t even born yet during Martial Law but she “experienced” how it was like then, how hard it was for most of the people to express their freedom and fight for their rights. The film was shot in 9 days and Glaiza even recalled that she was shooting Contessa and Liway at that time. She added that it was a challenging role for her because it was based from a real life experience.

The movie is produced by VY/AC Productions and Exquisite Aspect Ventures. "My childhood memories were full of laughter and love coupled with the daily routines of prison life," Oebanda writes in his director's notes. "Within the barb wired walls and the cramped, small room, I learned to read, write and speak."

Although the young Kip was thrown into a place that was certainly unfit for a child, he learned to cope, Oebanda says, "My parents, to the best of their ability, tried to keep me healthy and happy."

By all accounts and in the small flashes of my memory, it was a happy childhood." "Liway" presents through the poignant relationship of mother and child, the struggles of those who fought for freedom during Martial Law. "Beyond a deeply personal story of people who refuse to remain as victims, it brings the audience to the emotional journey and sacrifices that freedom requires," Oebanda elaborates.

Glaiza shared how she prepared for her role as "Liway" which was made easier because she met Liway in person, she learned alot from the way she talks, she acts but when she finally demonstrated how to hold a gun and how to use it, Glaiza respected her even more. To portray a very empowered woman like Liway is an honor for her according to Glaiza.

Glaiza also had some physical adjustments for her role from her hair since in Contessa she had her hair in blonde but as Liway, she needs to have her hair in pure black.

Glaiza also shared how she appreciates all the good reviews about the movie starting from the standing ovation they got when the film was released via Cinemalaya the to her nomination as Best Actress. “From the moment they gave me the role, I had hoped to give justice to it. I felt the public had to hear the story of Liway. If only for that, I had a clear vision of what I needed to do.” Although she didn't win the said award, Glaiza still feels blessed that she was able to get the role and the viewers loves it, for her that is enough as a reward already.

Glaiza also hopes that the film's subject and message can motivate the youth to examine the Martial Law period. She says, "(Sana) magiging kahalo na ng mga gagawin natin sa hinaharap. Magigiging inspirasyon... ugat ng diskusyon."

Producer Alemberg Ang affirms, "To preserve the lessons of the past, we must tap both the hearts and minds, particularly of the younger generations who may not have lived through the era."

The reaction so far has been nothing short of "electrifying." Thanks to good reviews and strong word-of-mouth, "Liway" is turning out to be the Martial Law movie of this generation. The story truly resonates with the people.

Throughout the Cinemalaya 2018 festical, "Liway" is turning out to be the Martial Law movie of this generation but the cast said that the movie is also about family and hope.

Liway played to SRO audiences wherever it was shown, eventually becoming the highest-grossing Cinemalaya film in the festival's 14-year history. At almost every screening, those who watched were stirred to tears, standing ovations, and even patriotic chanting.

So don't be left out. Find out why everyone is raving about "Liway." Now showing in selected cinemas nationwide!

Interested parties may organize block screenings", for more information, please visit the Liway Facebook page.

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Glaiza de Castro is CONTESSA: Premieres March 19 via GMA Afternoon Prime

Contessa GMA Cast Friday, March 16, 2018

Prepare to be enthralled in a riveting story of a woman seeking justice as GMA Nertwork proudly introduces the newest addition to its top-rating Afternoon Prime line-up with the launch of Contessa. The drama series is set to air beginning March 19 right after Eat Bulaga.

No less than multi-talented Kapuso actress Glaiza de Castro headlines the new program as Contessa/Beatrice "Bea" Resureccion and she feels grateful that she was chosen for the coveted role.

During the exclusive screening of "Contessa", some of the lead cast were present to share some important details about their role and the show.

Meet the cast of CONTESSA:

After being accused and imprisoned for a crime she did not commit, Bea is determined to seek revenge on those who took everything and everyone she loved away from her. Witness her redemption and thirst for justice as she rises from the ground--stronger than ever--and claims a new identity as Contessa.

"Sobrang honored ako. The role itself is challenging at napakalaking responsibility siya. It just means na ganun kalaki ang tiwala sa akin ng GMA and na-appreciate ko na binibigyan nila ako ng important projects that will enhance my skills as an actor,"

she says.

Contessa will be replacing the timeslot of the top rated afternoon prime show of GMA Network which is Ika-6 na Utos, how does Glaiza de Castro handles the pressure of it?

Glaiza also mentioned that it was even harder to portray the role as Contessa compare to being Pirena saying, "Nung Encantadia, akala ko 'yun na 'yung pinakamahirap na role ko so far kasi 'di ba may mga physical and emotional scenes. Dito, doble. Kasi mas doble 'yung iyakan, mas doble 'yung pisikalan, pero na-excite ako."

The cast of Contessa taken during their Grand Presscon

Playing very important roles in the series are Contessa's leading men: Geoff Eigenmann as Gabriel Caballero, a self-made man and a successful OFW who returns to the country when his brother, Marco, gets murdered; Jak Roberto as Santiago "Jong" Generoso, Jr., Bea's closest and most reliable friend. Secretly, he is in love with her and hopes that she will love him back.

Adding star power to this series are Gabby Eigenmann as Vito Imperial, a powerful and influential man with illegal business activities. During the interview, Gabby shared that he has been wishing to work again with Glaiza since he loves her professionalism, they've worked before in Dading and since they've been very close friends.

Lauren Young as Daniella Imperial, the self-entitled, sophisticated head of Empire Publishing Group.

Lauren also shared what it was like to play the villain in Contessa, sharing that there's a backstory of her character why she ended up doing eveil things to Bea (Glaiza's role).

Portraying a very special role is Mark Herras as Marco Caballero, a handsome and intelligent writer who is the longtime boyfriend of Bea.

Contessa also features two of the industry's seasoned and respected actresses: Chanda Romero as Charito Castillo-Imperial, the manipulative mother of Daniella and Vito; and Tetchie Agbayani as Guada Venganza, a mysterious and rich prisoner whom Bea

meets in jail.

Completing the all-star cast are: Leandro Baldemor as SPO2 Santiago "Tiago" Generoso, Sr., Jong's loving and supportive father who is an honorable policeman; Dominic Roco as Atty. Oliver Sta. Ana, Gabriel's close friend and an ambitious lawyer aspiring to be the youngest Solicitor General; Bernadette Allyson as Sarah Imperial, Vito's trophy wife who loves him very much; Melissa Mendez as Helen Caballero, the mother of Gabriel and Marco; Tanya Gomez as Linda Resureccion, the thoughtful and kindhearted mother of Contessa/Bea; Karel Marquez as Gigi, Contessa/Bea's friend inside the correctional; Phytos Ramirez as Winston Mallari, Vito's right hand man and does his dirty jobs for him; Denise Barbacena as Miadora, Daniella's loyal and dependable executive assistant; Will Ashley as Ely Resureccion, Bea's smart, caring, and cheerful younger brother.

After watching the pilot episode of Contessa, all I can say is this is definitely a must-watch teleserye, another dream role perfectly crafted for Glaiza de Castro. I am looking forward to watch her transition from being the nice Bea to the vengeful Contessa. I also love the chemistry of Glaiza de Castro and Mark Herras on screen and I am looking forward to see if it's the same with Jak Roberto and Geoff Eigenmann.

Lauren Young, as always, nails her role as the classy villain matched with the ever brilliant actor Mr. Gabby Eigenmann who never fails to wow the viewers with his versatile acting, he doesn't need a lot of lines, just eye contact and he can definitely make any thrilling. I'm quite sure that they'll do a great job replacing the top rating teleserye Ika-6 na Utos, although it may be a big challenge for all the cast and the creative team, this is yet to be unfolded since the pilot epside is quite interesting as well, I just hope they can maintain it all throughout its full run.

Behind this intriguing drama is the creative team composed of Creative Director Roy iglesias; Concept creator Marlon Miguel; Head writer Christine Novicio; Creative Head for Afternoon Prime Block Dode Cruz and Creative Consultant Kit Langit.

The program is another original creation of the GMA Drama group under the supervision of Senior Vice President for Entertainment Content Group Lilybeth G. Rasonable; Vice President for Drama Redgie Acuña-Magno; Assistant Vice President for Drama Cheryl Ching-Sy; and Senior Program Manager Cathy Ochoa-Perez.

Contessa is under the helm of esteemed director Albert Langitan. He directed the recently-concluded top-rating Afternoon Prime series Impostora.