Bela Padilla is a multi-talented British-Filipino artist who has made a name for herself in the Philippine entertainment industry.
She is an actress, film producer, director, screenwriter, TV host, and brand ambassador. She is also a member of the famous Padilla family of actors in the Philippines.
She has starred in numerous television series and films, and has written and directed her own work.
contour
- Full name: Krista Elyse Hidalgo Sullivan
- Nickname: Bela Padilla
- Date of Birth: May 3, 1990
- Age: 34
- Gender: Female
- Birthplace: Makati, Philippines
- Nationality: British Filipino
- Occupation: Actress, Film Producer, Film Director, Screenwriter, TV Host, Brand Ambassador
- Height: 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm)
- Parents: Cornelius Gary Sullivan (father), Margarette Cariño Hidalgo (mother)
- Siblings: Three English half-siblings, one older brother from both parents
- Partner: Norman Ben Bay
- Children: None
- Relationship status: In a relationship
- Net worth: $2 million
Early life and education
Bella Padilla, 34, was born on May 3, 1990, in Makati, Philippines, the daughter of Englishman Cornelius Gary Sullivan and Filipino Margaret Cariño Hidalgo.
She has three half-siblings living in the UK and an older brother, both of whose parents bear her last name. She grew up in a multicultural and artistic family, her mother being a cousin of the Filipino actor Padilla family.
She attended a Montessori-style international school in Forbes Park, Makati, before enrolling in the foreigner class at St. Augustine’s College in Makati.
She studied journalism in high school and is a devout Jehovah’s Witness.
personal life
Bela Padilla is currently in a relationship with Norman Ben Bay, a Swiss-Filipino businessman based in London.
In 2023, she moved to London for a variety of reasons, including wanting to be closer to her boyfriend and to explore herself. She also wanted to pursue her love of writing and directing films.
She has been dating Norman since she met him through a mutual friend in 2020. She describes him as her “best friend” and”soul mate“.
As she focuses on her career and personal growth, she has no plans to get married or have children in the near future.
Profession
Bela Padilla began her career in 2007 as a member of Starlight Magic’s 15th batch, under the stage name Krista Valle.
In 2010, she moved to GMA Network and changed her stage name to Bela Padilla. She is known for her roles in TV series such as Endless Love, Machete, Magdalena, and Angel Probinciano.
She has also starred in films such as “10,000 Hours”, “100 Tula Para Kay Stella”, “Fireworks” and “Miracle in Room 7”.
In 2022, she made her directorial debut, writing and starring in the film 366. She also wrote the screenplay for the 2017 film Last Night, starring Toni Gonzaga and Piolo Pascual.
She has won several awards and nominations for her acting and screenwriting skills such as FAMAS Award, PMPC Star Award, Gawad Urian Award and Luna Award.
She hosts the variety show ASAP and is also a brand ambassador for various products and causes.
Awards
Some of the awards Bela Padilla has received during her career include:
- In 2018, she won the FAMAS Best Actress Award for “100 Tula Para Kay Stella”.
- In 2018, she won the PMPC Film Actress of the Year Star Award for “100 Tula Para Kay Stella”.
- Won the 2020 Gawad Urian Best Actress Award for “Mañanita”.
- In 2018, Last Night won the Luna Award for Best Screenplay.
- Won the 2018 FAMAS Best Original Screenplay Award for Last Night.
- In 2018, Last Night won the PMPC Star Award for Original Screenplay of the Year.
- “Miracle in Cell No. 7” won the 2020 FAMAS Best Adapted Screenplay Award.
- “Miracle in Cell No. 7” won the 2020 PMPC Annual Film Adapted Screenplay Star Award.
dispute
Bela Padilla has faced some controversies during her career, such as;
- In 2012, she was accused of being a “homewrecker” for allegedly having an affair with Philippine Senator Bong Revilla, who is the wife of actress Lani Mercado. She denied the allegations and said she was just friends with Revilla, who was her co-star in the movie “Witness”.
- In 2017, she was criticized for wearing a bikini with the Philippine flag on the cover of a magazine. She apologized for the incident and said she had no intention of disrespecting the flag or the country.
- In 2019, she was sued by her former talent agency, Viva Artists Agency, for breach of contract. She claimed the agency did not give her fair compensation and creative freedom, and she wanted to terminate her contract. The case was settled out of court in 2020.
social media
- Instagram account: @bela
- Twitter: @padillabela
Filmography
- witness
- 10000 hours
- 10,000 hours
- Felix Manalo
- Savvy Camp
- I am American
- love at first sight
- last night
- 100 Tula Para Kay Stella
- Meet me in St. Gallen
- The day after Valentine’s Day
- Mananita
- Miracle in Cell Number 7
- Vodka, beer and regret
net worth
Bela Padilla’s net worth is estimated to be $2 million.
She earns income through various projects like being an actress, film producer, film director, screenwriter, television host, and brand ambassador.
