Gretchen Barretto
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Gretchen Castelo Barretto (; born March 6, 1970) is a Filipino actress, socialite, and philanthropist. She was launched in
Regal Films Regal Entertainment, Inc. (formerly and more commonly known as Regal Films) is a Philippine film production company based in Pasig. It was founded by Lily Monteverde on August 19, 1962. It has produced movies of all genres; and is the oldest s ...
' ''14 Going on Steady'' as a singer-actress, with the release of her debut single "Going Steady", which served as the soundtrack single to her debut film. In the late eighties, Barretto rose to prominence after gaining success in skin flicks produced by
Seiko Films Seiko Films was a Philippine film production company owned and run by Robbie Tan. It is known for its bold film of the late 1990s. Seiko Films was known for its tagline "If it's from Seiko, it must be good" used from 1989 to 1994. History Seik ...
like ''Tukso, Layuan Mo Ako!'', ''Ang Bukas Ay Akin'', ''Ama, Bakit Mo Ako Pinabayaan?'', ''Lumayo Ka Man Sa Akin'' and ''Bakit Ako Mahihiya?''. She has released two studio albums under
Star Records Star Music (stylized in lowercase as starmusic; formerly known as Star Records), is a record label in the Philippines owned and operated by media conglomerate ABS-CBN Corporation. It was formerly a separate company operating as a wholly owned su ...
. Her debut album, ''Unexpected'', was released in 2008, and her second album ''Complicated'' was released a year after. Her two younger sisters,
Marjorie Marjorie is a female given name derived from Margaret, which means pearl. It can also be spelled as Margery or Marjory. Marjorie is a medieval variant of Margery, influenced by the name of the herb marjoram. It came into English from the Old Fre ...
and
Claudine Claudine may refer to: Name * Claudine (given name), a feminine given name of French origin Culture * ''Claudine'' (film), a 1974 American film by John Berry ** ''Claudine'' (soundtrack), its soundtrack album. Music by Curtis Mayfield and Gladis ...
, and niece
Julia Julia is usually a feminine given name. It is a Latinate feminine form of the name Julio and Julius. (For further details on etymology, see the Wiktionary entry "Julius".) The given name ''Julia'' had been in use throughout Late Antiquity (e.g. ...
are also actresses. Since 2010, she is already a contract star of
ABS-CBN ABS-CBN (an initialism of its two predecessors' names, Alto Broadcasting System and Chronicle Broadcasting Network) is a Television in the Philippines, Philippine Commercial broadcasting, commercial broadcast broadcast network, network tha ...
.


Biography


1984–1987: Early career beginnings

Barretto was launched as one of the newest ''Regal Babies'' together with former child actress
Janice de Belen Catherine Janice Yap de Belen (; born November 9, 1968), better known as Janice de Belen, is a Filipino actress, commercial model and television host. She is dubbed as the “''Queen of Horror-Drama''” for her acting prowess and exceptional ...
and upcoming actress
Nadia Montenegro Nadia is a female name. Variations include Nadja, Nadya, Nadine, Nadiya, and Nadiia. Most variations of the name are derived from Arabic, Slavic languages, or both. In Slavic, names similar to ''Nadia'' mean "hope" in many Slavic languages: ...
. Barretto released her debut single entitled "Going Steady", which was also the official theme song of the movie ''14 Going on Steady'' in which she top-billed along with de Belen and Montenegro. The single was critically panned but became a radio hit in the Philippines. Rumors swirled about the rift between Barretto and de Belen about who should have sung the soundtrack single. In the aforementioned film, Barretto was chosen to record the song, while de Belen got more screen time dancing to the song as shown in the movie credits. Barretto continued to star in films like ''Ang Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang'', ''Paalam, Bukas ang Kasal Ko'', ''Life Begins at 40'' and ''Goat Buster''. Despite being launched as a singer-actress, Barretto never got the chance to record a studio album due to the annual movies lined up for her. She soon dropped out of high school to fully concentrate on her acting career.


1988–1993: Softcore movies and hosting stint

In 1988, Barretto was signed by Robbie Tan to become a contract star of
Seiko Films Seiko Films was a Philippine film production company owned and run by Robbie Tan. It is known for its bold film of the late 1990s. Seiko Films was known for its tagline "If it's from Seiko, it must be good" used from 1989 to 1994. History Seik ...
. In 1989, Barretto's image was revamped from being a teenybopper actress to a full-fledged sex siren. She appeared in several films like ''Ang Lihim Ng Golden Buddha,'' ''Ipaglalaban Ko'', ''Tukso, Layuan Mo Ako!'', ''Ama, Bakit Mo Ako Pinabayaan'' and ''Paminsan-Minsan''. Due to the string of successful softcore films she starred in, Barretto, along with actresses
Rita Avila Rita Ávila is a Filipino actress and author. Ávila is married to director, Erick Reyes, she had a baby who they named Elia Jesú E. Reyes. The baby died three weeks after being born. She also wrote an inspirational booklet called, ''8 Ways to ...
, Cristina Gonzales and Rina Reyes, were tagged as the "ST Queens" (which stands for "sex trip") since they were among the most popular softcore actresses in Philippine cinema at that time. In 1992, while shooting the movie ''Ako Ang Katarungan'', Barretto was involved in a highly controversial relationship with married actor
Bong Revilla Ramon Bautista Bong Revilla Jr. (; born Jose Mari Bautista; September 25, 1966) and commonly known as Bong Revilla, is a Filipino actor, television presenter and politician serving as a Senator since 2019, and previously from 2004 to 2016. The ...
whom she had an affair with for four months. Barretto moved back to her home studio
Regal Films Regal Entertainment, Inc. (formerly and more commonly known as Regal Films) is a Philippine film production company based in Pasig. It was founded by Lily Monteverde on August 19, 1962. It has produced movies of all genres; and is the oldest s ...
in that same year. Some of her biggest films included ''Bakit Ako Mahihiya?'' and ''Kailangan Kita'' in which she was paired opposite
Gabby Concepcion Gabriel Arellano Concepcion (born 5 November 1964) is a Filipino actor, singer and businessman. He began his show business career in the 1980s as a teen commercial model and is known for his debonair career in Philippine cinema, spanning several ...
, all of which were produced by Regal Films. In 1994, Barretto embarked on a hosting career. She joined
Boy Abunda Eugenio Romerica Abunda Jr. (; born October 29, 1960), popularly known as Boy Abunda, is a Filipino professor, television host, publicist and talent manager. Early life and education Boy Abunda was born as Eugenio Romerica Abunda Jr. in Boro ...
in the late night talk show '' Show & Tell''. It was in that same year that she ended her contract with Seiko Films in an attempt to make her image more wholesome and commercial to the public. Barretto left ''Show & Tell'' after she became pregnant with Tonyboy Cojuangco's love child. She was replaced in the show by another sexpot in Anjanette Abayari. The show was canceled in less than a year, after poor ratings. In 1993 Barretto was linked to the '' Brunei beauties'' affair.


1994–1999: Public scandals and pregnancy

In June 1994, Barretto stood as the whistleblower to the scandal in the Manila Film Festival (not to be mistaken with the
Metro Manila Film Festival The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) is an annual film festival held in Metro Manila, Philippines. The festival, which runs from December 25 (Christmas) through New Year's Day and into first weekend of January in the following year, focuses on ...
which is held every December). In that said event, Barretto presented the award for Best Actress alongside Miss Universe Mauritius beauty queen
Viveka Babajee Viveka Babajee (27 May 1973 – 25 June 2010) was a Mauritian model and actress. She held the titles of Miss Mauritius World 1993 and Miss Mauritius Universe 1994. She was best known for her KamaSutra condom advertisements in the 1990s, and f ...
and actor
Rocky Gutierrez ''Rocky'' is a 1976 American sports drama film directed by John G. Avildsen and written by and starring Sylvester Stallone. It is the first installment in the Rocky franchise, ''Rocky'' franchise and stars Talia Shire, Burt Young, Carl Weather ...
, where both announced actress
Ruffa Gutierrez Sharmaine Ruffa Rama Gutierrez (born June 24, 1974) is a Filipino Model (person), model, beauty queen, host and actress. She was the 1992 Look of the Year - Philippines, Binibining Pilipinas World, Binibining Pilipinas World 1993 and Second Run ...
as the recipient of the award when it was
Aiko Melendez Mary Aiko Shimoji Melendez (born December 16, 1975), known professionally as Aiko Melendez (), is a Filipina actress and politician. Her father, Jimmy Melendez (born Jim Shinoji), was an actor. Her half-brother, Jam Melendez (son of Jimmy Melende ...
who actually won the award. Rocky Gutierrez was caught on camera slipping the envelope with the winner's name in his pocket while Babajee was heard uttering the words "Take it! Take it!" while handing the award to Ruffa Gutierrez. The same incident happened to the announcement of the winner of Best Actor in which Ruffa Gutierrez and actress
Nanette Medved Nanette Gwen Medved (born January 21, 1971) is a philanthropist, businesswoman, and former actress and model in the Philippines. She is the founder and chairwoman of Hope. She was honoured with a resolution passed by the Philippine House of Repre ...
declared Gabby Concepcion as the winner, when it was actor
Edu Manzano Eduardo "Edu" Manzano (; born September 14, 1955) is a Filipino American, Filipino-American actor, fashion model, TV commercial model, comedian, politician, United States Air Force veteran and television game host. He was previously the host of ...
who was the real recipient of the award. Barretto revealed that it was Concepcion's agent,
Lolit Solis Lolita "Lolit" A. Solis (born May 20, 1947) is a Filipina talk show host, entertainment news writer, and talent manager. Personal life Solis was born on May 20, 1947 in Manila, Philippines. She grew up in the squatters’ area in Lardizabal, Sa ...
and Gutierrez' mother, Annabelle Rama (who was also Babajee's talent agent) who masterminded the apparent fraud, and she also told reporters that Solis promised her a Best Actress win, a year later if she kept quiet about this plan. Solis pleaded guilty to the offense of orchestrating the hoax, while siblings Ruffa and Rocky Gutierrez, Medved and Babajee were all charged with
estafa In law, fraud is intentional deception to secure unfair or unlawful gain, or to deprive a victim of a legal right. Fraud can violate civil law (e.g., a fraud victim may sue the fraud perpetrator to avoid the fraud or recover monetary compensa ...
. A year later, Barretto got pregnant and gave birth to a daughter named Dominique. She also went public in announcing her relationship with billionaire business tycoon Antonio "Tony" Cojuangco Jr., a man twenty years her senior. Cojuangco admitted to being the father of Barretto's daughter. Barretto took a hiatus in showbiz to concentrate on her life as a mother, and partner to Cojuangco.


2000–2009: Showbiz comeback and music career launch

Throughout the late nineties, Barretto co-hosted the variety show '' ASAP'' in
ABS-CBN ABS-CBN (an initialism of its two predecessors' names, Alto Broadcasting System and Chronicle Broadcasting Network) is a Television in the Philippines, Philippine Commercial broadcasting, commercial broadcast broadcast network, network tha ...
but her serious comeback to acting began in a special portrayal in the drama series '' Sa Dulo Ng Walang Hanggan'' top-billed by sister Claudine Barretto in 2001. Barretto revealed that it was her sister Claudine who convinced her to return to acting after a long break from being away from the spotlight. In 2001, Barretto appeared with sisters Marjorie and Claudine in '' Private Conversations with Boy Abunda'' which became her first public interview together with her siblings. In 2006, Barretto and actress
Dawn Zulueta Marie Rachel Salman Taleon-Lagdameo (born March 4, 1969), known professionally as Dawn Zulueta (), is a Filipino actress, host and commercial model. She was recognized as the only Filipino actor to win two different major accolades in acting cat ...
engaged in heated exchange of insults after it was reported that the latter did not approve of the
prima donna In opera or commedia dell'arte, a prima donna (; Italian for "first lady"; plural: ''prime donne'') is the leading female singer in the company, the person to whom the prime roles would be given. ''Prime donne'' often had grand off-stage pers ...
behavior displayed by the former during a
Pantene Pantene () is a brand of hair care products owned by Procter & Gamble. The product line was first introduced in Europe in 1945 by Hoffmann-La Roche, which branded the name based on panthenol as a shampoo ingredient. It was purchased by Procter ...
shampoo commercial they made along with actresses Ruffa Gutierrez and
Angel Aquino Angel Aquino (born Angelita Velasquez Aquino on February 7, 1973) is a Filipino film and television actress. She is currently part of ABS-CBN's contract talents. She is mostly known for her lead antagonist roles such as Ether in '' Encantadia: ...
. Both actresses revealed that they were not in good terms with each other in separate interviews. Several months after the said incident, Zulueta told reporters that they have finally settled this issue in private. Later that year, Barretto finally accepted the lead role in the
Metro Manila Film Festival The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) is an annual film festival held in Metro Manila, Philippines. The festival, which runs from December 25 (Christmas) through New Year's Day and into first weekend of January in the following year, focuses on ...
entry ''Matakot Ka sa Karma'' released by Canary Films in December 2006. ''Matakot Ka Sa Karma'' became Barretto's first film since 1995's ''Tirad Pass: The Last Stand of Gen. Gregorio del Pilar'' and she received huge buzz regarding her movie comeback. Barretto was a no-show in the Metro Manila Film Festival Awards Ceremony as well as in the Parade of Stars several days prior to the event. The movie opened to modest reviews and placed fourth in the box office. Barretto was also set to reunite with former flame
Bong Revilla Ramon Bautista Bong Revilla Jr. (; born Jose Mari Bautista; September 25, 1966) and commonly known as Bong Revilla, is a Filipino actor, television presenter and politician serving as a Senator since 2019, and previously from 2004 to 2016. The ...
in the movie '' Kapag Tumibok Ang Puso: Not Once, But Twice'' but backed out after a supposed feud arose between her and Revilla's wife
Lani Mercado Lani Mercado-Revilla (born Jesusa Victoria Garcia Hernandez; April 13, 1968) is a Filipino actress and politician serving as representative of Cavite's 2nd district, which comprises only the city of Bacoor, from 2010 to 2016. Personal life She ...
, during the film's pre-production. In 2007, a photo of Barretto kissing actor
John Estrada John Anthony Siason Estrada (born June 13, 1973) is a Filipino film and TV actor who has starred in a number of roles as a leading man, comedian and villain. He is a contract actor of ABS-CBN, where he remained there from 1990 to 2018 and re ...
circulated and went viral causing controversy in the showbiz industry. Both Barretto and Estrada denied having an affair or relationship. In 2008, Barretto released her debut album ''Unexpected'' to signal the launch of her music career. She released the single "Please Don't Ask Me" in support of the album. She promoted ''Unexpected'' through a series of mall shows around the country. In that same year, Barretto returned to acting through an episode of ''
Maalaala Mo Kaya ''Maalaala Mo Kaya'' (; formerly written as ''Maala-ala Mo Kaya...''; abbreviated as ''MMK''), also known as ''Memories'', is a Philippines, Philippine television drama anthology show broadcast by Kapamilya Channel under ABS-CBN Entertainment. ...
'' where she played a mistress of a politician, opposite
Phillip Salvador Phillip Mikael "Ipe" Reyes Salvador (born Felipe Reyes Salvador; August 22, 1953) is a three-time FAMAS award-winning Filipino film and television actor. Acting career Salvador made his film debut in 1971 with ''Adios Mi Amor''. He toiled in m ...
and
Tonton Gutierrez Eduardo Antonio Winsett Gutierrez, Jr. (born March 20, 1968), professionally known as Tonton Gutierrez, is a Filipino film and television actor best known for his role as Governor Eduardo Buenavista in the original hit teleserye ''Pangako Sa ...
. It was in this drama anthology that Barretto finally won her first acting award, PMPC Star Awards for TV's Best Single Performance by an Actress. A year later, she released her second album entitled ''Complicated'' and released the single "Ready to Take a Chance Again". Barretto was once again involved in a controversial relationship with Rodolfo "Dody" Puno, the Executive Director of the Road Board of the
Department of Public Works and Highways The Department of Public Works and Highways ( fil, Kagawaran ng mga Pagawain at Lansangang Bayan}), abbreviated as DPWH, is the executive department of the Philippine government solely vested with the Mandate to “be the State's engineering ...
. Rumors broke out that both Barretto and singer
Pops Fernandez Maria Cielito "Pops" Lukban Fernandez (born December 12, 1966) is a Filipina singer, entertainer, entrepreneur, TV host and actress. Dubbed as The Philippines Concert Queen in which for the last Four decades she has performed Internationally ...
were receiving commission from the funds of the Department of Public Works and Highways, as allotted by Puno himself.


2010–present: Award wins and acting in primetime dramas

In 2010, Barretto returned to do another episode in ''Maalaala Mo Kaya'' portraying a widow who falls in love with a parish priest, which was portrayed by
Jomari Yllana José María "Jomari" Garchitorena Yllana (born August 16, 1976) is a Filipino actor, model, racing driver, concert producer, promoter, and politician. He rose to fame as one of the members of 1990s teen group ''"Gwapings"'' together with Mark ...
. Barretto again won another the award for Best Single Performance by an Actress in the PMPC Star Awards for Television, marking her second win in this category. Barretto embarked in her biggest television project in 2010 with the drama series ''
Magkaribal ''Magkaribal'' (International title: ''Rivals'') is a 2010 Philippine drama television series starring Bea Alonzo and Gretchen Barretto. The series ran on ABS-CBN from June 28, 2010, to November 5, 2010. Premise Two sisters, Anna and Angela Ab ...
'', which originally featured Barretto opposite sister Claudine, however, the latter moved to rival network GMA during the show's pre-production. ''Magkaribal'' starred Barretto alongside actress
Bea Alonzo Phylbert Angelli Ranollo Fagestrom (born October 17, 1987), professionally known as Bea Alonzo (), is a Filipino actress. Alonzo first gained recognition for the 2002 teleserye ''Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay''. She is best known for her portrayals ...
(who became Claudine's replacement), Angel Aquino and model-actor
Derek Ramsay Derek Arthur Ramsay Jr. (born December 7, 1976) is a British-Filipino model, actor, and host. As of 2019, he is an exclusive talent of GMA Network. In 2021, he file for indefinite leave and is currently inactive in showbiz to attend personal li ...
. In that same year, '' Bench'' launched Barretto's first perfume line called ''Greta''. Barretto won the award for Best Drama Actress in the PMPC Star Awards for Television for ''Magkaribal'' a year later. After the success of the show, Barretto was slated to star in ''Alta'', a drama series about high society and the mining industry, with
KC Concepcion Maria Kristina Cassandra "KC" Cuneta Concepcion (; born April 7, 1985) is a Filipino actress, singer, dancer, TV host, entrepreneur, socialite and humanitarian. She has had lead roles in Philippine films '' For The First Time'' (2008) and '' Whe ...
and
Angelica Panganiban Angelica Panganiban (; born Angelica Jane David Charlson on November 4, 1986) is a Filipino-American actress, model, TV host and comedienne. Regarded as the new “Queen of Drama” by various media outlets, Panganiban is recognized as one of ...
, but the show was shelved in 2012. It was because of the cancellation of ''Alta'' that she was offered the role of Ashi Behati in ''
Princess and I ''Princess and I'' is a 2012 Philippine teen television drama starring Kathryn Bernardo, Daniel Padilla, Enrique Gil and Khalil Ramos together with an ensemble cast, it aired on ABS-CBN's ''Primetime Bida'' evening block and worldwide on The Fili ...
'' in which she portrayed the main villain to the lead stars
Kathryn Bernardo Kathryn Chandria Manuel Bernardo (; born March 26, 1996) is a Filipino actress and singer. Dubbed as “''Asia's Superstar”'' by various media outlets, People Asia hailed Bernardo as the Box Office Queen of her generation for being the onl ...
and
Daniel Padilla Daniel John Elago Ford (born April 26, 1995), better known by his screen name Daniel Padilla (), is a Filipino actor and recording artist. Padilla made his television debut with a supporting role in the soap opera ''Gimik 2010'' (2010), befor ...
. In 2013, Barretto joined the cast of ''
Huwag Ka Lang Mawawala ''Huwag Ka Lang Mawawala'' (International title: ''Against All Odds'' / ) is a 2013 Philippine melodrama television series aired on ABS-CBN and worldwide on The Filipino Channel from June 17, 2013 to August 23, 2013, replacing ''Ina, Kapatid, Anak ...
'' at the request of the show's lead actress,
Judy Ann Santos Judy Anne Lumagui Santos (born May 11, 1978) is a Filipino actress and film producer. Prolific in film and television in the Philippines since the early 1990s, she is known for her comedic and dramatic roles in independent films and blockbus ...
. Two months later, Barretto debuted in her first ''
Cinemalaya The Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival is a film festival in the Philippines held annually during the month August at the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex and various cinemas. Its aim is the development and promotion of Fi ...
'' movie entry entitled ''The Diplomat Hotel''.


Personal life

Barretto is the fifth out of seven children by Miguel Alvir Barretto and Estrella Castelo Barretto. Her two younger siblings
Marjorie Barretto Marjorie Bernardine Castelo Barretto (; born 19 May 1974) is a Filipino former actress and politician. She was elected to the city councilor as representative of second district of Caloocan from 2007 to 2013. Her sisters, Claudine and Gretchen B ...
,
Claudine Barretto Claudine Margaret Castelo Barretto (; born July 20, 1979) is a Filipino actress, singer, and entrepreneur. Popularly dubbed as “''The'' ''Optimum Star''” by various media outlets, Barretto has won 3 FAMAS Award including 2 Best Actress w ...
, and niece
Julia Barretto Julia Francesca Barretto Baldivia (born March 10, 1997), better known for her screen name Julia Barretto (), is a Filipino actress and model. Dubbed as the “''Drama Princess''” of her generation by various media outlet, Barretto was inducte ...
are also actresses. Barretto has one child with common-law partner and businessman Antonio "Tony Boy" Cojuangco Jr.


Discography

* ''Unexpected'' (2008) * ''Complicated'' (2009)


Filmography


Film


Television


Awards and nominations


References


External links

* {{DEFAULTSORT:Barretto, Gretchen 1970 births Living people 21st-century Filipino actresses
Gretchen Gretchen (, ; literal translation: "Little Grete" or "Little Greta") is a female given name of German origin that is mainly prevalent in the United States. Its popularity increased because a major character in Goethe's ''Faust'' (1808) has th ...
De La Salle University alumni Filipino child actresses Filipino film actresses Filipino television actresses Filipino television personalities GMA Network personalities ABS-CBN personalities Star Magic