Who is Bea Binene beyond the spotlight?

MANILA, Philippines — From being one of the “StarStruck Kids,” which jumpstarted her showbiz career, Bea Binene has grown into the accomplished young actress she is today.

She recalled in an exclusive interview with The STAR how she auditioned for the reality show in 2004 at the tender age of six that would later on shape her career in the entertainment industry.

“I remember myself watching the ‘we’re looking for auditions’ (ad). I remember walking down the stairs and telling my mother that I wanted to join the show. Sobrang in dati yung ‘StarStruck Season 1’, sila Ate Jen (Jennylyn Mercado) and Mark Herras. My mother has been very supportive of me ever since, so I joined the show.”

Back then, when asked why she wanted to be part of “StarStruck Kids,” Bea would simply say that she enjoyed doing it, wanted to learn and was eager to be part of the experience.

However, as she grew older, Bea began to realize that being in showbiz came with responsibilities. “The fans look up to you. They see you. You become their inspiration. You become a role model.

“At the same time, namumulat po kayo sa nangyayari around you, with the country, with you as a Filipino and the opinion of other people.

“When you grow older, you value privacy. Your goals become more refined. So, I think that’s the difference, patagal ng patagal, dun po yung mga factors na yun. As you age, as you learn, siyempre na fa-factor in po siya lahat.”

If there’s one message she would like to tell her younger self, back when she was just starting out, it would be, “Wag kang masyadong kumain, mahirap magpapayat. Haha!” she quipped.

On a more serious note, Bea reflected on how her perspective on showbiz has changed over the years. “At that time, I looked at showbiz as something na parang laro lang, something really fun. So, maybe I would tell her, ‘It’s not just fun. It comes with responsibilities. It’s not easy. Hindi siya puro saya lang. So, you have to make sure na gusto mong tatahakin because it will not be easy and it’s not gonna be smooth sailing. But hopefully it will be worth it. If you hang in there, it will be worth it.’”

From GMA Network, Bea transferred to Viva Artists Agency in 2022, where she was paired with Wilbert Ross in Viva One’s series “Golden Scenery of Tomorrow,” “Love U Lots” and the forthcoming local adaptation of the hit Thai horror-comedy-romance film “Pee Mak.”

Looking ahead, Bea hopes to host a travel and cooking show and explore other acting genres, particularly action and possibly, another romantic comedy.

Outside showbiz, Bea participated in the 2010 National Wushu Championships, where she won a bronze medal. She also manages several businesses, including a coffee shop and a perfume brand, as well as Sunset Ave, an apparel and lifestyle brand she runs with Wilbert. She described Wilbert as a hands-on and highly collaborative business partner.

Bea: “The most challenging for me is switching the roles because there are some scenes na kailangan silang lahat. And then biglang mag-switch, switch, switch, ganyan. For the character to be distinct and at the same time, mabilis.

Kumbaga hindi ka masyadong makapag-prepare for it.

“But in terms of the characters, the toughest part for me is Lola Iska because it’s not based on physical appearance. So yung voice, so ‘di ba ang liit ng boses ko, ang tinis ng boses ko, and then I had to age the voice as well.

“As for the character I relate to the most, I feel like there’s no specific one. Maybe Ysa, Belle, Cacai and Yeye because we all have our baby girls in us. Cacai is very energetic, very positive and very lively. Ysa is calm and she’s the peacemaker. Si Belle medyo masungit, mas medyo tough and cold on the outside. Kasi may timesdin naman when we all have those days when we’re not at our best.”

Bea: “Nagpa-black ako ng hair and I have long hair. Five hours ako nilalagyan ng extensions. It’s more about the looks. We had a look test, workshop with the cast, character analysis and script reading.

“The preparations are also very literal — mag-aayos ka ng gamit kasi naka-lock in kami, mag-grocery ng konti kasi kailangan may baon ka for taping. Stuff like that.”

Bea: “I’m excited to meet the fans in Hong Kong. We’ve already done it twice in the Philippines, and now we’re bringing it to Hong Kong para mas mapalapit kami sa mga ka-VIVA natin doon, especially the OFWs (overseas Filipino workers). We hope to meet them and spend time with them.”

Bea: “Mixed emotions po eh because that book is the last installment of ‘The University Series.’ It’s very nostalgic when we’re together. Sometimes, we would say, ‘Grabe no nung Book 1, Book 2, kami Book 5 (‘Golden Scenery of Tomorrow’). Nung unang book, ah, matagal pa yan, Book 5pa.’ But now, it’s Book 6.

“Ang bilis ng panahon. At the same time, I’m very thankful because we’ve really felt the love. Yung pagmamahal po na padami ng padami, palaki ng palaki yung supportna binibigay po ng mga fans and viewers, from Book 1 up to now. I’m just very excited for it to start already.”

Bea: “She is a daughter, a sister and someone who wants to learn so much more about life. She wants to do so much more, and she’s someone who is always, always, always grateful for everything — for all the blessings na natatanggap niya. And siguro, a mindful and responsible Filipino.”

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