Pearl Gonzales is stepping firmly into her own spotlight as TV5’s newly tagged Bida-Kontrabida Queen. Fresh from her latest projects and still energized by her network’s recognition, the actress sat down with entertainment bloggers including CinemaBravo in a restaurant in Quezon City to share her journey from pageantry to acting, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and the dreams she continues to chase in the world of show business.
From Star Magic to beauty pageants and beyond
Pearl recalled her humble beginnings when asked to introduce herself and share how she entered the industry.
“Nag-start ako, ang tagal na, way back 2013, I think, with Star Magic. Naging Star Magic artist ako for I think 3 years din,” she recalled.
(I started way back in 2013 with Star Magic. I was a Star Magic artist for around three years.)
Her path took an interesting turn when she ventured into beauty pageants. “I joined Miss Global Philippines and I am your Miss Global Philippines 2018. I also joined Miss Universe 2023 where I represented Quezon City,” Pearl said with pride.
Rediscovering her love for acting
Despite detours, Pearl’s passion for acting remained unhinged. She admitted that her return to television reignited something within her.
“Natuto ako na pag masala yung craft mo like acting, hindi mo lang siya basta gagawin for the sake of fame. (I learned that when you refine your craft, like acting, you don’t just do it for the sake of fame.) You’re doing it because you really love doing it,” she said.
That renewed love for her craft blossomed through Cignal Play’s I See You, where she worked alongside seasoned actors like Dimples Romana and Cedrick Juan. Watching them perform, Pearl said, was an education in itself: “From there natututo ka na ‘A! So gano’n pala yung nuance.’ ” (From there, you learn the nuances of acting.
She further acknowledged that as an actor you also have to establish your own trademark.
As TV5’s “Bida-Kontrabida Queen”
The title of Bida-Kontrabida Queen was bestowed upon her unexpectedly during promotions for her series I See You.
“Actually, nagulat ako e! Wala akong idea no’ng tinawag nila akong gano’n. Siyempre grateful na na-acknowledge ka na possible kang maging bida and kontrabida at the same time,” she said. (I was really surprised when they called me that. I’m grateful to be acknowledged as someone who can be both protagonist and antagonist at the same time.)
Pearl shared she doesn’t enjoy physically aggressive kontrabida roles. “Ayoko talaga ng nananakit. Pero gusto ko yung may plot twist kung bakit siya kontrabida,” she explained. (I don’t really like hurting people on screen. But I enjoy kontrabida roles with plot twists behind the character’s motives.)
Dreaming of Enrique Gil as her leading man
In between laughter, Pearl candidly admitted she has a celebrity crush—and a dream co-star.
“One thing nabanggit ko rin na favorite kong gusto kong maging leading man si Enrique Gil,” she said with a big smile. “Siguro rom-com. Gusto ko siyang maging jowa kahit sa series man lang kasi crush ko naman yo’n. Huwag n’yo po ako iba-bash.”
(I’d love to do a romantic comedy with Enrique Gil. I want him to be my boyfriend, even just in a series, because I really have a crush on him. Please don’t bash me.)
When asked about her criteria for an ideal leading man, Pearl was clear: “Unang-una dapat magaling umarte, effective actor… Siyempre good looking, and someone na madaling makatrabaho.” (First, he has to be a good actor, effective in his craft, good looking, and easy to work with.)
Clarifying the Paolo Contis rumors
No journey is showbiz is free of rumors, and Pearl honestly addressed persistent talk linking her to Kapuso actor Paolo Contis.
“Unang-una wala kaming relationship. Friend lang siya talaga. (First of all, we don’t have a relationship.) He’s a good friend of mine,” she clarified.
She shared that instead of feeling hurt by bashing, her managers Tyronne Escalante and Jeffrey Remigio encouraged her to see it differently.
“Instead of consoling me, they congratulated me. Sabi nila, ‘Congratulations, may bashers ka na.’ ” (They said, ‘Congratulations, you already have bashers.’)
True enough, it was a reminder that criticism means people are paying attention.
What’s next for Pearl?
Pearl is keeping busy with microdrama series, a format she says reflects what’s “in” today. She recently wrapped shooting Boys Love Triangle, a new series under Cignal Play where she plays Sydney. Netizens can expect it to premiere by the end of August or early September.
She continues to love the balance of being both heroine and antagonist as she strives to make her mark in every role. “Hindi ko sasayangin ang second chance na binigay sa akin,” she stressed. (I won’t waste the second chance that was given to me.)
Beyond the screen, Pearl hopes people will remember her for more than just her roles. “Gusto kong makilala na hindi lang actress kundi mabuting tao rin at kaibigan,” she noted. (I want to be known not just as an actress, but also as a good person and friend.)
With her faith (something she is overjoyed to admit) and renewed fighting spirit, Pearl Gonzales is carving her place in the industry. We just can’t wait to see more of TV5’s very own Bida-Kontrabida Queen!
Watch our full interview here:
CinemaBravo 
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