Princess Revilla has no regrets quitting showbiz 30 years ago
MANILA, Philippines — Princess Revilla has no regrets about stepping away from showbiz 34 years ago, and she doesn't miss it either.
Despite her “artista pedigree,” she quickly realized a career in entertainment wasn’t her calling.
“I was only active in showbiz for one year,” the soft-spoken former actress recently shared in an intimate chat with some members of the print media.
“Napilitan lang yata ako. (I think I was just forced into it),” she quipped.
This was in 1989 when she was convinced to star in two films by Wilson Tieng’s Solar Films, including her lead-role debut in Jessa: Blusang Itim 2, where she was paired with Gabby Concepcion. The full movie about an “ugly duckling” who undergoes beauty transformation after putting on a “magical” undergarment is currently available on SolarFlixPh’s YouTube channel. Her other movie appearance that year was for the comedy Balbakwa, topbilled by the late comedy king Dolphy with other legendary comics Panchito and Babalu.
Why Princess left showbiz for good was because she settled down and focused on motherhood. She’s a mom of three — two boys, ages 33 and 31, and one girl who is 29.
“Ay wala rin naman (movie offers),” she said, acknowledging that her prolonged absence has made her unaccustomed to cameras and the movie press.
Which is OK because “iba na rin ang focus ko.”
“Hindi ko na siya (showbiz) naiisip. Sila siguro talaga ang para dun. Politics and showbiz,” she further said, referring to her brother, Sen. Bong Revilla, and family members who ventured into the entertainment business.
She’s currently busy as the CEO of her own construction company. She also said she’s focused right now on continuing the charity and civic service efforts of her late parents — actor and senator Ramon Revilla Sr. and wife Azucena Mortel.
In 1999, Princess started the Azucena Mortel Bautista Memorial Foundation as a tribute to her mother, who passed away in 1998 in her 50s. “What I really learned from her is that ‘pag meron ka, i-share mo,” she shared.
The foundation carried out relief operations, medical and dental missions, educational grants and scholarships, women and child welfare programs.
In 2021, amidst the pandemic, Princess was inspired to establish the Princess Revilla Foundation, Inc. (PRFI), aiming to extend the work initiated in her mother’s memory through the earlier foundation. PRFI’s focus has been on empowering children and women from marginalized sectors through projects such as livelihood programs, as well as gift-giving initiatives, and mass feeding programs. Their official kickoff activity, which benefited 400 children and their parents, was held last Oct. 29.
Princess clarified that she has no intention of joining politics. “Even though I became an actress, I wasn’t exposed much,” the fourth of seven siblings said. “I’m very shy. When people would visit our house, I usually stayed in my room. During parties, when I was still single, I stayed inside the house. I just peeked through the window. I ran away when there were other people. I felt embarrassed. That’s why I’m not fit for showbiz, I’m not fit for politics.”
None of Princess’ children pursued a career in showbiz; however, one has entered politics. They have all completed business-related degrees. The eldest, Anton, once tried acting, but she advised him to explore a different field. “I told him, ‘Anak, try another field,’ and he understood,” she shared. Anton is now actively involved in her construction business.
Her second son, Igi, serves as a city councilor in Imus, Cavite. Although Princess initially hoped he wouldn’t join politics, she recognized his genuine interest, saying, “My second son, I initially didn’t want him in politics, but it seems to really be in his blood.”
Princess’ only daughter, Angelica, has no inclination toward showbiz, but found her own career path in the beauty industry.
Princess’ constant career advice for her children is pretty straightforward: “They need to be hardworking and down-to-earth because that’s how our parents raised us.”
In the same media interview, Princess said that there are “60 plus” of them acknowledged children of the former actor and senator, not the reported 80, which she finds “exaggerated.” She knows all her siblings, and they get along well.
“Before Daddy passed away (in 2020), everything was settled. We’re all close. No conflicts. Thank God!” she said, pointing out that it was their father who encouraged them to accept each other because they needed to support one another when he was no longer around.
“That’s how we are. So for me, it’s my commitment to Daddy. I told him, when he was still alive, that I would help my nephews and nieces. I can do it because it’s my promise. No one else will help but us.”
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