Bea Alonzo: ‘I’ve never lost hope in love’

Engaging in a conversation with Bea Alonzo has always been scintillating. Her vocal tone, laughter, and demeanor make you want to listen more to her story reflecting her truth and sincerity. She also addresses questions with clear and concise answers.

“To be honest, she was very strict when we were growing up, and I didn’t understand that before,” Bea said. “She got pregnant when she was 19. She’s 20 when I was born, so we’re like good friends kasi parang walang masyadong generation gap and that’s what I’m afraid of because I’m 36 (now) at hindi pa ko nagkakaanak. Iniisip ko sana maging sing-cool ako ni Mama when I have kids.”

Bea doesn’t find anything wrong about having a strict mom because she taught her a lot growing up. “Mama was strict then, pinapalo kami ng hanger o sinturon. But every time she would do it, she was also crying. She will not apologize but she will do something na alam mong bumabawi.”

One important lesson her mom taught her is the ability to stand up for herself and stand by her decision. Growing up, Bea would hear her mom often say “buntot mo, hila mo” which led her to learn to weigh things carefully before arriving at a decision.

Bea’s breakups with her exes were no secret. The actress stresses that her mom, Mary Anne, never disapproved of any of her past relationships. It was painful for her mom to see her feeling sad about lost love.

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Her mom, Bea added, grew up as a very strong woman, and looking closely at their personalities, she knew they were opposites in some aspects “but I’m not saying I am weak, it’s just that we each have our own strength.”

Bea revealed her mom had a tough childhood due to a less privileged life situation. Her mom would sell rice cakes around their place and collect food scraps from neighbors to feed the hogs. Thus, Bea admires how her mom truly made sure to save up and acquire properties when she started making a name in showbiz.

She, too, amusingly shared that her mom dreamt of having a mestiza child. “She always says that I realized her dream.” Her dream stemmed from her having a half-American, half-Filipino cousin who was the star of Santacruzan when they were young. Bea revealed her mom would always end up as “taga-Luces (sparkler).”

“That’s why, she promised herself to have a mestiza daughter at nangyari nga. Nag-Reyna Elena ako at may bayad pa,” laughed Bea.

What didn’t happen was Mary Anne’s wish for Bea to become a stewardess. Bea’s childhood wish was to be an actress which became a reality. Nonetheless, Mary Anne supported her acting goal — from being a newcomer to becoming a famous personality.

“My mom makes sure that everything is taken care of. Everything is well-maintained. Ako naman, when it comes to work, I go beyond what is expected of me. I was able to provide my mom with businesses of her own. I am proud to say that I was able to set up her businesses seven or 10 years ago. So, I am no longer the breadwinner. Maganda sa kanya iniingatan niya lahat ‘yung binibigay sa kanya.”

In love, Bea and her mom have differing viewpoints. “She would always say na tanga daw ako sa pag-ibig. Si Mama, hindi. For some reason, lahat ng exes niya, they were really all in love with her. She’s the princess in her (past) relationships. Ako, not all the time,” quipped Bea.

Her breakups with her exes were no secret. Bea stressed that her mom never disapproved of any of her past relationships. It was painful for her mom to see her feeling sad about lost love.

Bea recalled how her mom had been affected by various news following her split with Dominic Roque. She felt the pain when her family was dragged into allegations surrounding their split.

“There were many rumors that were said about me, and I think that (put) the biggest weight on her. She was very much affected.

“What hurt me the most was that my family was dragged into it. I’m used to dealing with rumors. I’ve been doing this (showbiz) for a long time but if my family gets involved and they make up theories where my mom is the villain, it hurts me.”

I asked Bea what she wants to tell herself now, and she replied, “I don’t know. I don’t wanna have to worry about the future anymore. I’m in a space where I just wanna live my life and live my truth — ride the tide. I realized that what is meant for you will never pass you by.”

Are you looking forward to falling in love again?

“I’ve never lost hope in love. I’ve always been a hopeless romantic and (I) believe there’s still someone out there for me,” she answered.