MANILA, Philippines - Most girls dream of becoming an actress because of the glitz and glamour of show business. That is partly the reason why half-British, half-Filipino Bela Padilla joined the industry. But when asked what is the one thing she loves about her job, the 19-year-old actress gives a rather unusual answer. “I love the people I work with. Some of them eventually become my friends,” she declares. While insiders say that there are no permanent friendships in the highly competitive world of TV and movies, Bela considers meeting people from different walks of life as a perk of the job.
It is not surprising at all because the 5’6” Bela loves to be around people. The youngest daughter of banker Cornelius Gary Sullivan and wife Margarette shares: “As a family, we have traveled a lot around Europe and Asia. I think the best part is that I got exposed early on to different cultures.” Back in school at Colegio San Agustin in Makati City, she was very active and would win one contest after another. “I joined writing and speech-related contests in both English and Filipino,” says Bela, who was also a cheerleader and a member of the school’s dance troupe.
School was a big part of her life. “I started school at three and a half years old. I first went to Casa Montessori International School in Forbes Park. Then I went to the Foreigners Class of CSA. Being around different cultures and strong opinions made me very versatile. I learned how to appreciate everyone’s beliefs, respect their needs and, of course, love their food,” she smiles.
When Bela bagged the role of one of the main characters in the Philippine adaptation of the Korean hit Endless Love, the budding actress couldn’t have been more thankful. The GMA-7 talent says, “My role is very complex so I make sure to prepare days before taping. Memorizing lines is a bit tiring. It’s a very competitive field and you always have to know your game,” she muses. “But I enjoy this. I enjoy entertaining people and relieving them of their everyday pressures.” The girl also proves her hosting skills as one of the party jocks in the station’s Sunday variety show Party Pilipinas.
As Bela takes on more and more roles in the future, she promises to always remain grounded. “My mom taught me to always maintain high moral values. She never allows me to use the expression ‘I don’t care.’ She said that in whatever I do, I have to care for people and the situation,” Bela concludes.