Sophie Albert

Filipina actress and television personality

Spouse
Vin Abrenica
​
(m. 2023)​
Children1

Bianca Regina Lyttle Reyes-Abrenica (born August 3, 1990), professionally known as Sophie Albert-Abrenica, is a Filipino actress and television personality of European (Spanish-Italian and Irish-Portuguese) and Chinese descent.[1] She joined the GMA Network in 2017 and signed an exclusive contract with Sparkle

Career

2010–2016: Early television career

Albert was one of the new talents launched by ABS-CBN's Star Magic in their Batch 15 in 2007, using the name Bianca Reyes.[2] From a young age, it was already her dream to be an actress. She joined Star Magic without telling her parents because her mother did not wish for her to enter show business because she was still young and studying.[3] This was also the reason why she left showbiz soon after.

In 2012, again without the knowledge of her parents, Albert joined the televised talent search Artista Academy of TV5. She became the competition's female grand winner, The Best Actress.[4] Albert has mentioned that her winning the competition has convinced her mother of letting her re-enter and stay in the entertainment industry.[5]

TV5's management suggested she use a screen name instead of her real name because of the abundance of Biancas and Reyeses already present in the Philippine showbiz world.[4] "Albert" is her maternal grandmother's maiden name.

In 2013, her first project after her win was the drama series Never Say Goodbye, where she was paired with Best Actor Vin Abrenica. He later became her real-life boyfriend. They worked with Alice Dixson, Cesar Montano, Gardo Versoza and Nora Aunor.

One of her breakthrough projects after Artista Academy was the 2014 Cinemalaya movie #Y which later on won Special Citation for Ensemble Acting award. The film is a coming-of-age story that revolves around the lives of upper-class and modern-day youth, which the title reference to Generation Y, while the hashtag marks this generation known for their affinity with social media and technology, and combines this with a tale of teen suicide, sex, drugs, and alcohol, and the ideological lifestyle of YOLO.

In the same year, Albert and her Artista Academy co-finalists Chanel Morales and Stephanie Rowe were supposed to top-bill TV5’s adaptation of the hit American suspense series Pretty Little Liars.[6] It was supposed to air in April 2014, but a rumor floated that the Pretty Little Liars adaptation was already shelved.[7] Although TV5 denied the rumor, the project was never aired.

After this, Albert headlined a few episodes of TV5’s Wattpad Presents until she decided to return to ABS-CBN.

2017–present: Breakthrough with GMA Network

After asking to be released a few months early from her contract with TV5, Albert decided to become an actress without any home network.[3] She did one project in ABS-CBN, the broadcast network and parent company of Star Magic, in an episode of Ipaglaban Mo. Soon after, in October 2017, Albert signed an exclusive contract with GMA Network and GMA Artist Center (now Sparkle).[8][9][10] She has since gotten a steady stream of projects for years.

Villainous and present roles

She did supporting roles in teleseryes until 2018, when she was given the plum kontrabida role of Amber in the prime-time series Pamilya Roces.[11]

2019 was a big year for Albert. She rose to stardom via her portrayal of the main antagonist role Reign, a rich and evil concubine in the afternoon series Bihag[12] who caused the kidnap of Ethan and Jessie’s misfortune, and was cast as the leading lady in the prime-time series The Gift.[13]

She has since returned to acting albeit in episodic programs such as My Fantastic Pag-ibig and Daig Kayo Ng Lola Ko.

In 2022, she played the minor character and antagonist role of Hazel Roces in Abot-Kamay na Pangarap.

In 2023, she played the antagonist role of Ria Angeles in The Missing Husband.

Personal life

Albert did not want it to be known to the public, but eventually it was found out that she is a member of the prominent Cojuangco family.[14] Her paternal grandmother, Josephine C. Reyes, is the Chair of the Board of Trustees and 7th president of the Far Eastern University (FEU). Reyes was the sister of former Filipino congressman José Cojuangco Jr., who served as the 9th President of the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), and Corazon Aquino, former President of the Philippines. Albert is the niece of actress and equestrienne Mikee Cojuangco, former Filipino President Benigno Aquino III and actress and host Kris Aquino. Albert has mentioned that Mikee, in particular, was very supportive during her time on the talent show Artista Academy.[15]

Albert has been dating actor Vin Abrenica since June 2013. The two had met the previous year as co-competitors on Artista Academy, which they both won.[16] Albert and Abrenica initially ended their relationship in 2016, citing "personal and career-related problems", but reconciled in 2018.[17] In December 2020, the couple became engaged.[18] In February 2021, Albert revealed that she and Abrenica had moved in together.[19] That same month, they announced that they were expecting their first child, a daughter.[20] Their daughter was born on March 15, 2021.[21] On January 25, 2023, they finally tied the knot on what could have been the 90th birthday of Albert's great-aunt, Corazon Aquino.[22]

Filmography

TV series

Year Title Role Network Ref.
2007 Komiks Various (as Bianca Reyes)
2008 I Am KC
Astigs: Astigs in Haay...School Lyf
2009–2012 Maalaala Mo Kaya
2012 Pidol's Wonderland presents: My monito, My Monita! Estelle
TV5
2013 Never Say Goodbye Kate Montecastro
Undercover Katherine
2014 Wattpad Presents: Fake Fiancé Demi Magsaysay
2015 Wattpad Presents: Cupid Fools Ingrid
Wattpad Present: Marry You Yumiko Hayashi [23]
No Harm No Foul Kim [24]
2017 Ipaglaban Mo: Hulidap Peachy
Magpakailanman: Nika Manika - The Possessed Doll Ihna
Daig Kayo Ng Lola Ko: Darling, ang Pangit na Duckling Darling
2018 The One That Got Away Chanel Gonzalez [25]
Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko: Oh My Genie Onie
Sherlock Jr. Erika
Daig kayo ng lola ko: Ex-B Academy Teacher Beth Hoven
The Stepdaughters Barbie Lopez
Dear Uge: To-gather Again Maricel
Victor Magtanggol Edda
Magpakailanman: Kulam ng Karibal April
Pamilya Roces Amber Bolocboc Roces
2019 Maynila: Love Begins @40 April
Tadhana: Seoul Mates Anne
Bihag Regina Marie "Reign" Sison [26]
Daddy's Gurl: Copy Cat Ella
Daig kayo ng lola ko: When the Clock Strikes 12 Fairylyn
Dear Uge: Ikaw, number 2?, itsura mo?! Arianne
2019–2020 The Gift Helga Ventura [27]
2020 Descendants of the Sun: The Philippine Adaptation Liza Ayson
Dear Uge: Minsan ang minahal ay ako Marie
2021 My Fantastic Pag-ibig: Beast Next Door Ashley
2022 Dear Uge: Once Upon a Day Matilda [28]
Abot-Kamay na Pangarap Hazel Roces
2023 The Missing Husband Victoria "Ria" Angeles
Magpakailanman: Ina Ka ng Anak Mo Grace
2024 Tadhana: Pinaasa Frida

TV show

Year Title Network Notes Ref.
2012 Wil Time Bigtime
TV5
Sharon: Kasama Mo, Kapatid
2012–2013 Game N' Go
2013 Pinoy Explorer
Wasak EP.76
It's More Fun with Philip S2 EP.1
2015 Extreme Series: Kaya Mo Ba 'To?
2015–2016 Happy Truck ng Bayan [29]
2016–2017 ASAP Natin 'To
2017 Eat Bulaga!
2017–2019 Sunday PinaSaya
2020 All-Out Sundays
2022 Family Feud
TiktoClock
2023
Fast Talk With Boy Abunda
All-Out Sundays
Family Feud

Reality show

Year Title Network Notes Ref.
2012 Artista Academy
TV5
 Best Actress [30]
Artista Academy Breaktime

Films

Year Title Role Notes Ref.
2014 #Y Lia [31]
2016 Till The End Of Us Aica
2017 Moonlight Over Baler young Fidela [32]
2018 Recipe For Love Karla [33]
2019 Cara x Jagger Belle

Music video appearances

Year Title Performer Note Ref.
2013 Time Machine Six Part Invention Philpop 2013

References

  1. ^ Acar, Aedrianne. "IN PHOTOS: Interesting facts about Sophie Albert". www.gmanetwork.com. Retrieved May 23, 2023.
  2. ^ Isah V. Red. "Star Magic Batch 15: Ready for their close-ups". Life & Entertainment. Manila Standard Today. Archived from the original on July 24, 2011. Retrieved December 20, 2010.
  3. ^ a b Franco, Bernie (October 5, 2018). "Sophie Albert reveals why her stint as Star Magic artist was cut short". Philippine Entertainment Portal. Retrieved December 7, 2019.
  4. ^ a b San Diego, Bayani Jr. (October 30, 2012). "Double A victory on 'Artista Academy'". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved December 7, 2019.
  5. ^ Red, Isah (September 15, 2016). "Sophie Albert is the new millennial Regal Baby". Manila Standard. Retrieved December 7, 2019.
  6. ^ "Warner Bros reveals TV5 is the first station in the world allowed to remake Pretty Little Liars". PEP.ph. Retrieved May 15, 2022.
  7. ^ "PEP EXCLUSIVE. TV5 denies local adaptation of Pretty Little Liars is shelved". PEP.ph. Retrieved May 15, 2022.
  8. ^ Anarcon, James Patrick (October 13, 2017). "Artista Academy winner Sophie Albert transfers to GMA-7 after being with TV5, ABS-CBN". Philippine Entertainment Portal. Retrieved March 30, 2018.
  9. ^ Bianc, Josh (October 27, 2017). "Here's the Reason Why Sophie Albert Chose to Transfer to GMA-7". PhilNews. Retrieved December 7, 2019.
  10. ^ Aquino, Maine (October 13, 2017). "LOOK: Sophie Albert is now a Kapuso!". GMA Network. Retrieved December 7, 2019.
  11. ^ Orio-Escullar, Honey. "Sophie steps out of her shell". Philstar.com. Retrieved May 15, 2022.
  12. ^ "'Stolen,' GMA Network's upcoming action and suspense series". LionhearTV. February 26, 2019. Retrieved May 15, 2022.
  13. ^ "Karakter ni Sophie Albert sa 'The Gift,' may taglay ding kapangyarihan tulad ni 'Sep'". Balitambayan. Retrieved May 15, 2022.
  14. ^ Garcia, Rose (November 21, 2018). "Sophie Albert explains why she chose not to disclose her ties with the Cojuangcos". Philippine Entertainment Portal. Retrieved December 7, 2019.
  15. ^ Pumaloy, Rey (October 23, 2012). "Artista Academy finalist Sophie Albert: "Yes, I'm related to the Cojuangcos—my dad is a Cojuangco."". Philippine Entertainment Portal. Retrieved December 7, 2019.
  16. ^ Mallorca, Hannah (May 29, 2019). "Vin Abrenica on relationship with Sophie Albert: 'I love her so much, there's no one else'". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved March 15, 2021.
  17. ^ Nepomuceno, Neil Patrick (February 7, 2021). "Vin Abrenica and Sophie Albert share 'another milestone' in their relationship". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved March 15, 2021.
  18. ^ "'My best friend for life': Vin Abrenica, Sophie Albert engaged after 8 years together". ABS-CBN News. February 13, 2021. Retrieved March 15, 2021.
  19. ^ Bigtas, Jannielyn Ann (February 7, 2021). "Sophie Albert and partner Vin Abrenica are moving in together: 'Another milestone for us'". GMA News Online. Retrieved March 15, 2021.
  20. ^ Bigtas, Jannielyn Ann (February 28, 2021). "Sophie Albert, Vin Abrenica are expecting a baby girl for their first child". GMA News Online. Retrieved March 15, 2021.
  21. ^ Bernardino, Stephanie (March 15, 2021). "Sophie Albert, Vin Abrenica welcome baby girl". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved March 15, 2021.
  22. ^ "Vin Abrenica, Sophie Albert get married after 10 years together". ABS-CBN News. January 25, 2023. Retrieved January 25, 2023.
  23. ^ Bueno, John. "Vin Abrenica and Sophie Albert for Wattpad Presents: Marry You". Retrieved May 5, 2022.
  24. ^ "Meet stars of TV5 sitcom No Harm No Foul". PEP.ph. Retrieved May 6, 2022.
  25. ^ Anarcon, James Patrick (January 10, 2018). "Here's why former TV5 actress Sophie Albert is thankful to GMA-7". Philippine Entertainment Portal. Retrieved March 30, 2018.
  26. ^ Anarcon, James Patrick (March 5, 2019). "Sophie Albert replaces Kim Domingo in GMA-7 teleserye Stolen". Philippine Entertainment Portal. Retrieved March 7, 2019.
  27. ^ mario. "SOPHIE ALBERT JOINS 'THE GIFT' AS HELGA, A PSYCHIC WHO CAN TALK TO DEAD PEOPLE". Showbiz Portal. Retrieved May 8, 2022.
  28. ^ Ramos, Jansen. "'Dear Uge' sneak peek: Sophie Albert pretends to be Boboy Garrovillo's long-lost daughter in 'Once Upon A Day'". www.gmanetwork.com. Retrieved May 8, 2022.
  29. ^ "TV5 brings happiness-on-wheels with 'Happy Truck ng Bayan'". Malaya. June 2, 2015. Retrieved March 30, 2018.
  30. ^ Jimenez, Joyce (October 28, 2012). "Vin Abrenica and Sophie Albert named Best Actor and Best Actress at Artista Academy Awards Night". Philippine Entertainment Portal. Retrieved March 30, 2018.
  31. ^ Sophie Albert as Lia Aguilar (#Y Cinemalaya X), retrieved May 5, 2022
  32. ^ Red, Isah (January 30, 2017). "Timeless beauties in 'Moonlight Over Baler'". Manila Standard. Retrieved March 30, 2018.
  33. ^ Cruz, Oggs (November 24, 2018). "'Recipe for Love' review: Like watered-down chocolate". Rappler. Retrieved October 20, 2021.

External links

  • Sophie Albert at IMDb
  • https://www.gmanetwork.com/sparkle/artists/sophiealbert