Gem Castillo | |
|---|---|
| Born | Benilda Ruello Retuerto (1975-11-07) November 7, 1975 |
| Alma mater | Lyceum of the Philippines University |
| Occupations | Actress, singer, businesswoman, Politician |
Political party | NUP |
| Spouse | Vicente B. Amante |
Benilda Ruello Retuerto-Amante (born November 7, 1975), better known by her stage name Gem Castillo, is a Filipino politician, businesswoman and former actress. She began her acting career in the early 1990s when she starred in movies. A prized find of Kuya Germs, she was a talent at the defunct but long-running That's Entertainment (Philippine TV program).
Early life and education
Gem Castillo is a native of San Pablo City, Laguna, Philippines, and provides entertainment to people there.2
Career
Castillo was discovered by film executives and starred in movies produced by companies.3 She became more popular when she frequently appeared in That's Entertainment (Philippine TV program), conversing with host German Moreno.4 She would later sing regularly in the program and make an album under Ivory Music and Video, formerly Ivory Records Corporation.5
Filmography
Film
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1995 | Ang Syota Kong Balikbayan | Herself |
| 1996 | Pusong Hiram | Herself |
| 1997 | Anak ng Yakuza | Jenny |
TV series/variety show
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1980s–1996 | That's Entertainment | Herself |
Political career
Castillo ran for vice-governor of the province of Laguna in the 2025 elections under the slate of Congressman Dan Fernandez who ran for governor, with both of them lost.678
Personal life
Castillo married San Pablo City Mayor Vicente B. Amante.6
Awards and recognition
- Most Outstanding Filipino in Humanitarian Service (2023), AmerAsia9
- Honorary Philanthropist of the Year (2022), Nation Builders and Mosliv Awards (NBMA)10
- Diamond Excellence Awards (2022), Inspire Mag PH11
References
References
- "CERTIFICATE OF CANDIDACY FOR PROVINCIAL VICE-GOVERNOR" (PDF). Philippine Commission on Elections. October 4, 2024. Retrieved April 22, 2026.
- Vibas, Danny (June 11, 2024). "Charlie Davao grandson makes it on his own". Daily Tribune. Archived from the original on April 29, 2025. Retrieved December 16, 2024.
- Yeatter, Bryan (2007). Cinema of the Philippines: A History and Filmography, 1897-2005. McFarland, Incorporated, Publishers. ISBN 9780786430475. Retrieved December 17, 2024.
- Fernando, Jeff (December 11, 2020). "FAMOUS: Gem Castillo, former 'That's Entertainment' star, is San Pablo's Tiangge Queen". Manila Bulletin. Archived from the original on December 19, 2024. Retrieved December 17, 2024.
- Asis, Eugene (August 17, 2022). "Dating singer-actress Gem Castillo, isang inspirasyon". Journal Online. Archived from the original on January 26, 2025. Retrieved December 16, 2024.
- Datu, Dennis (October 6, 2024). "Former actress Gem Castillo running for vice-governor of Laguna, with Cong. Fernandez as governor". ABS-CBN News. Archived from the original on January 14, 2025. Retrieved December 16, 2024.
- Tomandao, Roy (June 17, 2024). "Gem bares plan to run for vice gov next year". Manila Standard. Retrieved December 16, 2024.
- "LIST: Gubernatorial, mayoral aspirants in provinces". GMA News. October 4, 2024. Retrieved December 16, 2024.
- "Gem Castillo to receive Outstanding Filipino award in LA". Manila Standard. April 13, 2023. Retrieved December 16, 2024.
- "Mayora Gem Castillo-Amante conferred new award". Manila Bulletin. November 24, 2022. Archived from the original on January 26, 2025. Retrieved December 16, 2024.
- "Gem Castillo receives Diamond Excellence Award by Inspire Mag". Manila Standard. September 30, 2022. Retrieved December 16, 2024.