Gem Castillo

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In this Philippine name for married women, the birth middle name or maternal family name is Ruello, the birth surname or paternal family name is Retuerto, and the marital name is Amante.
Gem Castillo
Born
Benilda Ruello Retuerto

(1975-11-09) November 9, 1975 (age 49)
Tagum, Davao del Norte, Philippines[1]
NationalityFilipino
Alma materLyceum of the Philippines University
Occupation(s)Actress, singer, businesswoman, Politician
Political partyNUP
SpouseVicente B. Amante

Benilda Ruello Retuerto-Amante (born November 9), 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

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Gem Castillo is a native of San Pablo City, Laguna, Philippines, and provides entertainment to people there.[2]

Career

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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

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Film

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Year Title Role
1995 Ang Syota Kong Balikbayan Herself
1996 Pusong Hiram Herself
1997 Anak ng Yakuza Jenny

TV series/variety show

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Year Title Role
1980s-1996 That's Entertainment Herself

Political career

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Castillo is running for vice-governor of the province of Laguna in the 2025 elections.[6][7][8]

Personal life

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Castillo married San Pablo City Mayor Vicente B. Amante.[6]

Awards and recognition

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  • Most Outstanding Filipino in Humanitarian Service (2023), AmerAsia[9]
  • Honorary Philanthropist of the Year (2022), Nation Builders and Mosliv Awards (NBMA)[10]
  • Diamond Excellence Awards (2022), Inspire Mag PH[11]

References

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  1. ^ https://comelec.gov.ph/php-tpls-attachments/2025NLE/COC_2025NLE/COC_Local/COC_Local_R4A/LAGUNA/_OPES_LAGUNA/VGOV_RETUERTO_BENILDA_R.pdf
  2. ^ Vibas, Danny (June 11, 2024). "Charlie Davao grandson makes it on his own". Daily Tribune. Retrieved December 16, 2024.
  3. ^ Yeatter, Bryan (2007). Cinema of the Philippines: A History and Filmography, 1897-2005. McFarland, Incorporated, Publishers. ISBN 9780786430475. Retrieved December 17, 2024.
  4. ^ Fernando, Jeff (December 11, 2020). "FAMOUS: Gem Castillo, former 'That's Entertainment' star, is San Pablo's Tiangge Queen". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved December 17, 2024.
  5. ^ Asis, Eugene (August 17, 2022). "Dating singer-actress Gem Castillo, isang inspirasyon". Journal Online. Retrieved December 16, 2024.
  6. ^ a b Datu, Dennis (October 6, 2024). "Former actress Gem Castillo running for vice-governor of Laguna, with Cong. Fernandez as governor". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved December 16, 2024.
  7. ^ Tomandao, Roy (June 17, 2024). "Gem bares plan to run for vice gov next year". Manila Standard. Retrieved December 16, 2024.
  8. ^ "LIST: Gubernatorial, mayoral aspirants in provinces". GMA News. October 4, 2024. Retrieved December 16, 2024.
  9. ^ "Gem Castillo to receive Outstanding Filipino award in LA". Manila Standard. April 13, 2023. Retrieved December 16, 2024.
  10. ^ "Mayora Gem Castillo-Amante conferred new award". Manila Bulletin. November 24, 2022. Retrieved December 16, 2024.
  11. ^ "Gem Castillo receives Diamond Excellence Award by Inspire Mag". Manila Standard. September 30, 2022. Retrieved December 16, 2024.
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