Hazel Pascual Reyes-Almarinez (born May 9, 1979), known professionally as Ara Mina, is a Filipino actress, singer, endorser, and entrepreneur. Recognized as the "Millennium Goddess",[1] Mina is a recipient of a FAMAS Award for Best Actress, 3 Golden Screen Awards including the 'Dekada Award'[2] and an Asia's Golden Icons Award.[3]

Ara Mina
Ara Mina in 2019
Born
Hazel Pascual Reyes

(1979-05-09) May 9, 1979 (age 45)
Marikina, Metro Manila, Philippines
Other namesAra, Dara Mina
Occupation(s)Actress, endorser, entrepreneur and singer
Years active1991–present
AgentViva Artists Agency
Political partyIndependent (2010)
Spouse
Dave Almarinez
(m. 2021)
PartnerPatrick Meneses (until 2015)
Children1
Relatives
  • Cristine Reyes (half-sister)
  • Venus Imperial (Mother)
  • Romeo Reyes (Stepfather)
  • Chuck Mathay (biological father)
  • Mel Mathay (biological paternal grandfather)
  • Princess Klenk (biological younger sister)
  • Manilyn Reynes (cousin)
  • Marissa Sanchez (cousin)

Career edit

Mina became part of the Philippine entertainment industry at 14 years of age via the youth-oriented program That's Entertainment, hosted and spearheaded by the late master showman German Moreno ("Kuya Germs"). Since then, Viva Entertainment signed Mina after being noticed on That's and Mina has starred in about 40 television shows and 60 movies and released 3 recording albums. She won her first acting award for Best Actress for the film Mano Po at the Metro Manila Film Festival in 2002. The following year (2003), she received 3 more Best Actress awards from Manila Film Festival, FAMAS and Golden Screen Awards for the movie Ang Huling Birhen sa Lupa. She also won the Golden Screen Awards and Star Awards in 2004 for Best Supporting Actress in a drama in the Philippines for her role as Luna in Minsan Pa.

Mina also sings aside from acting. Her self-titled and first album from Star Music (formerly Star records) which carried the hit song "Ay, Ay, Ay, Pag-Ibig" received a gold record award a few months after its release. Because of this, the record label decided to produce another album for her entitled Heavenly, which was also a big hit and included the track "Oops Teka Lang" which was also the theme song of the film of the same title starring Robin Padilla and Claudine Barretto from Star Cinema. Her version of the Rey Valera hit "Kung Kailangan Mo Ako" was also used as the theme song of the ABS-CBN miniseries Sa Sandaling Kailangan Mo Ako. In 2008, she produced her 3rd album which was released under Sony BMG. It consisted of acoustic covers of hit songs like "What Do We Mean To Each Other" by Sergio Mendes, "Somebody" by Depeche Mode, and "Very Special Love" by Maureen McGovern.

She truly showcased versatility by starring in television shows of different genres, from sitcoms to heavy drama. 1999, she starred in her first television sitcom Super Klenk, wherein she played a super heroine. She was then included in the cast of Bubble Gang, which was her longest stint for television. The character that she played in the TV series Mulawin, Vultra, is also remarkable. In 2007, she switched to freelance acting and transferred to ABS-CBN doing projects via Prinsesa ng Banyera and Ligaw na Bulaklak. She returned to GMA Network and did multiple teleseryes for over two years. From 2011-2016, she did stints with TV5 Network but was able to do shows with the Kapuso network through Teen Gen and Yesterday's Bride. In 2011, she returned to Viva Entertainment after 1995, which also manages her sister Cristine Reyes.[4] Her most recent television stint was for GMA-7's Pinulot Ka Lang sa Lupa and was also part of the movie My Ex and Whys starring Enrique Gil and Liza Soberano. She staged a teleserye comeback on ABS-CBN in Araw Gabi after doing anthology roles with the channel. In the late 2019 until the end of 2022, she is known for her role of Ellen Padua in FPJ's Ang Probinsyano.

Personal life edit

The eldest of 9 children, she grew up in Marikina with her mother, Francis Marie Klenk, and stepfather, Romeo Reyes. At 18, she met and was acknowledged by her biological father, Chuck Mathay, a former congressman from Quezon City. Actress Cristine Reyes is her half-sister through her mother, while San Juan councilors Cris and Macky Mathay are her half-brothers through her father.[5][6]

Mina has one child with former Bulakan Mayor Patrick Meneses.[7]

On January 13, 2021, she got engaged to Businessman Dave Almarinez, CEO of the Philippine International Trading Corporation and former Laguna Provincial Board member.[8] They got married in a wedding ceremony in Baguio on June 30 later that year.[9]

Mina supports children with birth defects through the Ara Mina Foundation, which she founded in 2007.[10] Her youngest sister, Princess Klenk was born with Down syndrome, was the inspiration behind this cause.[10]

Filmography edit

Film edit

YearTitleRole
1995RollerboysSusan
The Flor Contemplacion StoryEvelyn Contemplacion
1996Init sa Tag-Ulan
Emong SalvacionBelen
1997Super Ranger KidsDiabolika
Shake, Rattle & Roll VISunny
1998Pahiram Kahit SandaliTess
Curacha ang Babaeng Walang PahignaMarie
Sagid sa InitCamille/Sara
Tatlo... MagkasaloElsie
1999Tatapatan Ko ang Lakas Mo
Kahapon May Dalawang BataSalve
Phone SexAlma
Alyas Pogi: Ang PagbabalikRoselle
Banatan
2000PalabanRuth Jacob
Ayos Na... ang KasunodAmor
Laro sa BagaDee
2002DiskarteAmanda
Two Timer
Mano PoRichelle Go
2003Ang Huling Birhen sa LupaLorena
Fantastic ManHelen / Diabolica
KalabitAndrea
2004SinglesRaia
Minsan PaLuna
2005Shake, Rattle and Roll 2k5Janice
2007SeldaSita
2008Anak ng KumanderSandra Regalado
AteHelen
2011TumbokRita
Shake, Rattle and Roll 13Beth
2013Menor de EdadEdna
Alfredo S. Lim (The Untold Story)Mrs. Gameng
2016Girlfriend for HireAuntie Melba
2017My Ex and WhysDolly
This Time I'll Be Sweeter
2019UnforgettableDahlia
2021Paglaki Ko, Gusto Kong Maging Pornstarherself
2021Pornstar 2: Pangalawang Putokherself
2022The EntitledMatilda
KatokRomina
TBAMamay: The Great Man of Nunungan, Lanao del Norte[11]

Television edit

YearTitleRoleNetwork
1992–1996That's EntertainmentHerself / RegularGMA Network
1998–2007Bubble GangHerself / Regular
1999–2000Super Klenk[12]Klenk
2000–2001Kiss MunaAra
2002–2003Kung Mawawala KaLucinda Montemayor
2004Te Amo, Maging Sino Ka ManDestiny
2004–2005MulawinVultra / Violeta / Veronica
2005Mars Ravelo's DarnaDyesebel
2006Magpakailanman
2007LupinSister Anna Nicole
2007–2008Prinsesa ng BanyeraCassandra Ynares / ElenaABS-CBN
2008Ligaw na BulaklakJanet / Jennifer Alegro
Maalaala Mo Kaya: DagatLeah
2009Carlo J. Caparas' Totoy Bato[13]Elena MagtanggolGMA Network
Sine Novela: Dapat Ka Bang Mahalin?[14]Glacilda Bautista
2009–2010Sine Novela: Tinik Sa DibdibTrixie Veneracion-Marquez / Trixie Domingo
2010IluminaElsa Sebastian
2011Untold Stories Mula sa Face to FaceTV5
Ang Utol Kong HoodlumRhea Bustillos5
Maalaala Mo Kaya: TulayEsterABS-CBN
2012P. S. I Love YouCassandraTV5
2012–2013Yesterday's BrideJosilda "Josie" RamirezGMA Network
2013Magpakailanman: The Wally Bayola StoryRiza
Teen GenVioleta "Violet" Bernardo-Torres
The GiftTheresaTV5
Maalaala Mo Kaya: DrawingShirleyABS-CBN
Wansapanataym: Dolly DaldalLisa
Maalaala Mo Kaya: Double BassLiezel
2014Wansapanataym: Enchanted HouseDorothy Barin
TrenderasDiane San MiguelTV5
2015Maalaala Mo Kaya: SanggolABS-CBN
2016Ipaglaban Mo: KasambahayVeronica
Tasya FantasyaYvonneTV5
Pepito ManalotoGinaGMA Network
KarelasyonLorraine
Dear UgeSylvia Mercado
2017Pinulot Ka Lang sa LupaMariz Alejo-Zimmerman
Ipaglaban Mo!: PagkakasalaLindaABS-CBN
Maalaala Mo Kaya: KakaninGina
Mulawin vs. RavenaVultra / Violeta / Veronica (archived footage only)GMA Network
2018Precious Hearts Romances Presents: Araw GabiHarriet De Alegre / Amanda RodriguezABS-CBN
2019Ipaglaban Mo: PariwaraDoray
2020–2022FPJ's Ang ProbinsyanoEllen PaduaABS-CBN / A2Z / Kapamilya Channel
2021Bella BandidaAlasTV5
2022Tadhana: IsabellaRhea BermudezGMA Network
Barangay PIE Silog Sunday: Pasok Mga SukiHerself, featured celebrity entrepreneurPIE Channel
2023Magandang ARAwHerselfNet 25
Jack and Jill sa Diamond HillsCleo MaharlikaTV5
2024Lovers & LiarsElizabeth LaurenteGMA Network
Private Time with AraHerselfOne News

Awards and nominations edit

YearAward-Giving BodyCategoryWorkResultRef.
1999Guillermo Mendoza Memorial AwardsPopular Princess of RP MoviesWon
2000Guillermo Mendoza Memorial AwardsMost Promising Female SingerWon
2002Metro Manila Film FestivalBest ActressMano PoWon[15]
2003Manila Film FestivalBest ActressAng Huling Birhen Sa LupaWon
Guillermo Mendoza Memorial AwardsMs. RP MoviesMano PoWon
Golden Screen AwardsBest ActressAng Huling Birhen Sa LupaWon
2004Golden Screen AwardsBest Supporting ActressMinsan PaWon
52nd FAMAS AwardsBest ActressAng Huling Birhen Sa LupaWon
20th PMPC Star Awards for MoviesBest ActressAng Huling Birhen sa LupaNominated
200521st PMPC Star Awards for MoviesBest Supporting ActressMinsan PaWon
19th PMPC Star Awards for TVBest Drama ActressMulawinNominated
200724th PMPC Star Awards for MoviesMovie Supporting Actress of the YearSeldaNominated

Discography edit

  • Ara Mina (1999, Star Music)
  • Heavenly (2001, Star Music)

References edit

  1. ^ "Ara Mina, ini-reveal kung sino ang original na aktres ng kanyang award-winning role". PEP.ph. Retrieved February 19, 2023.
  2. ^ "WINNERS: 10th Golden Screen Awards". RAPPLER. April 27, 2013. Retrieved February 19, 2023.
  3. ^ "1st Asia's Golden Icons Award 2022 set on June 28 – Manila Bulletin". mb.com.ph. Retrieved February 19, 2023.
  4. ^ Ara Mina's comeback in Viva Films + Aga, Angel's "In the Name of Love"
  5. ^ Ruiz, Marah (August 11, 2023). "The wonderful sisterly bond of Ara Mina and Cristine Reyes". www.gmanetwork.com. Retrieved June 8, 2024.
  6. ^ Muntinlupa, Jake (October 13, 2016). "Kapatid sa kapatid: Macky Mathay replies to Ara Mina's touching birthday message". Kami.com.ph - Philippines news. Retrieved June 8, 2024.
  7. ^ "Ara Mina gives birth to baby girl". ABS-CBN News. December 18, 2014. Retrieved December 18, 2014.
  8. ^ Gonzales, Cathrine (January 13, 2021). "Ara Mina now engaged to PITC CEO Dave Almarinez". INQUIRER.net.
  9. ^ Eusebio, Aaron Brennt (July 1, 2023). "Ara Mina is now married to Dave Almarinez". GMA Entertainment. Retrieved November 14, 2023.
  10. ^ a b "Ara Mina to hold fund raising event for children with down syndrome". Retrieved February 13, 2024.
  11. ^ Antonio, Lou Ellen (March 18, 2023). "Life of Nunungan mayor to be featured in a biopic film". Philippine Information Agency. Retrieved November 15, 2023.
  12. ^ "Obsessed with weight". Philippine Daily Inquirer. The Philippine Daily Inquirer, Inc. January 23, 2000. p. B6. Retrieved July 18, 2023. Right after Bitoy's 'Bilibkaba' is Ara Mina's new fantasy-comedy 'Super Klenk,' on its new timeslot at 7:30 p.m.
  13. ^ "Sunshine Dizon is not looking for love but is positive it will come". Philippine Entertainment Portal.
  14. ^ "Journal Online | Daily news from the Philippines". Journal Online.
  15. ^ "Metro Manila Film Festival:2002". IMDb. Retrieved April 9, 2014.

External links edit