Wikipedia

Carla Guevara Laforteza

Carla Guevara-Laforteza (born December 26, 1975) is a Filipino musical theater actress of performances in both local and international productions.[1] She is known for her role as Kim/Gigi in Miss Saigon in West End in the 1990s.[2] She is also TV personality under Star Magic,[3] recording artist,[4] professional singer, and talent handler.[5]

Carla Guevara Laforteza
Carla Guevara Laforteza in 2024
Carla Guevara Laforteza in 2024
Background information
Birth nameMaria Carla Helena Amado Guevara
Born (1975-12-26) December 26, 1975 (age 48)
Manila, Philippines
Genres
Occupation(s)Singer, actress
InstrumentVocals
Years active1994–present
LabelsRebel Records Philippines


Laforteza commemorated her 24-year journey with Star Magic by receiving a Loyalty Award during the Star Magical Christmas celebration on November 19, 2023.[6]

Education and personal life

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On March 2, 2002, Carla married Godfrey Laforteza III in Long Island, New York.[7] Godfrey is now an Executive Chef of Newport World Resorts.[8] They have three children, Basil Luke Gregory (born 2001), Sophia Elizabeth (born 2002), and Oreo (born 2010).[9] Her daughter Sophia is a member of Katseye, new global girl group under Hybe and Geffen Records.[10]

Career

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Laforteza started with the Rep Children's Theater in 1993, where she was cast in various plays such as Camelot, Once on This Island, Annie, Romeo and Juliet, and Taming of the Shrew.[11]

In 1995, she joined the Miss Saigon production in London as an understudy for "Kim", "Gigi" and "Yvette". She stayed there for three years[12]

In 1998, she went back to Philippines and appeared in theatrical and television shows.[11]

In 1999, Laforteza, began her career in television in Munting Paraiso, ABS-CBN drama series.[13]

In 2001-2010, She moved to New York and worked there as baker, medical assistant, restaurant manager, salesperson, etc. She got a degree in Hotel Operation Management and took courses at New York Universities in acting. She married Godfrey Laforteza, had 2 children (Bailey and Sophia).[11]

In 2011, Laforteza's got role of Nina in Breakups and Breakdowns.[14]

She also took roles of Sour Kangaroo in Repertory Philippines' production of Seussical and Sister Berthe in Resort World Manila's Sound of Music.[15]

In 2013, Laforteza was among the actress of Be Careful with My Heart, a television hit series in the Philippines [16]

In 2018, Laforteza played the role Lily in Binonodo, a Tsinoy Musicl wherein she was recognized as Aliw Best Actress in Musical.[17]

In 2019, Laforteza was chosen to play as Joy in Ang Huling El Bimbo (musical) , stage production that featured Eraserheads hit songs. She received honor for in this performance as 2019 LEAF Award for Most Outstanding Actress in a Musical.[18] [19]

In 2022, Laforteza was cast in the ABS-CBN television series Flower of Evil, a Filipino adaptation of a widely popular South Korean drama.[20]

Same this year, Carla Guevara Laforteza portrayed Rachel in Joseph the Dreamer, a role that earned her the Aliw Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical. Her performance stood out, bringing depth to the character and contributing to the overall impact of the production.[21]


In 2024, Laforteza played the role of Rose and Edit in One More Chance: The Musical.[22]

Laforteza is one the Philippines stars who performed on the two-night fundraising concert "Do You Hear the People Sing?", featuring selections from Les Misérables and Miss Saigon.[23]

Laforteza celebrated her 30th year in musical theater by Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) on, the Triple Threats concert "A La Carlotta" on August 11.[24][25]

Achievements

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Carla Guevara Laforteza's recognition in Philippine theater stems from her versatility and impact on stage. Some of her notable awards include:

2023 Best Featured Actress in Musical- Snow white and the Prince. Laforteza won this award for the portrayal of the Queen in Repertory Philippines Theater Production of Snow White and the Prince.[26]

2022 Aliw Best Featured Actress in Musical for her Role Rachel in Joseph the dreamer stage play where she sang "He opens the Window" [27][28]

2019 LEAF Award for Most Outstanding Actress in a Musical for her portrayal of Joy in Ang Huling El Bimbo. The show explored themes of friendship and the challenges faced over time.[29] [30]

2018 Aliw Best Actress In Musical - Laforteza won this award for her role as Lily in Binondo a Tshino Musical. [31]

GEM Award for Best Featured Artist - Laforteza was awarded this for her portrayal of Kapitana Mary Jane in Rak of Aegis. This award underscores her standout performance in a highly popular musical, which brought together comedy, music, and social themes​[32] [33]

Notable stage credits

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Year Title Role Location Notes
2024 Going Home to Christmas Pat Manila (Repertory Philippines)
2024 One More Chance: The musical Rose/Edith Manila (Peta)
2022 Joseph the Dreamer Rachel Manila (Trumpets)
2019 Beautiful: The Carole King Musical Carole's Mother Manila (Atlantis)
2018–2019 Ang Huling El Bimbo Joy Manawari Manila
2018 Binondo: A Tsinoy Musical Lily Manila
2016 Hansel and Gretel Witch Manila (Repertory Philippines)
2016 Rak of Aegis Mary Jane (MJ) Manila (Atlantis Production)
2011 Breakups and Breakdowns Nina Upstart Prod (Philippines)
2010 Rent Maureen Johnson Manila
1998 The Baker's Wife Genevieve Castagnet Manila (Repertory Philippines)
1997 Alice in Wonderland Alice Manila (Repertory Philippines)
1995–1997 Miss Saigon Kim/Gigi London

Television appearances

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Year Show Role Network
2022 Flower of Evil ABS-CBN
2013–2014 Be Careful with My Heart Ms. Pacheco ABS-CBN
1999 Ang Munting Paraiso Honey ABS CBN

References

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  1. ^ "Carla Guevara Laforteza, Shiela Valderrama, Tanya Manalang Headline CCP's Triple Threats Concert Series". TheaterFansManila.com. 2024-06-04. Retrieved 2024-07-28.
  2. ^ "Carla Guevara-Laforteza dreams to do 'Miss Saigon' again". ABS-CBN News. June 18, 2022.
  3. ^ "Carla Guevara-Laforteza on staying loyal to Star Magic for 24 years". ABS-CBN News. 20 November 2023.
  4. ^ "Closer by Carla Guevara Laforteza on Apple Music". music.apple.com. 2019-03-08. Retrieved 2024-07-28.
  5. ^ Fernando, Jeff (23 March 2021). "Carla Guevara-Laforteza ventures into talent management". ABS-CBN News.
  6. ^ "The impressive artistry of Carla Guevarra in the past 24 years". ABS-CBN News. November 19, 2023.
  7. ^ Amoyo, Aster. "Love story ni Carla Guevarra". Philstar.com. Retrieved 2024-08-01.
  8. ^ "Chef Godfrey Laforteza: A Father's Special Recipe". Modern Parenting. 2023.
  9. ^ Lo, Ricky. "Theater (not school) is where Carla's heart is". Philstar.com. Retrieved 2024-08-01.
  10. ^ C, Toff (19 November 2023). "Carla Guevara-Laforteza pens message as daughter set to debut in HYBE-Geffen global girl group".
  11. ^ a b c "Rediscovering Carla | Philstar.com". www.philstar.com. Retrieved 2024-08-07.
  12. ^ "Rediscovering Carla | Philstar.com". www.philstar.com. Retrieved 2007-02-05.
  13. ^ "Carla Guevara-Laforteza on staying loyal to Star Magic for 24 years". news.abs-cbn.com. Retrieved 2023-11-20.
  14. ^ "Carla in Breakups and Breakdowns| Philstar.com". www.philstar.com. Retrieved 2011-03-10.
  15. ^ "Carla Guevara's banner year". Philstar.com. Retrieved 2024-08-07.
  16. ^ "Theater's Carla Guevara-Laforteza wants to cross over to TV". entertainment.inquirer.net. 7 August 2016. Retrieved 2016-08-07.
  17. ^ Manila Bulletin (Dec 19, 2018). "Aliw Awards 2018 winners revealed".
  18. ^ Gianna Sibal (Sep 29, 2024). "EXCLUSIVE: The Mom Of KATSEYE's Sophia Laforteza on Sharing the Same Singing Prowess".
  19. ^ Press Release (July 3, 2024). "THE LEADING WOMEN IN PHILIPPINE MUSICAL THEATER ARE TRIPLE THREATS".
  20. ^ "Carla Guevara-Laforteza dreams to do 'Miss Saigon' again". news.abs-cbn.com. Retrieved 2022-06-26.
  21. ^ Audie Gemora (Aug 8, 2024). "How God shone through Carla Guevara Laforteza".
  22. ^ ""One more chance, the musical" announces 2024 rerun". Theater Fans Manila. 23 May 2024.
  23. ^ "Do You Hear The People Sing | Newport World Resorts". Do You Hear The People Sing | Newport World Resorts. Retrieved 2024-07-28.
  24. ^ ABC-CBN News (Jul 25, 2024). "CCP's Triple Threats feat. Carla Guevara-Laforteza moved to Aug. 11".
  25. ^ Anna Cerezo (2024-08-11). "Carla Guevara Laforteza challenges herself at 'A La Carlotta". ABSCBN News. Retrieved 2024-08-11.
  26. ^ Brontë H. Lacsamana (Dec 13, 2023). "Ibarra wins big at the 2023 ALIW Awards".
  27. ^ ABS-CBN News (Dec 6, 2022). "Gerald Santos takes second Entertainer of the Year trophy in Aliw Awards".
  28. ^ Audie Gemora (Aug 8, 2024). "How God shone through Carla Guevara Laforteza".
  29. ^ Gianna Sibal (Sep 29, 2024). "EXCLUSIVE: The Mom Of KATSEYE's Sophia Laforteza on Sharing the Same Singing Prowess".
  30. ^ Press Release (July 3, 2024). "THE LEADING WOMEN IN PHILIPPINE MUSICAL THEATER ARE TRIPLE THREATS".
  31. ^ Manila Bulletin (Dec 19, 2018). "Aliw Awards 2018 winners revealed".
  32. ^ Gianna Sibal (Sep 29, 2024). "EXCLUSIVE: The Mom Of KATSEYE's Sophia Laforteza on Sharing the Same Singing Prowess".
  33. ^ Press Release (July 3, 2024). "THE LEADING WOMEN IN PHILIPPINE MUSICAL THEATER ARE TRIPLE THREATS".
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