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Ara Mina

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
In this Philippine name for married women, the birth middle name or maternal family name is Pascual, the birth surname or paternal family name is Reyes, and the marital name is Almarinez.

Ara Mina
Ara Mina in 2019
Born
Hazel Pascual Reyes

(1979-05-09) May 9, 1979 (age 45)
Mandaluyong, Philippines[1]
Other namesAra, Dara Mina
Occupation(s)Actress, endorser, entrepreneur and singer
Years active1991–present
AgentViva Artists Agency
Political partyLakas–CMD (2024–present)
Other political
affiliations		Independent (2009-2024)
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)

Hazel Pascual Reyes-Almarinez (born May 9, 1979), professionally known as Ara Mina, is a Filipino actress, singer, endorser, and entrepreneur. Recognized as the "Millennium Goddess",[2] Mina is a recipient of a FAMAS Award for Best Actress, 3 Golden Screen Awards including the 'Dekada Award'[3] and an Asia's Golden Icons Award.[4]

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.[5]

On April 17, 2015, Ara was part of the "Lucky Stars" of Kapamilya, Deal or No Deal and won P1,000,000, making Ara as second millionaire of the season five.

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.[6][7]

Mina has one child with former Bulakan Mayor Patrick Meneses.[8]

On January 13, 2021, she got engaged to Businessman Dave Almarinez, CEO of the Philippine International Trading Corporation and former Laguna Provincial Board member.[9] They got married in a wedding ceremony in Baguio on June 30 later that year.[10]

Mina supports children with birth defects through the Ara Mina Foundation, which she founded in 2007.[11] Her youngest sister, Princess Klenk was born with Down syndrome, was the inspiration behind this cause.[11]

Filmography

[edit]

Film

[edit]
Year Title Role
1995 Rollerboys Susan
The Flor Contemplacion Story Evelyn Contemplacion
1996 Init sa Tag-Ulan Marita
Emong Salvacion Belen
1997 Super Ranger Kids Diabolika
Shake, Rattle & Roll VI Sunny
1998 Pahiram Kahit Sandali Tess
Curacha: Ang Babaeng Walang Pahinga Marie
Sagid sa Init Camille/Sara
Tatlo... Magkasalo Elsie
1999 Tatapatan Ko ang Lakas Mo
Kahapon May Dalawang Bata Salve
Phone Sex Alma
Alyas Pogi: Ang Pagbabalik Roselle
Banatan
2000 Palaban Ruth Jacob
Ayos Na... ang Kasunod Amor
Laro sa Baga Dee
2002 Diskarte Amanda
Two Timer
Mano Po Richelle Go
2003 Ang Huling Birhen sa Lupa Lorena
Fantastic Man Helen / Diabolica
Kalabit Andrea
2004 Singles Raia
Minsan Pa Luna
2005 Shake, Rattle & Roll 2k5 Janice
2007 Selda Sita
2008 Anak ng Kumander Sandra Regalado
Ate Helen
2011 Tumbok Rita
Shake, Rattle & Roll 13 Beth
2013 Menor de Edad Edna
Alfredo S. Lim (The Untold Story) Mrs. Gameng
2016 Girlfriend for Hire Auntie Melba
2017 My Ex and Whys Dolly
This Time I'll Be Sweeter
2019 Unforgettable Dahlia
2021 Paglaki Ko, Gusto Kong Maging Pornstar herself
2021 Pornstar 2: Pangalawang Putok herself
2022 The Entitled Matilda
Katok Romina
2024 Mamay: A Journey to Greatness[12][13] Katimuan Binasing

Television

[edit]
Year Title Role Network
1992–1996 That's Entertainment Herself / Regular GMA Network
1998–2007 Bubble Gang Herself / Regular
1999–2000 Super Klenk[14] Klenk
2000–2001 Kiss Muna Ara
2002–2003 Kung Mawawala Ka Lucinda Montemayor
2004 Te Amo, Maging Sino Ka Man Destiny
2004–2005 Mulawin Vultra / Violeta / Veronica
2005 Mars Ravelo's Darna Dyesebel
2006 Magpakailanman
2007 Lupin Sister Anna Nicole
2007–2008 Prinsesa ng Banyera Cassandra Ynares / Elena ABS-CBN
2008 Ligaw na Bulaklak Janet / Jennifer Alegro
Maalaala Mo Kaya: Dagat Leah
2009 Carlo J. Caparas' Totoy Bato[15] Elena Magtanggol GMA Network
Sine Novela: Dapat Ka Bang Mahalin?[16] Glacilda Bautista
2009–2010 Sine Novela: Tinik sa Dibdib Trixie Veneracion-Marquez / Trixie Domingo
2010 Ilumina Elsa Sebastian
2011 Untold Stories Mula sa Face to Face TV5
Ang Utol Kong Hoodlum Rhea Bustillos 5
Maalaala Mo Kaya: Tulay Ester ABS-CBN
2012 P. S. I Love You Cassandra TV5
2012–2013 Yesterday's Bride Josilda "Josie" Ramirez GMA Network
2013 Magpakailanman: The Wally Bayola Story Riza
Teen Gen Violeta "Violet" Bernardo-Torres
The Gift Theresa TV5
Maalaala Mo Kaya: Drawing Shirley ABS-CBN
Wansapanataym: Dolly Daldal Lisa
Maalaala Mo Kaya: Double Bass Liezel
2014 Wansapanataym: Enchanted House Dorothy Barin
Trenderas Diane San Miguel TV5
2015 Maalaala Mo Kaya: Sanggol ABS-CBN
2016 Ipaglaban Mo: Kasambahay Veronica
Tasya Fantasya Yvonne TV5
Pepito Manaloto Gina GMA Network
Karelasyon Lorraine
Dear Uge Sylvia Mercado
2017 Pinulot Ka Lang sa Lupa Mariz Alejo-Zimmerman
Ipaglaban Mo!: Pagkakasala Linda ABS-CBN
Maalaala Mo Kaya: Kakanin Gina
Mulawin vs. Ravena Vultra / Violeta / Veronica (archived footage only) GMA Network
2018 Precious Hearts Romances Presents: Araw Gabi Harriet De Alegre / Amanda Rodriguez ABS-CBN
2019 Ipaglaban Mo: Pariwara Doray
2020–2022 FPJ's Ang Probinsyano Ellen Padua ABS-CBN / A2Z / Kapamilya Channel / TV5
2021 Bella Bandida Alas TV5
2022 Tadhana: Isabella Rhea Bermudez GMA Network
Barangay PIE Silog Sunday: Pasok Mga Suki Herself, featured celebrity entrepreneur PIE Channel
2023 Magandang ARAw Herself Net 25
Jack and Jill sa Diamond Hills Cleo Maharlika TV5
2024 Lovers & Liars Elizabeth Laurente GMA Network
Private Time with Ara Herself One News
Padyak Princess Susan Velarde / Rosa TV5
It's Showtime Herself Kapamilya Channel / A2Z / ALLTV / GMA Network / GTV
Tadhana: Sugar Daddy Sylvia Landicho GMA Network

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Year Award-Giving Body Category Work Result Ref.
1999 Guillermo Mendoza Memorial Awards Popular Princess of RP Movies Won
2000 Guillermo Mendoza Memorial Awards Most Promising Female Singer Won
2002 Metro Manila Film Festival Best Actress Mano Po Won [17]
2003 Manila Film Festival Best Actress Ang Huling Birhen Sa Lupa Won
Guillermo Mendoza Memorial Awards Ms. RP Movies Mano Po Won
Golden Screen Awards Best Actress Ang Huling Birhen Sa Lupa Won
2004 Golden Screen Awards Best Supporting Actress Minsan Pa Won
52nd FAMAS Awards Best Actress Ang Huling Birhen Sa Lupa Won
20th PMPC Star Awards for Movies Best Actress Ang Huling Birhen sa Lupa Nominated
2005 21st PMPC Star Awards for Movies Best Supporting Actress Minsan Pa Won
19th PMPC Star Awards for TV Best Drama Actress Mulawin Nominated
2007 24th PMPC Star Awards for Movies Movie Supporting Actress of the Year Selda Nominated

Discography

[edit]
  • Ara Mina (1999, Star Music)
  • Heavenly (2001, Star Music)

References

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  1. ^ https://comelec.gov.ph/php-tpls-attachments/2025NLE/COC_2025NLE/COC_Local/COC_Local_NCR/COC_Local_NCR_PASIG/REYES-ALMARINEZ%20HAZEL%20PASCUAL.pdf
  2. ^ "Ara Mina, ini-reveal kung sino ang original na aktres ng kanyang award-winning role". PEP.ph. Retrieved February 19, 2023.
  3. ^ "WINNERS: 10th Golden Screen Awards". RAPPLER. April 27, 2013. Retrieved February 19, 2023.
  4. ^ "1st Asia's Golden Icons Award 2022 set on June 28 – Manila Bulletin". mb.com.ph. Retrieved February 19, 2023.
  5. ^ Ara Mina's comeback in Viva Films + Aga, Angel's "In the Name of Love"
  6. ^ Ruiz, Marah (August 11, 2023). "The wonderful sisterly bond of Ara Mina and Cristine Reyes". www.gmanetwork.com. Retrieved June 8, 2024.
  7. ^ 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.
  8. ^ "Ara Mina gives birth to baby girl". ABS-CBN News. December 18, 2014. Retrieved December 18, 2014.
  9. ^ Gonzales, Cathrine (January 13, 2021). "Ara Mina now engaged to PITC CEO Dave Almarinez". INQUIRER.net.
  10. ^ Eusebio, Aaron Brennt (July 1, 2023). "Ara Mina is now married to Dave Almarinez". GMA Entertainment. Retrieved November 14, 2023.
  11. ^ a b "Ara Mina to hold fund raising event for children with down syndrome". Retrieved February 13, 2024.
  12. ^ Wang, Nickie (August 29, 2024). "Mamay's biopic premieres to warm reception". Manila Standard. Philippine Manila Standard Publishing, Inc. Retrieved October 21, 2024.
  13. ^ Antonio, Lou Ellen (March 18, 2023). "Life of Nunungan mayor to be featured in a biopic film". Philippine Information Agency. Retrieved November 15, 2023.
  14. ^ "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.
  15. ^ "Sunshine Dizon is not looking for love but is positive it will come". Philippine Entertainment Portal.
  16. ^ "Journal Online | Daily news from the Philippines". Journal Online.
  17. ^ "Metro Manila Film Festival:2002". IMDb. Retrieved April 9, 2014.
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