Catherine Cruz Gonzaga-Morada (Tagalog pronunciation: [gɔnˈsaga mɔˈɾada]; born January 16, 1988), professionally known as Alex Gonzaga, is a Filipino media personality, host, comedian, actress, businesswoman, and singer.[2]

Alex Gonzaga-Morada
Born
Catherine Cruz Gonzaga

(1988-01-16) January 16, 1988 (age 36)
Taytay, Rizal, Philippines
Alma materUniversity of Asia and the Pacific(BS)
Occupations
  • Actress
  • host
  • singer
  • YouTuber
  • author
  • entrepreneur
Years active2006–present
Agents
Spouse
Michael Gerard T. Morada
(m. 2020)
Parents
  • Carlito Gonzaga
  • Crisanta Cruz-Gonzaga
RelativesPaul Soriano (brother-in-law)
FamilyToni Gonzaga (sister)
Musical career
Genres
Instrument(s)Vocals
Years active2015–present
LabelsStar Music
YouTube information
Channel
Years active2017–present
GenreComedy
Subscribers13.1 million[1]
Total views1.3 billion[1]
Associated acts
100,000 subscribers
1,000,000 subscribers
10,000,000 subscribers

Last updated: April 15, 2022
Spouse of Councilor of Lipa City, Batangas
Assumed office
2020
CouncilorMikee Morada

Early life edit

Alex Gonzaga was born Catherine Cruz Gonzaga on January 16, 1988, in Taytay, a first-class densely populated municipality of Rizal, to spouses Crisanta "Pinty" Cruz and then-incumbent Vice-Mayor Carlito "Bonoy" Gonzaga. Her elder sister is TV host and actress Toni Gonzaga.

Alex graduated from the University of Asia and the Pacific with a Bachelor of Science in Child Development and Education.[3]

Personal life edit

In November 2016, Gonzaga began dating Lipa City councilor Michael "Mikee" Morada.[4] On January 16, 2020, Gonzaga announced on Instagram that she and Morada were engaged.[5] On January 17, 2021, Gonzaga announced on her YouTube channel that she and Morada have been married in a private wedding at the Gonzaga residence in Taytay since November 2020.[6]

In a vlog uploaded to her YouTube channel on October 24, 2020, Gonzaga and her family tested positive for COVID-19, and she shared how they recovered from the virus.[7]

In 2021, Gonzaga was pregnant with her first child, until she suffered a miscarriage.[8] In October 2023, she suffered a second miscarriage.[9][10]

Career edit

2006–2012: Early works edit

Gonzaga started her career on ABS-CBN for the sitcom, Let's Go!, where she played the role of Alex, which also became her personal nickname. Her role lasted until the series' fourth season called Gokada Go!. After her departure from the sitcom, she was cast in different dramas on the same network, such as Pangarap na Bituin, Your Song and My Girl.[11][12]

In 2008, Gonzaga transferred to TV5 and became one of the hosts for the talk show, Juicy!. She played a lead role in the 2011 soap opera Babaeng Hampaslupa. Further roles on the network include BFGF, P.S. I Love You and Enchanted Garden.[13][14]

2013–2019: Breakthrough edit

Gonzaga returned to ABS-CBN in April 2013.[15][16] She was a co-host for the Philippine version of The Voice.[17] She also served as a guest host for the Philippine version of Big Brother on its All In season. During the pilot episode of PBB: All In, Gonzaga was revealed to be the third and final celebrity housemate to enter the Pinoy Big Brother house, following collegiate athlete Michele Gumabao and actress Jane Oineza. She was given the title as "Sassy Sister ng Rizal".[18] During a diary room session with Big Brother, Gonzaga turns out to be actually a celebrity houseguest and was tasked to avoid revealing the information to the other official housemates.[19] After staying in the Big Brother house for two months, she returned to the "outside world" on June 14, 2014, and she was replaced by internet sensation Cheridel Alejandrino, also known as "Elevator Girl". Gonzaga went on to play her most major role as the lead character Diane Santos in the hit drama series Pure Love, a Philippine adaptation of Korean drama 49 Days, co-starring Yen Santos.[20] Pure Love aired from July to November 2014.[21][22]

She was also part of the comedy gag show Banana Split, and also starred in the drama anthology Maalaala Mo Kaya for two episodes.[23] She then released her novel book Dear Alex, Break na Kami. Paano? Love Catherine (2014), under ABS-CBN Publishing, Inc.[24] The novel received positive reviews from fans and critics alike, most complimenting the novel's "break-up" concept and enjoying its humor.[25] A film adaption for the novel was reported to be in the works, with Gonzaga sharing interest in casting Luis Manzano, John Lloyd Cruz and Piolo Pascual for the film adaption.[26]

She was also cast on her first film under Star Cinema, The Amazing Praybeyt Benjamin (2014), one of the official entries to the 40th Metro Manila Film Festival.[27][28][29] The film was commercially successful and achieved the milestones for having the highest-gross on opening day of any local film[30] and the title of being one of the highest-grossing local film of all time in the Philippines. The film received mixed to negative reviews from critics. Zig Marasigan from Rappler described the film in his movie review as "a brainless, hyper-stylized and utterly ridiculous family comedy."[31]

Gonzaga released her debut studio album I Am Alex G. (2015) with the studio album's lead hit single, "Panaginip Lang", under Star Music. The studio album had a grand launch at Eastwood Central Plaza on March 22, 2015,[32] and a concert,[28] AG from the East: The Unexpected Concert, which was later on held at the Araneta Coliseum to support her studio album on April 25, 2015. She had another major project as the lead star of the fantasy series Inday Bote,[33][34][35][36] a TV adaptation of the classic Filipino film of the same title.[35][37] She also took hosting duties in the original, local dance competition show Dance Kids, alongside Robi Domingo.[38][39]

2020–present: Return to TV5 during the COVID-19 pandemic edit

After the shutdown of ABS-CBN resulting from the denial of its application for a franchise renewal, Gonzaga returned to TV5 for a block time agreement with Brightlight Productions, and became one of the main hosts of noontime variety show Lunch Out Loud from its premiere in 2020 until 2023.[40]

Filmography edit

Film edit

Year Title Role Notes Ref.
2007 I've Fallen For You Samantha Film debut
2014 The Amazing Praybeyt Benjamin Gundina Galamiton Official entry for the 40th Metro Manila Film Festival
2015 Buy Now, Die Later Chloe Narciso Official entry for the 41st Metro Manila Film Festival
2016 My Rebound Girl Rocky
2018 Nakalimutan Ko Nang Kalimutan Ka Jaz Cruz
Everybody Loves Baby Wendy Wendy iWant film [41]
Mary, Marry Me Mary Anne "MA" Lagman Official entry for the 44th Metro Manila Film Festival
2020 Love the Way U Lie Stacey Likauko Netflix Film and Viva Films
2021 The Exorsis Daniella "Dani" Raymundo Morales Viva Films; official entry for the 47th Metro Manila Film Festival [42]
2022 The Entitled Belinda Buenavista Netflix Film [43]

Television edit

Year Title Role
2006–2007 Let's Go! Alex Sy
2007 Gokada Go!
Pangarap na Bituin Chorva Ayala-Gomez
Your Song Presents: Sana Ngayong Pasko Anna
2008 My Girl Christine
Your Song Presents: Without You Jen
Mars Ravelo and Jim Fernandez's Tiny Tony Michelle
Maynila Various roles
2008–2009 Lokomoko
Your Song Presents: My Only Hope Cefelita "Fifi" Madrigal
2009–2010 Everybody Hapi Cathy
2010–2011 BFGF Maria Claridad "Claring" Malinao
2011 Babaeng Hampaslupa Grace Mallari Wong / Elizabeth Wong-See
Regal Shocker: Piano Amanda
2011–2012 P. S. I Love You Andrea Tuazon
2012 Regal Shocker: Manananggal Rina
2012–2013 Enchanted Garden Diwani Olivia / Aya Malfora
2013 Toda Max Laila
Maalaala Mo Kaya Various roles
2013–2015 Banana Split
The Voice of the Philippines Host
2013–2020 ASAP Host / Performer
2014 Pinoy Big Brother: All In House guest
The Voice Kids Host
Pure Love Diane Santos
2015 Pablo S. Gomez's Inday Bote Inday Catacutan
2015–2016 Dance Kids Host
2016 Pasión de Amor Jenny (finale episode)
Game ng Bayan Host
2017 I Can Do That
2017–2020 I Can See Your Voice Sing-vestigator
2018 Star Hunt: The Grand Audition Show Host
2018–2019 Pinoy Big Brother: Otso
2019–2020 Home Sweetie Home: Extra Sweet Mikee Montes
2020 The Voice Teens Host
2020–2023 Lunch Out Loud
2021–present Alex Asks Host

Music videos edit

List of music videos as lead artist, showing year released and directors
Title Year Director(s) Ref.
"Panaginip Lang" 2015 Andrei Antonio [44]
"Break Na Tayo" Jasper Salimbangon [45]
"Unbound"
(with Marion, Morissette and Kidwolf)
2016 Frannk Lloyd Mamaril [46]
"Chambe" 2018 Jasper Salimbangon [47]
"Chambe"
(Christmas remix)
[48]
"Sissums"
(with Toni Gonzaga)
[49]
"Tipints" 2019 Fifth Solomon [50]
"Please Lang"
(featuring Toni Gonzaga)
Jasper Salimbangon [51]
"G"
(featuring Perea Street)
[52]
"Amfee" [53]
"Amfee"
(Performance video)
[54]
"Amfee"
(Vertical video)
[55]
"WKT"
(featuring Arvey)
2021 Alex Gonzaga and Edrex Clyde Sanchez [56]

Discography edit

Extended plays edit

List of extended plays, with selected details
Title Details
I Am Alex G.
Track listing
  • 1. "Panaginip Lang"
  • 2. "Di Ko Akalain"
  • 3. "Alam Mo Na Yan"
  • 4. "Boyfriend"
  • 5. "Break Na Tayo"
  • 6. "Goodbye Kiss"

Singles edit

List of singles, showing year released and album name
Title Year Album
As lead artist
"Panaginip Lang" 2015 I Am Alex G.
"Break Na Tayo"
"Chambe" 2018 Non-album single
"Sissums"
(with Toni Gonzaga)
Mary, Marry Me OST
"Tipints" 2019 Non-album single
"Please Lang"
(featuring Toni Gonzaga)
Himig Handog
"Amfee" Non-album singles
"WKT"
(featuring Arvey)
2021
As featured artist
"Unbound"
(Marion featuring Alex Gonzaga, Morissette and Kidwolf)
2016 Non-album single

Chart performance edit

List of other charted songs, with selected chart positions and album name
Title Year Peak chart positions Album
PH
Hit Chart
[57]
Pinoy
[58]
"Panaginip Lang" 2015 8 6 I Am Alex G.
"Chambe" 2018 8 5 Non-album single
"Tipints" 2019 16
"Amfee" 16

Concerts edit

  • AG from the East: The Unexpected Concert (2015)

Written works edit

  • Dear Alex, Break na Kami. Paano? Love Catherine (2014)
  • Dear Alex, We're Dating. Tama, Mali?! Love Catherine (2016)
  • Sissums (2018)

Awards and nominations edit

Year Award Giving Body Category Nominated Work Results Ref.
2013 27th PMPC Star Awards for TV Best Comedy Actress Banana Nite Nominated
Best Talent Search Program Hosts The Voice Kids Won
Anak TV Awards Makabata Stars Won
2014 28th PMPC Star Awards for TV Best Talent Search Program Hosts The Voice of the Philippines Won
Best Comedy Actress Banana Nite Nominated
2016 12th USTv Awards Students' Choice of Reality/Game Show Host The Voice Kids Won
Anak TV Awards Makabata Stars Won
2019 MOR Pinoy Music Awards LSS Hit of the Year "Chambe" Nominated
PMPC Star Awards for Music Female Recording Artist of the Year Nominated
Song of the Year Nominated
2020 Eastwood City Walk Of Fame Celebrity Inductee Won
PUSH Awards Popular Digital Star Won
2nd VP Choice Awards YouTuber of the Year Won
CICP Spotlight Awards YouTube Superstar Won [59]

References edit

  1. ^ a b "About YouTube". YouTube.
  2. ^ "The 10 biggest Filipino YouTubers in terms of subscriber count". Rappler. September 27, 2021. Retrieved October 17, 2021.
  3. ^ "Fresh Graduate Alex Gonzaga Hopes to Become a Teacher". ph.news.yahoo.com. April 3, 2012. Retrieved May 9, 2014.
  4. ^ Biong, Ian (November 4, 2019). "LOOK: Alex Gonzaga marks third anniversary with Mikee Morada". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved January 17, 2020.
  5. ^ "LOOK: Alex Gonzaga gets engaged on her birthday". ABS-CBN News. January 17, 2020. Retrieved January 17, 2020.
  6. ^ "Alex Gonzaga and Mikee Morada are married". CNN Philippines. January 17, 2021. Retrieved February 26, 2021.
  7. ^ "Alex Gonzaga, family tested positive for coronavirus". Rappler. October 24, 2020. Retrieved October 24, 2020.
  8. ^ "'Don't ever lose hope': Alex Gonzaga opens up about miscarriage". Rappler. October 17, 2021. Retrieved October 17, 2021.
  9. ^ Llemit, Kathleen A. (November 5, 2023). "Alex Gonzaga reveals 2nd pregnancy loss". Philstar.
  10. ^ Bravo, Frances Karmel S. (November 5, 2023). "Alex Gonzaga recounts pain of recurrent miscarriage after IVF". PEP.ph.
  11. ^ "Remember when Alex Gonzaga portrayed Sarah Geronimo's best friend in a teleserye?". PEP.ph. Retrieved December 20, 2023.
  12. ^ "Joross Gamboa, Alex Gonzaga, and Victor Basa form zany love triangle in "Your Song"". PEP.ph. Retrieved December 20, 2023.
  13. ^ Rodriquez Alipio, Kabbie (October 14, 2013). "15 MINUTES WITH ALEX GONZAGA". stylebible.ph. Retrieved May 9, 2014.
  14. ^ "PBB All In Housemate Alex Gonzaga Biography". centertechnews.com. April 30, 2014. Retrieved May 9, 2014.
  15. ^ Valeza, Karen (April 17, 2013). "Alex Gonzaga returns as a Kapamilya". ph.omg.yahoo.com. Retrieved May 9, 2014.
  16. ^ "Alex Gonzaga returns to ABS-CBN". tempo.com.ph. April 19, 2013. Archived from the original on February 23, 2014. Retrieved May 9, 2014.
  17. ^ "Failon teases Alex Gonzaga over 'Ted Filan' joke". ABS-CBN News. October 1, 2013.
  18. ^ Smith, Chuck (April 29, 2014). "The 18 housemates of 'Pinoy Big Brother All In'". The Philippine Star. Retrieved May 9, 2014.
  19. ^ Lastrilla, Gary Ann (May 4, 2014). "Big Brother reveals why Alex is inside his house". ABS-CBN Entertainment. Archived from the original on May 7, 2014. Retrieved May 9, 2014.
  20. ^ "WATCH: Alex Gonzaga in trending 'Pure Love' trailer". ABS-CBN News. June 20, 2014.
  21. ^ "'Pure Love' spares Diane in twist ending". ABS-CBN News. November 14, 2014.
  22. ^ "'Pure Love' exits with record rating". ABS-CBN News. November 18, 2014.
  23. ^ "Alex Gonzaga debuts on 'MMK'". ABS-CBN News. August 1, 2013. Retrieved May 9, 2014.
  24. ^ "Dear Alex, Break na Kami. Paano? Love Catherine". Goodreads. September 2014. Retrieved February 10, 2015.
  25. ^ "Dear Alex, Break na Kami. Paano? Love Catherine". Goodreads. September 2014. Retrieved November 14, 2015.
  26. ^ "Alex Gonzaga's book to be turned into a movie". ABS-CBN News. February 6, 2015. Retrieved November 14, 2015.
  27. ^ Alex gets news of 'Praybeyt Benjamin' casting
  28. ^ a b "News | Star Cinema". starcinema.abs-cbn.com.
  29. ^ Gonzaga, Alex; Sequel, One Of The Cast Of “Praybeyt Benjamin” (August 8, 2014). "Alex Gonzaga, One Of The Cast Of "Praybeyt Benjamin" Sequel". Philippine News.
  30. ^ PULIS, Fashion. "Tweet Scoop: The Amazing Praybeyt Benjamin is the Filipino Film with Highest Opening Day Gross".
  31. ^ "'Praybeyt Benjamin 2' Review: Show me the money". December 27, 2014.
  32. ^ "'I Am Alex G' all set for Grand Album Launch | Star Cinema". starcinema.abs-cbn.com. March 21, 2015. Retrieved April 3, 2021.
  33. ^ "Matteo Guidicelli Joins Alex Gonzaga for the TV Adaptation of "Inday Bote"". philnews. December 3, 2014. Retrieved February 4, 2015.
  34. ^ Matteo, Kean and Alex start preps for 'Inday Bote'
  35. ^ a b "Alex Gonzaga is 'Inday Bote'". March 3, 2015.
  36. ^ "Meet Alex Gonzaga and the star-studded cast of Inday Bote". March 11, 2015.
  37. ^ Bote”, Alex Gonzaga Excited To Reprise Maricel Soriano’s Role In “Inday (December 10, 2014). "Alex Gonzaga Excited To Reprise Maricel Soriano's Role In "Inday Bote"". Philippine News.
  38. ^ "Alex Gonzaga and Robi Domingo to host talent search Dance Kids this November on ABS-CBN". PEP.ph.
  39. ^ Alex Gonzaga and Robi Domingo to host talent search Dance Kids this November on ABS-CBN
  40. ^ Severo, Jan Milo. "Kapamilya stars dominate TV5's new entertainment lineup". Philstar.com. Retrieved February 26, 2021.
  41. ^ "Last film of Wenn Deramas to premiere on iWant". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved December 4, 2018.
  42. ^ "LOOK: Official posters of Toni, Alex Gonzaga's movie". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved December 22, 2021.
  43. ^ "JC de Vera and Alex Gonzaga's 'The Entitled' to debut on Netflix".
  44. ^ "Alex Gonzaga - Panaginip Lang (Music Video)". YouTube. Star Music. March 27, 2015.
  45. ^ "Alex Gonzaga - Break Na Tayo (Music Video)". YouTube. Star Music. November 7, 2015.
  46. ^ "Unbound - Marion feat. Alex Gonzaga, Morissette & Kidwolf (Music Video)". YouTube. Star Music. September 9, 2016.
  47. ^ "Alex Gonzaga - Chambe (Official Music Video)". YouTube. Alex Gonzaga. November 18, 2018.
  48. ^ "Alex Gonzaga - Chambe (Christmas Remix)". YouTube. Star Music. December 14, 2018.
  49. ^ "Alex and Toni Gonzaga - Sissums OST". YouTube. Alex Gonzaga. December 18, 2018.
  50. ^ "Alex Gonzaga - Tipints (Official Music Video)". YouTube. Alex Gonzaga. June 7, 2019.
  51. ^ "Please Lang - Alex Gonzaga feat. Toni Gonzaga (Music Video)". YouTube. Star Music. August 30, 2019.
  52. ^ "Alex Gonzaga ft Perea Street - G (Official Video)". YouTube. Alex Gonzaga. October 25, 2019.
  53. ^ "Alex Gonzaga - AMFEE (Official Music Video)". YouTube. Alex Gonzaga. December 7, 2019.
  54. ^ "AMFEE - Alex Gonzaga (Performance Video)". YouTube. Star Music. December 13, 2019.
  55. ^ "AMFEE - Alex Gonzaga (Vertical Video)". YouTube. Star Music. December 20, 2019.
  56. ^ "Alex Gonzaga ft. Arvey - WKT (Official Music Video)". YouTube. Alex Gonzaga. February 6, 2021.
  57. ^ Peak chart positions in the Philippines:
  58. ^ Peak chart positions in the Philippines:
  59. ^ Castillo, Jonathan (November 5, 2020). "BaiCon InFest: The First and Biggest Virtual Gathering of Creators in the Country". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved November 17, 2020.

External links edit