By Phoebe Dorothy Estelle

Gelli de BelenReinventing your image in the ever changing face of entertainment is crucial for every star. A child or teen star may remain as they are in the eyes of an audience even when they are prepared for more mature roles. But Actress and TV Host Gelli de Belen was lucky as Philippine viewers embraces her journey from teen star to a renowned actress.

As all we know, Gelli has an equally popular sister who came first in showbizlandia. Supposed to be tough, but the actress stepped out of sister Janice’s shadow and showed versatility. She was called the “Taray” princess before for being straightforward.

During the early 90s Gelli was the prized possessions of Viva Films. She was one the bets vis a vis Regal’s babies in the persons of Ruffa Gutierrez, Aiko Melendez and Carmina Villaroel. Though belonging to rival outfits, Gelli became friends with her contemporaries especially with Aiko and Carmina.

She was paired with Jigo Garcia, Kempee de Leon, and Raymart Santiago, who also became offscreen partner to her. But having the wit in comedy, she’s the favorite lead actress in the wacky movies of rapper – Andrew E. But it was “Gagay: Prinsesa ng Brownout”, where she threw the famous line “Kaya N’yo Iyon”, that became her major film as a young comedienne.

“Memorable movies for me would be with Viva, usually mga kasama kong gamol, sila Andrew E at love team –love team. “Dick and Carmi’ would also be memorable for me,” Gelli recalled.

However, Gelli considered the turning point of her career when she did “The Sarah Jane Salazar Story.” In this flick, she did daring and heavy drama scenes portraying an AIDS victim. She bagged the Best Actress trophy from Urian because of this memorable undertaking.

After the movie, Gelli began exuding a sophisticated woman. She was leading lady to recognized action stars such as Santiago, Ace Vergel, Cesar Montano and Bong Revilla. And among of her generation, she was able to cross over between sexy and wholesome. She did sexy-drama films like “Taguan” and “Camiguin” (co-starring with Jomari Yllana).

Though already doing flicks for the adult genres, Gelli was still beloved for movies intended to young viewers. Her remarkable romantic films were “Radio Romance,” “Ikaw Lang Pala ang Mahal ko (with husband Ariel Rivera),” and “Mahal Kita, Walang Iwanan.” Her first horror film was “Impakto.”

Having her own style of comedy Gelli was absorbed to various top TV shows such as “Mana-Mana,” “Ober Da Bakod,” “Tropang Trumpo” and “Nuts Entertainment.” She also had special participation in Rufa Mae Quintos’ fantasy drama, “Marinara.”

Every morning, TV viewing is entertaining and informative with Gelli as the candid host of “Sis” together with Janice and Carmina. In this program, audience would see more of Gelli who is jolly and frank.

One of the unforgettable moments in “Sis” was when her former foe, Asia’s songbird Regine Velasquez guested in the show. During their interview, Regine asked Gelli about the anger she felt for her. With all honesty, Ariel Rivera’s wife answered “a lot!” The said moment was well circulated in showbiz oriented shows and was even spoof in “Bubble Gang.”

It will be remembered that Gelli had a rift with Regine, because it was said that Regine was the reason why the Canadian bred Ariel broke up with Gelli years before.

Inthe end Gelli and Ariel got back together and are now hands-on parents to their two sons- Joaqui and Julio. They never hired a nanny and were personally attending the needs of their kids. For Gelli it may be a tiring task but nevertheless a worthwhile experience.

Besides being a TV personality, Gelli is also an in demand commercial endorser. Among the products she promotes are Tide, Knorr soup, Alaska Evaporated Milk and Folded N Hung. Next, Gelli will soon do a special participation in the upcoming soap opera of Sunshine Dizon and Iza Calzado, “Impostora.”

With her flexibility and talent, Gelli de Belen remains an in-demand actress and entertainer. A sign that her showbiz career will go a long, long way.

Gelli de Belen’s photo courtesy of Ms. Lhot de Ortega (of GMA 7 PR Dept.). 

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