Flourished Career In The 90s! Celina Cortez, Has A Beautiful Images In Showbiz

By Peter S. Ledesma

In the mid-90s, Celina Cortez a friend of ours, and my daughter in showbiz—made a significant mark in action-drama films. As a contract star for Mr. Orly Ilacad’s OctoArts Films, she appeared in nearly all of the studio’s movies, particularly those in the action genre. To promote her film projects, the beautiful actress was frequently featured on the covers of major tabloids.

During her prime, she made numerous guest appearances on television, including on ABS-CBN (Channel 2) and GMA-7. In 2004, she also became a talk show host on UNTV 37, joining our top-rated weekend showbiz-oriented talk show, “Chika Mo Chika Ko,” which ran for four years. Celina was one of our show’s standout hosts; beyond being pretty, she was also articulate and funny.

Given her popularity, it was perhaps inevitable that she would receive “indecent proposals” from wealthy businessmen and politicians who could offer her anything she desired. However, possessing both dignity and self-respect, she turned down these tempting offers.

As for her life today, Celina is now a sous-chef in California. She also looks after an elderly woman whom she loves dearly and considers her own grandmother—a poignant connection, as her own beloved grandmother has since passed away.

In our recent conversation, via video call. I interviewed, Celina and I asked her, how her life in California is going now?

According to her, she is currently based in California and lives there all on her own, while her husband, Mr. Jarul, and their son, Sean, also eldest Wayne and daughter Sarah, reside in the Philippines.

Occasionally, her husband and sons and daughter visit her in California, and once a year, Celina travels back to the Philippines for a vacation. Beyond her work as a sous-chef, Celina is frequently invited to Filipino community gatherings and is a popular choice for fashion shows, thanks to her striking presence.

Even while living abroad, she continues to receive offers for film and television projects.

However, she is now very selective about which projects to accept, as her primary focus is on her family and charitable endeavors. Given her natural inclination to help her fellow Filipinos, Celina has continued her philanthropic work through a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting single mothers—a commitment that has made her deeply beloved by fellow mothers.

Because of this philanthropic work, Celina was recognized in 2019 by the prestigious international award-giving body, the Gawad Amerika Awards, which presented her with the “Humanitarian Award.”

Naturally, her family, friends, and colleagues were very proud of the honor she received. During the mid-90s—at the height of her showbiz career while under contract with OctoArts Films—Celina starred in numerous action movies. These included Frame Up: Ihahatid Kita Sa Hukay (alongside Raymart Santiago and Jessa Zaragosa), Totoy Hitman: Batas Ko Ang Hahatol, Kamandag Ko Ang Papatay Sa Iyo, Halik Ng Bampira, and Bastardo (featuring Ian Veneracion, Ina Raymundo, and the late Patrick dela Rosa).