AO EXCLUSIVE: “Beauty Empire” cast members talk about their characters and essential beauty items
An upcoming revenge drama series by GMA Network, VIU Philippines, and CreaZion Studios is about to entice audiences with its stunning cast line-up and fascinating storyline!
“Beauty Empire” is about a rags-to-riches beauty entrepreneur and her revenge against powerful figures in the beauty industry, starring Barbie Forteza, Ruffa Gutierrez, Kyline Alcantara, Choi Bomin, Chai Fonacier, Sam Concepcion, Aaron Maniego, and more.
“Beauty Empire” is set to stream on Viu and broadcast on GMA this June, with the cast having filmed in the Philippines and Korea for the show’s scenes and promotional content.
During an interview with the cast, they introduced each of their characters briefly while sharing how they personally relate to their roles.
The characters of “Beauty Empire”
Barbie Forteza is portraying Noreen Alfonso, the clever and strong-willed CEO of Halina Beauty. “Si Noreen ay isang mapagmahal na anak, at katulad ni Noreen ay iniidolo ko rin ang aking ate,” Barbie said. Just like Noreen, Barbie shared that she looks up to her sister and that she will do everything to seek justice and do what’s right for her sister, which is why she feels close to her character. Aside from this, Barbie said she also enjoys playing when it comes to fashion and dressing up, similar to Noreen.
Ruffa Gutierrez is portraying Velma Imperial, the fierce, ambitious, and powerful CEO of Velma Beauty whose personal life is in shambles. Ruffa said she is hardworking like Velma and always picks up the pieces every time she falls.
Meanwhile, Kyline Alcantara is portraying Shari de Jesus, the fashionable and adamant CEO of “Pantasya” who will do everything to get power. Kyline shared that she is goal-oriented and power-driven in the same ways as Shari. “I will do everything para ma-achieve or makamit ko ang aking mga pangarap,” Kyline said.
Chai Fonacier is portraying Kriselda Hoffman, the results-oriented assistant of Velma, who knows where her loyalties lie and will always find a way to make things work when she puts her mind to do something. Kriselda is also organized, put-together, and someone who knows how to plan and how to execute those plans. Chai said that although she had a lot to learn from Kriselda, they shared the same playlist on Spotify.
Sam Concepcion is portraying Migoy, Noreen’s close friend, who is a policeman and is secretly in love with her. Migoy has a strong moral compass and deeply cares about the people around him, which Sam relates to. “I do care about the people I love in the same way, very fiercely and very boldly,” Sam said.
Finally, Aaron Maniego is portraying Sylvester, Shari’s cunning personal assistant. Aaron said that he and Sylvester are both multifaceted, capable of doing many things all at once. “But the difference is, [Sylvester] is more cunning, he can do things behind the scenes at malalaman niyo na lang sa Beauty Empire kung ano talaga ang katotohanan kay Sylvester,” Aaron said.
“Beauty Empire” cast and their go-to beauty items
When asked what beauty item they bring wherever they go, Kyline Alcantara chose gua sha, which she uses for lymphatic drainage. Barbie Forteza picked lip balm as she wants to always be moisturized, and she tends to have dry lips, especially when she stays in the car and it’s too cold because of the air conditioner. Ruffa Gutierrez said she always has hand cream in her bag because she boxes, which can make her hands feel rough.
Meanwhile, Chai Fonacier picked lipstick because of its versatility, since it can be used like a blush or eye shadow. Aaron Maniego said he can’t survive without sunscreen as protection for going outdoors. Sam Concepcion chose to go simple with hair wax and perfume.
On behalf of the cast, Ruffa Gutierrez said they are very excited because of their three producers – GMA Network, VIU Philippines, and CreaZion Studios. “The bigger the budget, the better!” Ruffa jokingly said. She shared how they know VIU Philippines produces quality films and series, and that they are so excited to be part of this project.
“Beauty Empire” promises representation, according to Aaron Maniego. “When you say beauty, it should represent all forms of beauty, hindi lang yung classic beauty na nakasanayan natin,” Aaron said. The series will be showing the beauty of different kinds, genders, and characters, with different value systems, but with the same goal.
Watch out for “Beauty Empire” this June 16 on Viu and this July 7 on GMA!
