You know that feeling when you see an actress on screen and think, "I know her from somewhere, but she looks totally different now"? That’s basically the career of Carla Guevara Laforteza in a nutshell. Most people just call her Carla Guevarra, and honestly, if you’ve watched Filipino TV or stepped into a theater in Manila over the last thirty years, you’ve definitely seen her. She’s like a chameleon. One minute she’s the professional Ms. Pacheco in Be Careful with My Heart, and the next, she’s belt-singing her heart out as a West End Kim in Miss Saigon.
It’s kinda wild how she manages to stay relevant. In an industry that usually tosses actresses aside the moment they turn forty, Carla just... keeps winning awards. Seriously. She’s bagged more Aliw Awards in the 2020s than most people get in a lifetime. She isn't just "still around"; she’s actually peaking right now.
The TV and Movie Credits You Probably Forgot
Let’s talk about the screen stuff first. While theater is her "home," her filmography is actually a weirdly fun trip through Philippine pop culture. Remember the 1999 show Ang Munting Paraiso? She played Honey. It was one of those classic family dramas that everyone’s lola watched. Then there was the 2000 movie Juan & Ted: Wanted, where she got to flex those comedy muscles alongside Janno Gibbs and Andrew E.
She took a massive break around 2001 to focus on her family. Most people thought she was done. But when she came back in 2006, she didn't just crawl back—she sprinted.
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Recent Screen Standouts
- Flower of Evil (2022): She played Lilia Ramirez in this Pinoy adaptation of the K-drama. If you haven't seen it, her performance is chilling. She brings this theater-trained intensity that makes the suspense feel way more real.
- Stay-In Love (2020): A lighter, more modern vibe. It showed she could still do the rom-com energy without it feeling dated.
- Be Careful with My Heart (2012-2014): This was huge. As Ms. Pacheco, she was part of the show that basically redefined daytime TV in the Philippines.
- In My Life (2009): A heavy-hitter movie starring Vilma Santos and John Lloyd Cruz. Carla’s role was smaller, but being in a "Star Cinema" prestige project like that says a lot about her standing.
It’s also worth mentioning her appearance in the HBO series Foodlore. It’s a bit of a "hidden gem" in her credits. It’s an anthology series, and seeing a Filipino theater vet on a platform like HBO is always a win for the local scene.
Why Her Theater Background Changes Everything
You can’t talk about Carla Guevarra movies and tv shows without looking at the stage. That’s where the "magic" comes from. In 1995, she was in London playing Kim and Gigi in Miss Saigon. Think about that. She was doing the West End grind before it was the "cool" thing for every TikTok singer to aim for.
When she’s on a TV set, she brings a certain discipline. Theater actors don't just "say lines." They inhabit the space. You can see it in her role as Rachel in Joseph the Dreamer (which won her an Aliw Award in 2022) or as Joy in the massive hit Ang Huling El Bimbo.
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The 2024-2026 Resurgence
Right now, in 2026, she is busier than ever. She’s currently involved in Bagets: The Musical playing Virgie. Earlier this year, she was doing triple duty in Into the Woods—playing the Giant, the Granny, and Snow White. Who even does that? It’s the kind of range that makes her TV performances feel so effortless.
The "Sophia's Mom" Era
Funny enough, a whole new generation knows her as "Sophia Laforteza’s mom." If you’re into K-pop or global girl groups, you know Sophia from KATSEYE. Carla has been incredibly vocal and supportive of her daughter’s journey, often sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses of their relationship.
But Carla is quick to remind everyone she’s not just a stage mom. She’s a mentor. She recently started venturing into talent management herself, using all those years of navigating the messy world of showbiz to help younger artists. It’s a smart pivot. She’s teaching them that longevity isn't about being the "it girl" for one summer; it’s about being the person the director calls because they know you’ll nail the accent, the song, and the 5:00 AM call time.
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What to Watch If You’re New to Her Work
If you want to see what the hype is about, don't just go for the old stuff. Check out Flower of Evil for the drama. Then, if you can find clips of Ang Huling El Bimbo or Rak of Aegis, watch those. You’ll see a woman who can go from a heartbroken mother to a powerhouse singer in about three seconds.
The "Carla Guevarra" brand is basically a masterclass in staying power. She’s survived the shift from analog TV to streaming, the transition from leading lady to character actress, and the gap years of motherhood.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
- Track her current stage work: If you're in Manila, check the schedules for PETA or Repertory Philippines. She's almost always in a production or preparing for one (like the upcoming Come From Away).
- Stream the adaptations: Watch the Filipino Flower of Evil on Viu or Netflix to see how she holds her own against modern TV stars like Piolo Pascual.
- Follow the journey: Her social media (under Carla Guevara Laforteza) is actually useful. She posts a lot about vocal health and the reality of being a working actress, which is great for aspiring performers.
She’s not slowing down. Between the musicals and the guest spots on shows like Rainbow Rumble, Carla Guevarra is living proof that in the entertainment world, talent actually does trump hype in the long run.