Ara Mina
Filipino actress and singer (born 1979)
title: "Ara Mina" type: doc version: 1 created: 2026-02-28 author: "Wikipedia contributors" status: active scope: public tags: ["1979-births", "living-people", "21st-century-filipino-actresses", "21st-century-filipino-women-singers", "abs-cbn-people", "actors-from-marikina", "actors-from-pasig", "actresses-from-metro-manila", "filipino-child-actresses", "filipino-female-models", "filipino-film-actresses", "filipino-sketch-comedians", "filipino-television-actresses", "filipino-women-comedians", "gma-network-(company)-people", "lakas–cmd-politicians", "radio-philippines-network-personalities", "star-music-artists", "tv5-network-people", "viva-artists-agency", "actors-from-mandaluyong", "bubble-gang-cast-members"] description: "Filipino actress and singer (born 1979)" topic_path: "arts" source: "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ara_Mina" license: "CC BY-SA 4.0" wikipedia_page_id: 0 wikipedia_revision_id: 0
::summary Filipino actress and singer (born 1979) ::
::data[format=table title="Infobox person"]
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| image | Ara Mina (cropped).jpg |
| image_size | 220px |
| caption | Ara Mina in 2019 |
| name | Ara Mina-Almanirez |
| birth_name | Hazel Pascual Reyes-Almarinez |
| birth_date | |
| birth_place | Mandaluyong, Philippines |
| years_active | 1993–present |
| othername | Ara, Dara Mina |
| occupation | Actress, endorser, entrepreneur and singer |
| relatives | {{Unbulleted list |
| spouse | |
| partner | Patrick Meneses (until 2015) |
| party | Lakas (2024–present) |
| otherparty | Independent (2009–2024) |
| children | 1 |
| agent | Viva Artists Agency |
| :: |
| image = Ara Mina (cropped).jpg | image_size = 220px | caption = Ara Mina in 2019 | name = Ara Mina-Almanirez | birth_name = Hazel Pascual Reyes-Almarinez | birth_date = | birth_place = Mandaluyong, Philippines | years_active = 1993–present | othername = Ara, Dara Mina | occupation = Actress, endorser, entrepreneur and singer | relatives = {{Unbulleted list|Cristine Reyes (half-sister)|Venus Imperial (mother)|Romeo Reyes (stepfather)|Chuck Mathay (biological father)|Cris Mathay (paternal half-brother)|Mel Mathay (biological paternal grandfather)|Princess Klenk (biological younger sister)|Manilyn Reynes (cousin)|Marissa Sanchez (cousin)}} | spouse = | partner = Patrick Meneses (until 2015) | party = Lakas (2024–present) | otherparty = Independent (2009–2024) | children = 1 | agent = Viva Artists Agency
Hazel Pascual Reyes-Almarinez (born May 9, 1979), known professionally as Ara Mina-Almarinez, is a Filipino actress, singer, endorser, and entrepreneur. Recognized as the "Millennium Goddess", Mina is a recipient of a FAMAS Award for Best Actress, 3 Golden Screen Awards including the 'Dekada Award' and an Asia's Golden Icons Award.
Career
Mina derived her stage name, which her mother chose, from her sister Cristine's real first name, Ara, and her other sister Princess's real first name, Mina. During her acting career, she used other names such as Ara Mina-Reyes, Dara Mina, which was derived from Donna Cruz, and Danica Gomez, derived from Charlene Gonzales.
Mina became part of the Philippine entertainment industry at 14 years of age via the youth-oriented program That's Entertainment, hosted and spearheaded by the late master showman German Moreno ("Kuya Germs"). Since then, Viva Entertainment signed Mina after being noticed on That's and Mina has starred in about 40 television shows and 60 movies and released 3 recording albums. She won her first acting award for Best Actress for the film Mano Po at the Metro Manila Film Festival in 2002. The following year (2003), she received 3 more Best Actress awards from Manila Film Festival, FAMAS and Golden Screen Awards for the movie Ang Huling Birhen sa Lupa. She also won the Golden Screen Awards and Star Awards in 2004 for Best Supporting Actress in a drama in the Philippines for her role as Luna in Minsan Pa.
Mina also sings aside from acting. Her self-titled and first album from Star Music (formerly Star records) which carried the hit song "Ay, Ay, Ay, Pag-Ibig" received a gold record award a few months after its release. Because of this, the record label decided to produce another album for her entitled Heavenly, which was also a big hit and included the track "Oops Teka Lang" which was also the theme song of the film of the same title starring Robin Padilla and Claudine Barretto from Star Cinema. Her version of the Rey Valera hit "Kung Kailangan Mo Ako" was also used as the theme song of the ABS-CBN miniseries Sa Sandaling Kailangan Mo Ako. In 2005, she produced her third album entitled Moving On which was released under Sony BMG. It consisted of acoustic covers of hit songs like "What Do We Mean To Each Other" by Sergio Mendes, "Somebody" by Depeche Mode, and "Very Special Love" by Maureen McGovern.
She truly showcased versatility by starring in television shows of different genres, from sitcoms to heavy drama. 1999, she starred in her first television sitcom Super Klenk, wherein she played a super heroine. She was then included in the cast of Bubble Gang, which was her longest stint for television. The character that she played in the TV series Mulawin, Vultra, is also remarkable. In 2007, she switched to freelance acting and transferred to ABS-CBN doing projects via Prinsesa ng Banyera and Ligaw na Bulaklak. She returned to GMA Network and did multiple teleseryes for over two years. From 2011 to 2016, she did stints with TV5 Network but was able to do shows with the Kapuso network through Teen Gen and Yesterday's Bride. In 2011, she returned to Viva Entertainment after 1995, which also manages her sister Cristine Reyes.
On April 17, 2015, Mina was part of the "Lucky Stars" of Kapamilya, Deal or No Deal and won , making Mina as second millionaire of the season five.
Her most recent television stint was for GMA's Pinulot Ka Lang sa Lupa and was also part of the movie My Ex and Whys starring Enrique Gil and Liza Soberano. She staged a teleserye comeback on ABS-CBN in Araw Gabi after doing anthology roles with the channel. In the late 2019 until the end of 2022, she is known for her role of Ellen Padua in FPJ's Ang Probinsyano.
Politics
In 2009, she announced running for councilor of Quezon City's Second District, in a move to follow the political legacy of her family.
On October 7, 2024, Ara Mina filed her certificate of candidacy to run for 2nd district councilor of Pasig in 2025, under Lakas–CMD. She was named part of the ticket of mayoral candidate Sarah Discaya, who ran under Unyon ng mga Gabay ng Bayan (UGB). She subsequently lost the election, placing tenth.
Personal life
The eldest of 9 children, she grew up in Marikina with her mother, Francis Marie Klenk, and stepfather, Romeo Reyes. At 18, she met and was acknowledged by her biological father, Chuck Mathay, a former congressman from Quezon City. Actress Cristine Reyes is her half-sister through her mother, while San Juan councilors Cris and Macky Mathay are her half-brothers through her father.
Mina has one child with former Bulakan Mayor Patrick Meneses.
On January 13, 2021, she was engaged to Businessman Dave Almarinez, CEO of the Philippine International Trading Corporation and former Laguna Provincial Board member. They were married in a wedding ceremony in Baguio on June 30 later that year.
Mina supports children with birth defects through the Ara Mina Foundation, which she founded in 2007. Her youngest sister, Princess Klenk, was born with Down syndrome, and was the inspiration behind this cause.
Business
Mina is an owner of restaurant, Hazelberry Cafe with branches located in Quezon City, Pasig City, Muntinlupa City and Pampanga.
Electoral history
::data[format=table title="Electoral history of Ara Mina"]
| Year | Office | Party | Votes received | Result | Total | % | . | Swing | 2010 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Councilor (Quezon City–2nd) | Independent politician}};" | IND | 59,429 | 3.24% | 10th | |||||
| Councilor of Pasig's 2nd District | Lakas–CMD}};" | Lakas | 58,108 | 24.64% | 10th | |||||
| :: |
Filmography
Film===
::data[format=table]
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1995 | Rollerboys | Susan |
| The Flor Contemplacion Story | Evelyn Contemplacion | |
| 1996 | Init sa Tag-Ulan | Marita |
| Emong Salvacion | Belen | |
| 1997 | Super Ranger Kids | Diabolika |
| Shake, Rattle & Roll VI | Sunny | |
| 1998 | Pahiram Kahit Sandali | Tess |
| Curacha: Ang Babaeng Walang Pahinga | Marie | |
| Sagid sa Init | Camille/Sara | |
| Tatlo... Magkasalo | Elsie | |
| 1999 | Tatapatan Ko ang Lakas Mo | |
| Kahapon May Dalawang Bata | Salve | |
| Phone Sex | Alma | |
| Alyas Pogi: Ang Pagbabalik | Roselle | |
| Banatan | ||
| 2000 | Palaban | Ruth Jacob |
| Ayos Na... ang Kasunod | Amor | |
| Laro sa Baga | Dee | |
| 2002 | Diskarte | Amanda |
| Two Timer | ||
| Mano Po | Richelle Go | |
| 2003 | Ang Huling Birhen sa Lupa | Lorena |
| Fantastic Man | Helen / Diabolica | |
| Kalabit | Andrea | |
| 2004 | Singles | Raia |
| Minsan Pa | Luna | |
| 2005 | Shake, Rattle & Roll 2k5 | Janice |
| 2007 | Selda | Sita |
| 2008 | Anak ng Kumander | Sandra Regalado |
| Ate | Helen | |
| 2011 | Tumbok | Rita |
| Shake, Rattle & Roll 13 | Beth | |
| 2013 | Menor de Edad | Edna |
| Alfredo S. Lim (The Untold Story) | Mrs. Gameng | |
| 2016 | Girlfriend for Hire | Auntie Melba |
| 2017 | My Ex and Whys | Dolly |
| This Time I'll Be Sweeter | ||
| 2019 | Unforgettable | Dahlia |
| 2021 | Paglaki Ko, Gusto Kong Maging Pornstar | Herself |
| 2021 | Pornstar 2: Pangalawang Putok | Herself |
| 2022 | The Entitled | Matilda |
| Katok | Romina | |
| 2024 | Mamay: A Journey to Greatness | Katimuan Binasing |
| 2025 | ||
| :: |
Television===
::data[format=table]
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1993–1996 | That's Entertainment | Herself / Regular |
| 1998–2007 | Bubble Gang | Herself / Regular |
| 1999–2000 | Super Klenk | Klenk |
| 2000–2001 | Kiss Muna | Ara |
| 2002–2003 | Kung Mawawala Ka | Lucinda Montemayor |
| 2004 | Te Amo, Maging Sino Ka Man | Destiny |
| 2004–2005 | Mulawin | Vultra / Violeta / Veronica |
| 2005 | Mars Ravelo's Darna | Dyesebel |
| 2006 | Magpakailanman | |
| 2007 | Lupin | Sister Anna Nicole |
| 2007–2008 | Prinsesa ng Banyera | Cassandra Ynares / Elena |
| 2008 | Ligaw na Bulaklak | Janet / Jennifer Alegro |
| Maalaala Mo Kaya: Dagat | Leah | |
| 2009 | Carlo J. Caparas' Totoy Bato | Elena Magtanggol |
| title=Journal Online | Daily news from the Philippines | url=https://journal.com.ph/ | website=Journal Online |
| 2009–2010 | Sine Novela: Tinik sa Dibdib | Trixie Veneracion-Marquez / Trixie Domingo |
| 2010 | Ilumina | Elsa Sebastian |
| 2011 | Untold Stories Mula sa Face to Face | |
| Ang Utol Kong Hoodlum | Rhea Bustillos | |
| Maalaala Mo Kaya: Tulay | Ester | |
| 2012 | P. S. I Love You | Cassandra |
| 2012–2013 | Yesterday's Bride | Josilda "Josie" Ramirez |
| 2013 | Magpakailanman: The Wally Bayola Story | Riza |
| Teen Gen | Violeta "Violet" Bernardo-Torres | |
| The Gift | Theresa | |
| Maalaala Mo Kaya: Drawing | Shirley | |
| Wansapanataym: Dolly Daldal | Lisa | |
| Maalaala Mo Kaya: Double Bass | Liezel | |
| 2014 | Wansapanataym: Enchanted House | Dorothy Barin |
| Trenderas | Diane San Miguel | |
| 2015 | Maalaala Mo Kaya: Sanggol | |
| Kapamilya Deal or No Deal | Herself / Lucky Star | |
| 2016 | Ipaglaban Mo: Kasambahay | Veronica |
| Tasya Fantasya | Yvonne | |
| Pepito Manaloto | Gina | |
| Karelasyon | Lorraine | |
| Dear Uge | Sylvia Mercado | |
| 2017 | Pinulot Ka Lang sa Lupa | Mariz Alejo-Zimmerman |
| Ipaglaban Mo!: Pagkakasala | Linda | |
| Maalaala Mo Kaya: Kakanin | Gina | |
| Mulawin vs. Ravena | Vultra / Violeta / Veronica (archived footage only) | |
| 2018 | Precious Hearts Romances Presents: Araw Gabi | Harriet De Alegre / Amanda Rodriguez |
| 2019 | Ipaglaban Mo: Pariwara | Doray |
| 2020–2022 | FPJ's Ang Probinsyano | Ellen Padua |
| 2021 | Bella Bandida | Alas |
| 2022 | Tadhana: Isabella | Rhea Bermudez |
| Barangay PIE Silog Sunday: Pasok Mga Suki | Herself, featured celebrity entrepreneur | |
| 2023 | Magandang ARAw | Herself |
| Jack and Jill sa Diamond Hills | Cleo Maharlika | |
| 2024 | Lovers & Liars | Elizabeth Laurente |
| Private Time with Ara | Herself | |
| Padyak Princess | Susan Velarde / Rosa | |
| It's Showtime | Herself | |
| Tadhana: Sugar Daddy | Sylvia Landicho | |
| :: |
Awards and nominations
::data[format=table]
| Year | Award-Giving Body | Category | Work | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | Guillermo Mendoza Memorial Awards | Popular Princess of RP Movies | |||
| 2000 | Guillermo Mendoza Memorial Awards | Most Promising Female Singer | |||
| 2002 | Metro Manila Film Festival | Best Actress | Mano Po | ||
| 2003 | Manila Film Festival | Best Actress | Ang Huling Birhen Sa Lupa | ||
| Guillermo Mendoza Memorial Awards | Ms. RP Movies | Mano Po | |||
| Golden Screen Awards | Best Actress | Ang Huling Birhen Sa Lupa | |||
| 2004 | Golden Screen Awards | Best Supporting Actress | Minsan Pa | ||
| 52nd FAMAS Awards | Best Actress | Ang Huling Birhen Sa Lupa | |||
| 20th PMPC Star Awards for Movies | Best Actress | Ang Huling Birhen sa Lupa | |||
| 2005 | 21st PMPC Star Awards for Movies | Best Supporting Actress | Minsan Pa | ||
| 19th PMPC Star Awards for TV | Best Drama Actress | Mulawin | |||
| 2007 | 24th PMPC Star Awards for Movies | Movie Supporting Actress of the Year | Selda | ||
| :: |
Discography
- Ara Mina (1999, Star Music)
- Heavenly (2001, Star Music)
References
References
- "Certificate of Candidacy for Member - Pascual Reyes-Almarinez".
- "Ara Mina, ini-reveal kung sino ang original na aktres ng kanyang award-winning role".
- (2013-04-27). "WINNERS: 10th Golden Screen Awards".
- "1st Asia's Golden Icons Award 2022 set on June 28 – Manila Bulletin".
- (June 2, 2025). "Ara Mina explains the reason behind her different screen names".
- Calderon, Ricky L.. "Ara Mina's comeback in Viva Films + Aga, Angel's".
- "ELECTION WATCH: Celebrities vie for national and local government positions".
- Serato, Arniel C.. (October 9, 2024). "Ara Mina, Shamcey Supsup seek posts in Pasig City council".
- Reyes, Juno. (May 13, 2025). "Who are the notable winners, losers among celebrity aspirants in the 2025 polls?". Rappler.
- Ruiz, Marah. (August 11, 2023). "The wonderful sisterly bond of Ara Mina and Cristine Reyes".
- Muntinlupa, Jake. (2016-10-13). "Kapatid sa kapatid: Macky Mathay replies to Ara Mina's touching birthday message".
- (December 18, 2014). "Ara Mina gives birth to baby girl". ABS-CBN News.
- Gonzales, Cathrine. (January 13, 2021). "Ara Mina now engaged to PITC CEO Dave Almarinez".
- Eusebio, Aaron Brennt. (July 1, 2023). "Ara Mina is now married to Dave Almarinez". GMA Entertainment.
- "Ara Mina to hold fund raising event for children with down syndrome".
- "Celebrities who are building their wealth through businesses".
- Wang, Nickie. (August 29, 2024). "Mamay's biopic premieres to warm reception". Philippine Manila Standard Publishing, Inc..
- Antonio, Lou Ellen. (March 18, 2023). "Life of Nunungan mayor to be featured in a biopic film". [[Philippine Information Agency]].
- (January 23, 2000). "Obsessed with weight". The Philippine Daily Inquirer, Inc..
- "Sunshine Dizon is not looking for love but is positive it will come". Philippine Entertainment Portal.
- "Journal Online | Daily news from the Philippines".
- [https://www.imdb.com/event/ev0000431/2002 "Metro Manila Film Festival:2002"] {{Webarchive. link. (April 1, 2016 . IMDb. Retrieved April 9, 2014.)
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