Mari Grace Preciosa Hipolito-Castelo,[1] commonly known as Precious Hipolito-Castelo, is a Filipina actress, newscaster, and politician who last served as Representative of the 2nd district of Quezon City in the Philippines.[2] She also served as city councilor from the same district from 2010 to 2019. She is a former child star, film and television actress and newscaster. In 1987, she won the FAMAS Award as Best Child Actress for Ang Daigdig Ay Isang Butil Na Luha.
Precious Hipolito-Castelo | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Member of the Philippine House of Representatives from the Quezon City's 2nd congressional district | |
| In office June 30, 2019 – June 30, 2022 | |
| Preceded by | Winston Castelo |
| Succeeded by | Ralph Wendel Tulfo |
| Member of the Quezon City Council from the 2nd District | |
| In office June 30, 2010 – June 30, 2019 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Mari Grace Preciosa Hipolito Philippines |
| Political party | Lakas–CMD (2021–present) |
| Other political affiliations | NPC (2018–2021) Liberal (2010–2017) PDP–Laban (2017–2018) Hugpong ng Pagbabago (2018–2019) |
| Spouse | Winston Castelo |
| Children | 2 |
| Education | University of Santo Tomas (AB) |
| Occupation | |
Career
editIn 1985, when she was 6 years old, she reached the finals n Eat Bulaga!'s Little Miss Philippines segment along with Donna Cruz.[3]
Hipolito's first movie was The Life Story Of Julie Vega in 1985. Her next films were Mga Anghel Ng Diyos (1986) and Ang Daigdig ay Isang Butil na Luha (1986), for which she received the FAMAS Best Child Actress Award.[3] She starred in ABS-CBN's drama anthology Stop: Child Abuse. She joined That's Entertainment Wednesday Group along with Sheryl Cruz, Romnick Sarmenta and Chuckie Dreyfus. She was a newscaster for IBC Express Balita from 2001 to 2009.
Personal life
editShe studied Communication Arts at the University of Santo Tomas.[3] She is married to Winston Castelo, a former congressman and councilor of Quezon City. They have a daughter[4] and a son.[5]
Politics
editIn 2010, she was elected to the Quezon City Council, representing the 2nd district, following her husband's election as Congressman in the same district. She was re-elected in 2013 and 2016.[citation needed]
In 2018, she joined the newly created political alliance Hugpong ng Pagbabago and in the 2019 election won a congressional seat in the House of Representatives under the ticket of Joy Belmonte, succeeding her husband. She was named Assistant Majority Floor Leader in August 2019.[6] She was one of the 70 representatives who voted in 2020 to deny the franchise renewal of ABS-CBN.[7] She sought re-election in 2022, this time under Lakas-CMD and the Malayang QC ticket of Mike Defensor,[1] but lost to Ralph Tulfo.[8]
In 2024, Hipolito was charged with graft over the theft of financial aid for government workers in Quezon City during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021.[9]
Filmography
edit- IBC Express Balita (TV news) (2001–2009)
- Canary Brothers Of Tondo (1992)
- Lumayo Ka Man Sa Akin (1992)
- Anak Ng Cabron: Ikalawang Ugat (1991)
- Naughty Boys (1990)
- Everlasting Love (1989)
- Jacky Tyan (1988)
- Cobrador (1986)
- Ang Daigdig Ay Isang Butil Na Luha (1986)
- Mga Anghel Ng Diyos (1986)[3]
- That's Entertainment (TV show)[3] (1986–1996)
- The Life Story Of Julie Vega (1985)[3]
- Stop: Child Abuse (TV show)[3]
References
edit- ^ a b "Certified List of Candidates (NCR)" (PDF). Commission on Elections. Retrieved May 12, 2022.
- ^ Cabrera, Romina (May 15, 2019). "Comelec proclaims Belmonte, Sotto in QC". The Philippine Star. Retrieved July 25, 2019.
- ^ a b c d e f g "Precious Hipolito from child star to committed newscaster". Philippine Entertainment Forum. October 17, 2007. Retrieved April 20, 2022.
- ^ "Precious Castelo looks like a debutante during daughter's birthday bash". Politiko Metro Manila. October 29, 2017. Retrieved May 12, 2022.
- ^ "Kanino nagmana? Winnie Castelo's son ends school year with flying colors". Politiko. June 17, 2019. Retrieved December 25, 2022.
- ^ "May pwesto agad! Precious Hipolito thanks Cayetano, Romualdez for House post". Politiko Metro Manila. August 8, 2019. Retrieved July 17, 2022.
- ^ Perez-Rubio, Bella (July 10, 2020). "List of lawmakers who voted for and against ABS-CBN franchise renewal". Philstar.com. Retrieved December 25, 2021.
- ^ Ramos, Neil (May 10, 2022). "2022 not a lucky year for these celebrity politicians". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved May 12, 2022.
- ^ "Former QC congresswoman charged with TUPAD-related graft". Rappler. August 30, 2024. Retrieved August 30, 2024.