Gem Castillo

In this Philippine name for married women, the birth middle name or maternal family name is Ruello, the birth surname or paternal family name is Retuerto, and the marital name is Amante.

Benilda Ruello Retuerto-Amante (born November 9, 1975), better known by her stage name Gem Castillo, is a Filipino politician, businesswoman and former actress. She began her acting career in the early 1990s when she starred in movies. A prized find of Kuya Germs, she was a talent at the defunct but long-running That's Entertainment (Philippine TV program).

Gem Castillo
Born	Benilda Ruello Retuerto (1975-11-09) November 9, 1975 (age 49) Tagum, Davao del Norte, Philippines[1]
Nationality	Filipino
Alma mater	Lyceum of the Philippines University
Occupation(s)	Actress, singer, businesswoman, Politician
Political party	NUP
Spouse	Vicente B. Amante

Early life and education

Gem Castillo is a native of San Pablo City, Laguna, Philippines, and provides entertainment to people there.^[2]

Career

Castillo was discovered by film executives and starred in movies produced by companies.^[3] She became more popular when she frequently appeared in That's Entertainment (Philippine TV program), conversing with host German Moreno.^[4] She would later sing regularly in the program and make an album under Ivory Music and Video, formerly Ivory Records Corporation.^[5]

Filmography

Film

Year	Title	Role
1995	Ang Syota Kong Balikbayan	Herself
1996	Pusong Hiram	Herself
1997	Anak ng Yakuza	Jenny

TV series/variety show

Year	Title	Role
1980s–1996	That's Entertainment	Herself

Political career

Castillo is running for vice-governor of the province of Laguna in the 2025 elections.^[6][7][8]

Personal life

Castillo married San Pablo City Mayor Vicente B. Amante.^[6]

Awards and recognition

• Most Outstanding Filipino in Humanitarian Service (2023), AmerAsia^[9]
• Honorary Philanthropist of the Year (2022), Nation Builders and Mosliv Awards (NBMA)^[10]
• Diamond Excellence Awards (2022), Inspire Mag PH^[11]