# Carla Guevara Laforteza

Carla Guevara-Laforteza (born December 26, 1975) is a Filipino musical theater actress of performances in both local and international productions. She is known for her role as Kim/Gigi in Miss Saigon in West End in the 1990s. She is also a recording artist and talent handler.
Laforteza recently commemorated her 24-year journey with the television series Star Magic, receiving a Loyalty Award during the Star Magical Christmas celebration on November 19, 2023.
She is the mother of Sophia Laforteza, a member of the Los Angeles based girl group Katseye.

## Education and personal life

On March 2, 2002, Carla married Godfrey Laforteza III in Long Island, New York. Godfrey is now an Executive Chef of Newport World Resorts. They have three children, including daughter Sophia Laforteza (born 2002).

## Career

Laforteza started with the Rep Children's Theater in 1993, where she was cast in various plays such as Camelot, Once on This Island, Annie, Romeo and Juliet, and Taming of the Shrew.
In 1995, she joined the Miss Saigon production in London as an understudy for "Kim", "Gigi" and "Yvette". She stayed there for two years
In 1997, she went back to Philippines and appeared in theatrical and television shows.
In 1999, Laforteza, began her career in television in Munting Paraiso, ABS-CBN drama series.
In 2001-2005, She moved to New York and worked there as baker, medical assistant, restaurant manager, salesperson, etc. She got a degree in Hotel Operation Management and took courses at New York Universities in acting. She married Godfrey Laforteza, had 2 children (Bailey and Sophia).
In 2011, Laforteza did the role of Nina in Breakups and Breakdowns.
She also did the roles of Sour Kangaroo in Repertory Philippines' production of Seussical and Sister Berthe in Resort World Manila's Sound of Music.
In 2013, Laforteza was among the actress of Be Careful with My Heart, a television hit series in the Philippines
In 2018, Laforteza played the role Lily in Binonodo, a Tsinoy Musicl wherein she was recognized as Aliw Best Actress in Musical.
In 2019, Laforteza was chosen to play as Joy in Ang Huling El Bimbo, stage production that featured Eraserheads hit songs. She received honor for in this performance as 2019 LEAF Award for Most Outstanding Actress in a Musical.
In 2022, Laforteza was cast in the ABS-CBN television series Flower of Evil, a Filipino adaptation of a widely popular South Korean drama.
Same this year, Carla Guevara Laforteza portrayed Rachel in Joseph the Dreamer, a role that earned her the Aliw Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical. Her performance stood out, bringing depth to the character and contributing to the overall impact of the production.
In 2024, Laforteza played the role of Rose and Edith in One More Chance: The Musical.
Laforteza is one the Philippines stars who performed on the two-night fundraising concert "Do You Hear the People Sing?", featuring selections from Les Misérables and Miss Saigon.
Laforteza celebrated her 30th year in musical theater by Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) on, the Triple Threats concert "A La Carlotta" on August 11.

## Achievements

Carla Guevara Laforteza's recognition in Philippine theater stems from her versatility and impact on stage. Some of her notable awards include:
2024 ALIW Best Featured Actress in a Musical for One More Chance.
2023 Best Featured Actress in Musical- Snow white and the Prince. Laforteza won this award for the portrayal of the Queen in Repertory Philippines Theater Production of Snow White and the Prince.
2022 Aliw Best Featured Actress in Musical for her Role Rachel in Joseph the dreamer stage play where she sang "He opens the Window"
2019 LEAF Award for Most Outstanding Actress in a Musical for her portrayal of Joy in Ang Huling El Bimbo. The show explored themes of friendship and the challenges faced over time.
2018 Aliw Best Actress In Musical - Laforteza won this award for her role as Lily in Binondo a Tshino Musical.
GEM Award for Best Featured Artist - Laforteza was awarded this for her portrayal of Kapitana Mary Jane in Rak of Aegis. This award underscores her standout performance in a highly popular musical, which brought together comedy, music, and social themes

## Notable stage credits

| Year | Title | Role | Location |
| 2024 | Going Home to Christmas | Pat | Manila (Repertory Philippines) |
| 2024 | One More Chance: The musical | Rose/Edith | Manila (Peta) |
| 2022 | Joseph the Dreamer | Rachel | Manila (Trumpets) |
| 2019 | Beautiful: The Carole King Musical | Carole's Mother | Manila (Atlantis) |
| 2018–2019 | Ang Huling El Bimbo | Joy Manawari | Manila |
| 2018 | Binondo: A Tsinoy Musical | Lily | Manila |
| 2016 | Hansel and Gretel | Witch | Manila (Repertory Philippines) |
| 2016 | Rak of Aegis | Mary Jane (MJ) | Manila (Atlantis Production) |
| 2011 | Breakups and Breakdowns | Nina | Upstart Prod (Philippines) |
| 2010 | Rent | Maureen Johnson | Manila |
| 2007 | Cinderella Kids | Stepmother | Manila (Repertory Philippines) |
| 1998 | The Baker's Wife | Genevieve Castagnet | Manila (Repertory Philippines) |
| 1997 | Alice in Wonderland | Alice | Manila (Repertory Philippines) |
| 1995–1997 | Miss Saigon | Kim/Gigi | London |
| 1995 | Once on This Island | | Manila (Repertory Philippines) |
| 1994 | Jack and the Beanstalk | | Manila (Repertory Philippines) |
| 1993 | Aladdin | | Manila (Repertory Philippines) |

## Television appearances

| Year | Show | Role | Network |
| 2022 | Flower of Evil | | ABS-CBN |
| 2013–2014 | Be Careful with My Heart | Ms. Pacheco | ABS-CBN |
| 1999 | Ang Munting Paraiso | Honey | ABS CBN |