Meet Bridgette de Joya – From Seiko star to lady guard
BRIDGETTE DE JOYA – The former actress known for her roles in daring films under Seiko Films, now works as a school security guard.
She takes pride in her current job and has no regrets about her previous acting career. Bridgette’s stint in showbiz was brief but impactful, featuring in films like “Gigil” (2000) and “Kangkong” (2000). However, 24 years ago, she chose to leave the spotlight for a more ordinary life.
Bridgette was born on November 29, 1983, and moved to the United States as a child, where she was raised by her adoptive mother in Washington D.C. She returned to the Philippines at 13 after her grandmother, who was very ill, could no longer care for her. Although she dropped out of school in her second year of high school, Bridgette credits her life’s lessons to her experiences.
During her acting days, Bridgette worked with other actors in her genre and was grateful for the opportunities given by Seiko Films’ producer Robbie Tan, who also helped create her lasting screen name. Despite enjoying her career, she left showbiz due to personal reasons and the stress it brought. She then settled into a life as a housewife and mother of four, enjoying a level of privacy she didn’t have before.
Bridgette believes that every experience is a lesson from God and feels that everything in life has a purpose. She learned to be strong and not to judge others harshly or give in to difficulties.
Now married to Fortunato, who is also a security guard, they manage a simple life, making ends meet with their modest earnings. Despite financial challenges, Bridgette is happy with her family life and keeps in touch with her children via social media. She hopes to own a motorcycle to save on travel costs for work.
In her role as a security guard, Bridgette faces various risks but remains dedicated and proud of what she does. She emphasizes the values of independence and self-reliance, which she learned early on. Her journey reflects life’s unpredictable nature and the respect that all honest work deserves, showing her transition from acting to ensuring safety at a school.