Why Alicia Alonzo Left Showbiz for Good
ALICIA ALONZO – The former actress has officially turned her back on showbiz and now lives a quiet, spiritual life as a Catholic lay sister at the Caryana Monastery in Magalang, Pampanga. Though not an ordained nun, Alicia has taken religious vows and follows a lifestyle similar to that of a nun. She shared her story in an interview on Julius Babao’s YouTube vlog, posted on May 1, 2025.
According to Alicia, her life today is simple and far from the glamorous world she once knew. However, it is in this simplicity that she has found true peace and happiness. She believes that God guided her to this path, helping her discover the kind of life that brings her genuine fulfillment—something she never fully found in her career.
Alicia began her acting journey in the 1960s and appeared in around 100 films. Her talent earned her nominations from major award-giving bodies such as FAMAS, Gawad Urian, and the Philippine Movie Press Club. She even won Best Supporting Actress at the 1983 Metro Manila Film Festival for Bago Kumalat ang Kamandag. On television, she was part of memorable shows like Anna Liza in the 1980s and more recent projects such as The Stepdaughters (2018) and Kara Mia (2019).
Her connection with the Caryana Monastery began as early as 2000, but it was during the COVID-19 pandemic that she decided to live there permanently. Now 79, Alicia reflects on her life with honesty and gratitude, saying she once did everything she wanted—both right and wrong—but now chooses to dedicate the rest of her life to God.
Life inside the monastery is not easy, but Alicia finds comfort in the discipline and prayerful routine. They pray seven times a day, fast not only from food but also from worldly desires, and devote their time to doing good for others. She shared how she has learned to overcome anger, think before reacting, and live with peace of mind and soul.
Alicia made it clear that she will never return to acting, stating, “No more. Talagang dito, tinuldukan ko na.” For her, the peace she has found in spiritual life is more valuable than fame. She believes that trusting in God leads to a better life and encourages others to follow wherever faith leads them.