ONLY ON OMG! - Meet the new Rica Peralejo

For most people, change may appear hard to embrace but not for the eternally charming Rica Peralejo (now, Bonifacio).

After several downs and notable ups in her showbiz and personal life, Rica has mastered the art of change.

“This is the new Rica Peralejo. I can honestly say I’m new. I’m not a fixed Rica. I’m totally new,” she tells Yahoo! Philippines OMG! in an interview.

We are indeed seeing a new Rica—from one who’s been in showbiz since she was 12, to someone who does not mind being less seen on TV.

“I don’t mind (not being visible) anymore. I got so tired. I’ve been working since I was 12. I just wanted to leave,” she said.

Changes and constants

Rica said showbiz has pained her a lot and at one point, she felt it was time to quit.

“I got hurt so much. We may look glamorous all the time, but it’s a hard job,” she said.

After countless magazine covers, several television shows, and big screen hits, Rica felt showbiz isn’t her be all, end all.

“There was a time I wasn’t being who I was to be anymore. I was just really lost,” Rica said.

But time was her friend, and it helped her find her way back.

“I went from happy to dark, to sad, then after that I realized some things. I was able to go back to that state where I’m just happier. And then there’s more grace in my life,” she added.

But despite going on a showbiz hiatus, Rica said she still loves her fans. In fact, she is thankful their support has not wavered throughout the years.

“I find it purposeful to be who I am; to have that kind of past, is a very good platform for me to be able to help others,” she added.

Now, Rica is juggling studies (Literature at Ateneo de Manila) and being a happy wife to her life’s constant: Pastor Joseph Bonifacio.

“I’ve been married for over a year and the feeling is 'Wow, grabe!' my husband and I are still enjoying our marriage and being with each other 24/7.  We’re still in the honeymoon stage. Mas nakikilala namin ang isa’t isa,” she said.

At this point, she’s also not in a hurry to have kids, despite mounting pressure around her.

“I’m pretty much used to a lot of voices telling me to have children.  I just take it lightly,” Rica added.

Rica talks about showbiz, wanting to leave it, and the probability of entering politics:


With Maridol Rañoa-Bismark. Photos by Jerome Ascano, NPPA Images. Video produced by loQal.ph for Yahoo! Philippines OMG!