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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Movies and TV devider Ella Cruz makes showbiz comeback after pursuing career in South Korea

Ella Cruz makes showbiz comeback after pursuing career in South Korea

Published Jun 1, 2026 04:15 am
Ella Cruz (Facebook)
Ella Cruz (Facebook)

Ella Cruz is back in Philippine showbiz after spending months exploring career opportunities in South Korea, a journey she says helped her grow both personally and professionally.

Marking her acting comeback through the Viva Movie Box vertical series Borrowed Life, Ella opened up about her decision to temporarily leave the local entertainment scene and pursue opportunities abroad.

The actress revealed that her love for K-pop and Korean culture inspired her to take a chance on building a career in South Korea.

"Simula bata ako, simula high school ako, mahilig talaga ako sa K-pop, so sabi ko since merong opportunity na nagbukas, bakit hindi ko i-try?" Ella shared.

Known for her passion for performing, Ella said she has no regrets about stepping outside her comfort zone to test her capabilities in a highly competitive industry.

"Wala naman po mawawala sa akin sa pag-try sa Korea. Tinry ko po kung kaya ko pa," she said.

Before pursuing her plans, Ella sought the blessing of Viva Entertainment chairman Vic del Rosario, who supported her decision to explore opportunities overseas.

"Sinabi ko naman kay Boss Vic na, 'Try lang, Boss.' Pero kapag nakita ko na yung worth ko nasa Pilipinas pa rin, nasa industriya pa rin, siyempre babalik at babalik din naman po ako," she recalled.

During her three-month stay in South Korea, Ella landed hosting jobs and special performance gigs. However, despite the opportunities, she admitted that homesickness eventually became one of her biggest challenges.

"I remember staying there and crying lang every day because of homesickness. Iba po talaga yung culture doon, iba yung culture dito," she shared.

The experience ultimately helped her realize how much she values her career and roots in the Philippines.

Looking back, Ella considers her South Korean venture a meaningful chapter in her life. She remains grateful for the opportunities that came her way and continues to receive invitations for major events in the country.

According to the actress, she returned to South Korea for a major New Year's countdown event earlier this year and is set to fly back again for future engagements.

Now back in the local entertainment scene, Ella is making a fresh start with "Borrowed Life," her first vertical series project.

She plays Aina, a hardworking online ready-to-wear seller who has spent much of her life being ridiculed because of a birthmark on her face. Despite years of bullying and rejection, Aina dreams of finding confidence, love, and acceptance.

Her life takes an unexpected turn when she discovers a mysterious beauty app that transforms her into a stunning woman named Isabel. 

Also starring in the series are Nikko Natividad as Sebastian, Aina's longtime crush and a famous model, Phoebe Walker as Joanna, and Bob Jbeili as Chino.

Related Tags

Ella Cruz South Korea Viva Movie Box Borrowed Life
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