BY AIRA MIRANDA

The claws are out and the contour is cutthroat in Beauty Empire, the latest glossy drama series set to shake up the primetime. A collaboration between Viu Philippines, GMA Network, and CreaZion Studios, Beauty Empire dives headfirst into the sparkling — and savage — world of beauty moguls, social media stardom, and vengeance.

At the heart of the series is Noreen Alfonso, a street-smart, self-made beauty entrepreneur with a haunting past and an ambitious plan for revenge. Played by Barbie Forteza, Noreen doesn’t just want a seat at the table—she wants to burn the whole thing down. Her mission? To dismantle the empires built by those who once wronged her, one viral takedown at a time.

Opposing her is Shari de Jesus, played by Kyline Alcantara, the cunning CEO of the mass-market brand "Pantasya." She’s the favorite of Velma Imperial (Ruffa Gutierrez), the undisputed queen of the Philippine beauty industry. But this isn't just a two-way catfight. Caught in the glamorized chaos are powerful men like Eddie Imperial (Sid Lucero), ever-so-handsome but suspiciously hands-off, and matriarchs like Clara Imperial (Gloria Diaz), whose influence is as sharp as her stilettos.

*n an exclusive interview with Global Daily Mirror, Barbie Forteza gave us a peek into her connection with Noreen, sharing a real-life “raketera” moment that mirrors her character’s hustle.

“Naku, marami po talaga... I am super YES GIRL… kunyari manggagaling ako ng rehearsal ng Party Pilipinas, alas siyete na matatapos, se-segway pa ako sa Calamba para mag two songs… Feeling ko approved ako ni Noreen kasi very hard working din si Noreen,” she said, laughing.

Kyline Alcantara, when asked who she’d appoint CEO in her own beauty empire—her past self, current self, or her character—didn’t hesitate.

“My current self, because I feel like, dami ko na din napagdaanan… I trust my current self na I would make the right decission. Sana naman!” she shared.

Meanwhile, Ruffa Gutierrez—who plays the no-nonsense Velma—talked about bringing her real-life leadership style to the screen.

“One leadership lesson is ‘take care of your people… but lead by example.’ That’s one thing Velma also does… Pero siguro yung isang pag kakaiba is matiisin sya… Ako hindi ako papayag. I will not stay, I will leave,” she answered.

Adding even more depth (and drama) to the ensemble are Sam Concepcion as Migoy, an idealistic cop and Noreen’s longtime friend; Chai Fonacier as Kriselda, Velma’s trusted assistant; and Aaron Maniego as Sylvester, the energetic and proper right hand to Shari.

Beauty Empire promises to be as bold as its red-lipstick power moves. Expect drama, camp, and unexpected twists as these women clash not only over businesses but beliefs, past wounds, and future ambitions.

The series is created by Real Florido and Rona Co of CreaZion Studios and is directed by Mark Sicat Dela Cruz. It’s produced by GMA Network, in collaboration with Viu Philippines and CreaZion Studios.

Beauty Empire is set to premiere on June 16, 2025, on Viu, and July 7, 2025, on GMA Network's prime lineup.