Netflix staged a landmark event in Philippine entertainment this week with the first-ever Kontrabida Ball, a star-studded celebration honoring iconic villains of local film and television. The event, held at The Peninsula Manila, served as the grand launch for Chris Martinez’s new film Kontrabida Academy.
The venue’s lobby was transformed into a dark-glam setting featuring scream booths, photo ops, and elaborate set pieces that paid tribute to some of Philippine showbiz’s most memorable antagonists.
The film’s powerhouse cast led the event, including Michael de Mesa, Odette Khan, Rez Cortez, Jean Garcia, Pinky Amador, Dimples Romana, Mylene Dizon, Gladys Reyes, and Eugene Domingo. Veteran actress Celia Rodriguez delivered an emotional tribute to the late Cherie Gil, calling her “the finest kontrabida of them all.”
Dimples Romana, known for her role as Daniela Mondragon in Kadenang Ginto, said she felt privileged to be among industry legends. “Everybody I admire are all here — I am blessed to be part of this,” she said.
Eugene Domingo, who stars in the film, noted that kontrabidas are not always purely evil. “The real kontrabida doesn’t have to be bad,” she said. “They’re just fighting for their rights.”
Kontrabida Academy also features Barbie Forteza and is now streaming in more than 200 countries on Netflix.