Fil-Chinese beauty queen earns rising TV star nod in Singapore

MANILA, Philippines — From pageants to primetime screens and now, to an international awards stage, Filipina actress Lorraine Wong is proving that unexpected beginnings can lead to extraordinary destinations.

The actress earned a nomination for Most Popular Rising Star at Singapore’s 31st Star Awards at the MES Theatre, Singapore last April 19, following her role in the Singapore TV series “Another Wok of Life.”

However, before the scripts and shooting schedules became part of her life, Lorraine first built her own path as an e-commerce entrepreneur and beauty queen. Those earlier experiences would later help shape the confidence she now carries on screen.

Hailing from Las Piñas City, Lorraine first gained public attention in 2022 as a contestant at Miss Chinatown Philippines, a pageant celebrating Filipino-Chinese heritage. She finished as second runner-up.

Lorraine never initially planned to pursue acting. But little did she know that the pageant world would open doors for her in the acting industry.

Over the past three years, Lorraine has steadily built experience across different productions. She first made her acting debut in Regal Entertainment’s “The Day I Loved You,” a BL (Boys’ Love) and coming-of-age series directed by Easy Ferrer, where she played the supporting character named Karen.

With the support of Virtual Playground, in partnership with Regal Entertainment, led by industry veteran Roselle Monteverde, Lorraine gained more experience in the field. She appeared in “Lovers & Liars,” directed by Crisanto Aquino and there, she shared scenes with Claudine Barretto, Christian Vasquez and Polo Ravales.

Lorraine secured her first film appearance in “Guilty Pleasure,” directed by Connie Macatuno, where she played Marie Suethe. The drama explored romance, courtroom conflict and women’s empowerment, and starred Lovi Poe, JM de Guzman and Jameson Blake.

Other projects, especially in 2024, also shaped the path to where she is today. “Widows’ War” placed her within a world of family intrigue, betrayal and redemption. “That Kind of Love,” on the other hand, offered a lighter romantic tone that taught her versatility. She also appeared in “Regal Studio Presents” and worked with GMA Public Affairs through the drama anthology “Tadhana.”

These early breaks ultimately led to a defining opportunity: the 2025 Singapore series “Another Wok of Life,” where she portrayed Yada, a Filipina who travels to Singapore in search of her first love. Lorraine embodied themes familiar to many overseas Filipinos of hope, sacrifice, longing and courage. She starred alongside award-winning actors Jeremy Chan, Guo Liang and Richie Koh.

She ultimately earned her a nomination for “Most Popular Rising Star” at the 31st Star Awards. Lorraine said that the nomination came as a shock and described it as deeply meaningful.

She expressed gratitude for the opportunity, noting that working on a Singapore television production was already a career highlight. To be recognized at one of Singapore’s most prominent entertainment events affirmed the difficult, humbling journey she had taken.

Lorraine currently has projects in development, including an upcoming microdrama, alongside CJ Navato and Haley Dizon. Meanwhile, the award show was organized by Mediacorp with the theme “Born to Glow.”