Therese Malvar
Therese Martin Alcala Malvar, occasionally credited as Teri Malvar, is a Filipino actress known for her performances in independent films. She gained recognition for her debut in Ang Huling Cha-Cha ni Anita, earning the Best Actress award at the 1st CineFilipino Film Festival at age 13. Malvar has since received multiple acting honors, both locally and internationally.
Early life and education
Malvar was born Therese Martin Alcala Malvar on September 16, 2000. She is the daughter of stage and independent film actress Cherry Malvar. Malvar is also the third great-granddaughter of two Philippine heroes, General Miguel Malvar and Dr. José Rizal.While filming Inagaw na Bituin, Malvar continued her high school studies and graduated as class salutatorian. In June 2024, she graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Film and Video from MINT College.
Career
Malvar made her film debut at age 13 in Ang Huling Cha-Cha ni Anita. In the film, she played the titular character, a 12-year-old girl who falls in love with an older woman. For her performance, she won Best Actress at the inaugural CineFilipino Film Festival, becoming the youngest recipient of the award. She earned the distinction over veteran nominees, including Nora Aunor. She also received a nomination for Best Actress at the 37th [Gawad Urian Awards], New Movie Actress of the Year at the 30th PMPC Star Awards for Movies, and Best Breakthrough Performance by an Actress at the 11th Golden Screen Awards.In 2015, Malvar portrayed the role of Jinky in Hamog, a role that earned her multiple local and international awards, including Best Actress at the 40th Moscow International Film Festival. In 2017, the Film Development Council of the Philippines awarded her with the Artistic Excellence Award. She also starred in the horror film Ilawod as the titular malicious water spirit. The following year, she tied with herself for the Best Supporting Actress award at the Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival">Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival">Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival for her roles in School Service and Distance, the first time in Cinemalaya history that an actor tied with themselves in a single category.
In 2019, Malvar portrayed the lead role of Ariela Lopez in the drama series Inagaw na Bituin, a role that allowed her to showcase her singing talents. This was also her first leading role on television. In 2022, she portrayed Cynthia in the film Broken Blooms. For her role, she won Best Actress at the Saskatchewan International Film Festival. The same year, Malvar was also selected as a judge at the 2022 Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival.
In 2023, she starred in the socio-political film, Oras de Peligro. Malvar was also among the selected Philippine delegates for the ASEAN International Film Festival and Awards. In November, she made her Regal Studio Presents debut with the episode, "Baddest Best Friend".
In 2025, she joined the cast of Encantadia Chronicles: Sang'gre. She was also cast in Quezon and Bar Boys: After School that year. Malvar was also an associate producer on the documentary ''Food Delivery.''