Shirley Kuan out, Chris Cahilig in as Bea Alonzo’s new manager

Film producer Chris Cahilig has stepped in as the interim manager of Bea Alonzo following the resignation of her former manager Shirley Kuan.

In an exclusive interview with Inquirer Entertainment on Sunday, Aug. 23, Cahilig shared that Kuan resigned as Alonzo’s manager on Aug. 11 and he was approached by the actress and her husband, businessman Vincent Co, to temporarily handle Alonzo’s professional affairs.

“I am not really privy doon sa conversation nila (Alonzo and Kuan),” Cahilig said. “But there is a need to take care of unfinished businesses. There are inquiries for endorsements. So the couple approached me if, for the meantime, I can take care of all those things for them. And I agreed as the interim agent or manager for Bea.”

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Cahilig, who is a trusted confidant of the Co family, said his current role is primarily to ensure that Alonzo’s existing commitments are handled and that new opportunities continue to be addressed as the actress and her husband enter a new chapter in their lives.

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“Right now, Bea is in a new phase in her life being a married woman. Siyempre priority ni Bea ’yung family niya,” he said when asked about the current career roadmap for Alonzo.

READ: Bea Alonzo, Vincent Co’s secret wedding surprised even the event stylists

The development comes shortly after Alonzo and Co surprised the public with their private civil wedding in Makati on July 13. The couple later confirmed their marriage through the actress’ social media posts. 

The change in management also follows months of speculation surrounding Kuan’s role in Alonzo’s personal and professional affairs following online reports that she opposed the couple’s marriage.

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Kuan not commented on the allegations. She previously denied knowledge of Alonzo and Co’s July wedding, despite being the actress’ manager at the time. “Wala akong alam,” she said, adding that what she knew was what everyone else knew.

Asked about his taking over Alonzo’s management, Cahilig was quick to clarify that he did not take the actress away from anyone.

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“I love the family. Bea is part of the family na rin and everything. She (Kuan) resigned kaya ako interim kasi somebody has to take care of what she left, di ba?” Cahilig explained. “It’s a natural thing to entrust me because I have a relationship with the family.”

The acclaimed director also noted that he and Alonzo still need to sit down and determine her long-term career direction.

“We need to plan out kung ano ‘yung overall directions niya. We haven’t done it yet kasi bagong-bago pa lang but that’s where we’re heading,” he said.

As her interim manager, Cahilig said his role is to respect Alonzo’s decisions while helping create more opportunities for her.

“Bea is a very intelligent woman. She’s very smart and knowledgeable about the industry. She knows what she wants and what she doesn’t want,” he said.

“I would respect that kind of direction in life that she would take and support her and create opportunities for her along the way,” he added.

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Cahilig is the president of a rising marketing and media firm. He is also the festival director of the CinePanalo Film Festival and works as a movie and music producer, director, and talent manager. /edv