To say that love teams need chemistry in order to thrive in showbiz is unarguable. But, there are times when efficacy isn’t only measured by the electrifying kilig that reel, and real, couples evoke from the screen. Take the spotlight to John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo whose following wasn’t banked through mere gimmicks and visuals. Instead, their legacy is proven by statistics – movie sales, wild television ratings, and longevity in the industry. The BeaLloyd magic never dissolved after almost two decades despite a relationship status that never went beyond being just friends. Bea and John Lloyd always hit home, validated by how their loyalists easily went wild over a mere casual exchange on Instagram.
Propelled by destiny, Bea and John Lloyd found each other in 2002 when they starred in Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay, the series that launched them to a loveteam phenomenon. The 14-year-old Bea donned the character of a 21-year-old nerdy law student, Katrina Argos who would later on end up with John Lloyd’s Yuri Orbida, her rival. The newly born tandem magnified old-school romance, but fresher and more mesmerizing, leading them to their own drama series titled It Might Be You in 2003.
The follow-up project came with high expectations after the massive success of Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay. Between the two, it was the leading man who took the pressure and challenge of proving that they weren’t just a one-time hit. And while she’s just as determined, Bea was more relaxed knowing that John Lloyd was there. Set in the town of Montegracia, It Might Be You followed the story of childhood friends Lawrence, a mayor’s son, and Cielo, an adopted girl in search of her real parents. The unlikely friendship blossomed into romance tested by social status and a dark past involving their families. The show fared well in the ratings game, enough to measure Bea and John Lloyd’s potential as a love team and their eligibility to share top billing with seasoned actors.
In 2005, Bea and John Lloyd took on an acting showdown with Claudine Barretto and Diether Ocampo in the classic drama Ikaw ang Lahat Sa Akin. It tackled the story of siblings Nea (Claudine Barretto) and Jasmin (Bea Alonzo) who lived different lives after having been separated as kids. The estranged sisters crossed paths as adults, signalling fate to bring in a series of tumultuous conflict forged by vengeance, dark secrets, crime, and romantic issues. Ikaw ang Lahat Sa Akin put Bea and John Lloyd’s dramatic prowess in zoom. He played as Oliver, the naughty rich guy who always poked fun and played pranks on Jasmin.
Bea and John Lloyd grew into more mature actors as they headlined Maging Sino Ka Man alongside Anne Curtis and Sam Milby in 2006. Maging Sino Ka Man was a tale of intricate love and lives among the four characters – Jackie (Bea Alonzo), Eli (John Lloyd Cruz), Celine (Anne Curtis), and JB (Sam Milby). Not only did Bea and John Lloyd took their acting skills to a higher league, the duo bravely crossed the borders from being cute to adult – their first love scene proved so. The show garnered impressive accolades and ratings, giving birth to its Book 2 in 2007.
The partnership continued to flourish as Bea and John Lloyd jumped to I Love Betty La Fea – Pinoy adaptation of the hit Colombian telenovela “Yo soy Betty, la fea” – in 2008. Bea took on the titular role and sported a geeky look for her character. The series revolved around the story of Betty, unattractive yet smart girl who landed a job in the known fashion company Eco Moda where she met her handsome boss, Armando Solis played by John Lloyd.
After six years of serving Pinoy audiences with iconic characters and teleseryes, the BeaLloyd love team took a three-year break in the small screen before reuniting in 2012 via A Beautiful Affair which served as a celebration of their decade-long on-screen union. It chronicled the tale of Leon and Gen who crossed paths in the beautiful city of Vienna after suffering from major heartaches. He lost his mother while she was nursing a broken heart. The troubled strangers found hope and romance in each other. Yet, the love turned sour, prompting them to part ways. Fate ushered Leon and Gen together again but Gen was set to marry Edward (John Estrada), Leon’s adoptive brother, adding more layers of conflict.
The legacy of Bea and John Lloyd had many times made us believe in second chances and that genuine connection can bring two people to places. And even as just friends, the duo is still bound to warm us with their unmatched on-screen chemistry soon. The possibilities are endless, after all, as what Bea and John Lloyd’s television roles taught us over the years.