Bea Alonzo and her former manager Shirley Kuan. Photo from Instagram/@dolorguevarra
Veteran manager denies involvement in reported Spain wedding plans as Alonzo moves to interim representation
MANILA — Talent manager Shirley Kuan said she resigned as Bea Alonzo’s manager on Aug. 11, rejecting claims that she interfered in the actress’ marriage plans or regarded Alonzo as a financial “cash cow.”
Speaking to entertainment reporters Aug. 24, Kuan said she wanted to answer speculation linking her to a reported May wedding in Spain between Alonzo and businessman Vincent Co that did not proceed.
“Bea did not make me rich, nor will she make me poor,” Kuan said. “So stop calling her my cash cow.”
Kuan denied advising Alonzo to cancel the wedding and said she had no role in the couple’s prenuptial agreement. Alonzo and Co never announced a Spain wedding, though reports said invited guests received cancellation or postponement notices. The couple married July 13 in a civil ceremony at Makati City Hall.
Alonzo’s lawyer, Joey V. Garcia, confirmed that the couple had signed a prenuptial agreement freely and voluntarily and rejected reports of a dispute involving it.
Kuan said she raised the accusations with Alonzo when she resigned. According to Kuan, Alonzo told her that Kuan had never asked her to cancel the wedding. Alonzo has not publicly confirmed that exchange.
Actor Janus del Prado, a longtime friend and former screen colleague of Alonzo, urged the public not to judge the actress before hearing her account.
“Before you judge Bea, let’s wait to hear her side of the story first,” del Prado wrote on Facebook. He said he was not dismissing Kuan’s statements but cautioned against treating one account as conclusive. He also suggested confidentiality agreements between artists and managers when professional relationships end.
Del Prado, a former Star Magic talent of 21 years, appeared with Alonzo in “One More Chance,” “A Second Chance” and “Four Sisters and a Wedding.” He has no publicly identified role in her management.
Kuan said a separate professional dispute prompted her resignation after she was told by a client not to attend an event she had helped arrange for Alonzo. She did not identify the event, client or person she believed was responsible.
Kuan has worked in Philippine entertainment and advertising for more than three decades. Alonzo has since appointed publicist and producer Chris Cahilig as interim manager.
At an Aug. 27 brand event, Alonzo spoke about married life, saying she was enjoying her “wife era.” She did not address Kuan’s resignation or the allegations surrounding their professional split.
