GLADYS GUEVARRA: FROM SHOCKING BETRAYAL TO UNEXPECTED HAPPINESS – A JOURNEY OF RESILIENCE
Gladys Guevarra, widely known as Chuchay, is a prominent figure in Philippine entertainment, having built a career spanning over two decades as a comedian, host, and singer. Beyond her comedic talent, Gladys embodies strength and transformation, bravely navigating personal health challenges, public controversies, and successfully reinventing herself as an entrepreneur and content creator. Her story is a powerful inspiration for many Filipinos, illustrating the capacity to rise, find laughter, and persist after every setback.
Rise to Stardom and Early Challenges Gladys began her career as a voice impersonator and comedian at GMA Network. She gained significant recognition as an energetic personality and a regular host on Eat Bulaga from 1999 to 2007. Her natural charisma, comedic skill, and exceptional impersonations, particularly in the “Bulagaan” segment with Janno Gibbs, made her a public favorite and solidified her “Chuchay” character.
Alongside comedy, Gladys ventured into music as the lead vocalist of Gladys and the Boxers with K. Their hit song, “Sasakyan Kita,” became widely popular. In 2004, she left the band for a solo career, though remaining open to special performances.
In January 2007, Gladys resigned from Eat Bulaga due to significant health issues, including a bulging disc and scoliosis. She also aimed to dispel persistent rumors of a romantic relationship with Janno Gibbs, which she firmly denied, emphasizing health as her reason. She even confronted Gibbs regarding an inappropriate joke.
Post-Eat Bulaga, Gladys explored acting, starring in the fantasy-drama Magic Kamison in 2007, showcasing her versatility. Mid-2007, she joined Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Edition 2 but exited after just twelve days due to depression, an act demonstrating her courage in facing public pressure. She continued to appear in various TV programs from 2008 to 2021, including Sunday Pinasaya and Wowowin. She also performed regularly in comedy bars until their 2020 closure. In films, she took supporting roles in Pangarap Ko Ang Ibigin Ka (2003), Espiritista (2005), and Ang Panday (2009).
The Shocking Betrayal A particularly painful chapter unfolded in 2020 when Gladys revealed in an emotional Facebook Live session that her fiancé, Leon Sumagui, had allegedly left her and taken money from their small online food business, “Kitchen ni Chuchay”. Gladys tearfully stated Leon reportedly took 9,100 pesos and even deleted their customer order system, a severe blow to her new pandemic-launched venture. She cried, “What you did to me, Leon, is too much,” expressing profound disappointment and shattered trust.
Leon Sumagui, however, countered in a YouTube video, claiming he only withdrew 8,300 pesos and immediately returned it. He asserted Gladys herself deleted the order form to halt the business and that he did no wrong. He invited Gladys to file a case with evidence, concluding that he was a good person, just difficult to love.
Public Stands and Recent Ventures In 2020, Gladys also voiced her stance against nationwide mask testing in the Philippines, arguing funds were better used for aid and food, sparking mixed reactions. In January 2023, she debunked fake news linking her romantically to vlogger Joel Mondina, who later confirmed it was a content collaboration.
Gladys ventured into the food business in Quezon City in 2020 with “Kitchen ni Chuchay,” fulfilling a passion for cooking. During the pandemic, she shared more openly on social media about her resilience and family. Currently, she engages in meaningful work, reflecting her growth beyond comedy. In March 2025, she became a prominent voice in political discourse, urging Filipinos to respect opinions and pray for unity regarding the International Criminal Court (ICC). She frequently appears on Sunday Pinasaya with Boobsie Wonderland, hailed as the female version of Jose Manalo and Wally Bayola, showcasing her timeless comedic talent.
Finding Happiness: A Second Chance at Love In August 2023, Gladys found happiness and new hope by marrying a non-showbiz partner named AD in the United States. She expressed immense joy and gratitude for this new chapter. Responding to negative comments about her second marriage, she firmly stated, “I am very happy right now, please don’t break it“.
Conclusion Gladys Guevarra’s nearly 25-year journey demonstrates her enduring talent and spirit. Her career is a testament to resilience, transformation, and inspiration, combining comedic flair, musical talent, acting prowess, entrepreneurial spirit, and openness about mental health. From overcoming health battles and public controversies to rebuilding after betrayal and finding new love, Gladys’s story is a compelling narrative of perseverance, embodying the message that one can always rise, laugh, and move forward
