Veteran actress Alicia Alonzo, known for her prolific film and television career that began in the late 1960s, has officially retired from showbiz and now lives a peaceful, purpose-filled life as a layperson in the Caryana Monastery in Magalang, Pampanga.
In an emotional interview with Julius Babao on his YouTube channel, the 79-year-old actress shared how she has fully embraced a life of prayer, service, and spiritual renewal. “Officially nag-retire na ako. Tama na,” she said calmly. “All my life, puro gusto ko ang ginawa ko. Ngayon naisip ko, sa edad ko, kung ano pa natitira, ibigay ko na sa Kanya.”
Alicia first discovered Caryana in the 2000s through a friend, and gradually found herself returning to the monastery until she decided to live there full-time two years ago. “Pag nandito ako, natututo akong sumunod. Sa labas kasi, ako ang kailangang masunod,” she said with a laugh.
Now, Alicia joins the community’s daily routine of seven prayer sessions, fasting, penance, and charitable work. “Hindi ako artista dito. Parang naramdaman ko ‘yung freedom, parang I’m free,” she reflected. “Ang focus ko lang: makarating sa langit. Salvation.”
The journey was not easy for Alicia, who once lived a glamorous life as a former PAL flight attendant, actress, and mother to ‘80s matinee idol Jon Hernandez, who died in a tragic car accident in 1993. She said her turning point came during a hospital stay for vertigo, which led her to seek recovery time in the monastery—where she found clarity and calling.
She eventually sold her house and possessions, cut off old connections—including her phone SIM card—and chose to leave everything behind. “Nung huling punta ko sa Amerika, kahit andun anak ko at mga apo ko, hindi ako masaya. Hinahanap ko ito. Dito, masaya ako. Nakakatulog ako nang maayos,” she shared.
Alicia also spoke fondly of her friendship with the late actor Lito Legaspi, with whom she shared a spiritual bond. They often attended recollections together, and Lito was eventually laid to rest at Caryana. “Puro si Lord ang pinag-uusapan namin. No personal issues,” she recalled.
On her relationship with stepdaughter Maja Salvador, Alicia emphasized that there is no bitterness. “Mahal ko ‘yan si Maja. Close kami. Ang anak kong si Jon ang gumawa ng paraan para magkakilala kami.”
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As for a possible return to showbiz, Alicia was firm: “No more. Tinuldukan ko na.” What matters now, she says, is living in accordance with God’s will. “Ito ang tunay na kaligayahan. I’ve done my job, I’ve lived my dream—and now, I live for Him.”
