Hazel Pascual Reyes is popularly known as Ara Mina, was born on May 9, 1979 in Manila Philippines. She is among the known actress and singer in Philippine Television. Her father is Chuck Mathay, former congressman of Quezon City. Her sister, Cristine Reyes is also an active actress under a signed contract with ABS-CBN.
Ara Mina appeared in an indie drama film, Minsan Patakes up the role of Luna. The film was directed by Jeffrey Jeturian and was written by Armando Lao. The film has gathered positive critics and received various awards in Philippine Television. Ara Mina’s performance in the film won her Best Actress in a drama in the Philippines by the Golden Screen Awards in 2004. Other award winning films she has appeared in are Mano PO and Ang Huling Birhen SA Lupa that won her FAMAS Award for Best Actress performance and Best Performance by an Actress in a Lead Role – Drama. She was nominated for FAMAS Award Best Actress in the film Mano Po.
She started in show business at the age of 13 at That’s Entertainment hosted by German Moreno. She took a plight with her career when she started receiving sexy roles in films like Init Sa Tag-ulan, Sagad Sa Init, Pahiram Kahit Sandali and Maldita. She also has become a favorite cover for a number of Men’s Magazine including the FHM. She was also able to release her first single Ay Ay Ay Pag-ibig which has become an instant hit to the Filipino masses. Ara Mina has been active in TV shows like Bubble Gang, Prinsesa ng Banyera and Totoy Bato. She also played as Glacilda Bautista in Dapat Ka Bang Mahalin?
Being aware that her stardom can be just temporary, she became wise when it comes to financial management. She has invested in profitable businesses. She makes it a point to put time into it, making sure that management is smooth and well. Ara Mina now manages her own Italian Restaurant, Osteria 88. From a recent interview, she mentioned that Osteria’s menu has been revamped having other fine cuisines like good tasting French delicacies. The restaurant is now also open to non-members as opposed to its initial setting.
Another business she owns and manages is a talent agency, Posh Modelsan. The goal of the agency is to provide talents and other professional services intended for television commercials. She is also one of the seven owners of Bubble Gang Toppings which is doing well.
