Denise Maria Sanz Laurel, simply known as Denise Laurel in showbiz is a Filipina actress and singer. Born September 30, 1987, she is the granddaughter of the late Vice President Salvador ‘Doy’ Laurel and is also the great-granddaughter of the late Philippine President Jose P. Laurel. Being in the clan of theater personalities, it is quite obvious that she can also make a name for herself in the theater as well. She landed her first stage role in the musical South Pacific at the age of five. Denise finished her elementary years at St. Paul’s College in Pasig. She is also a member of Arnold Vegafria’s ALV Talent Circuit.
In a play of Repertory Philippines, Denise was discovered by Johnny Manahan (popularly known as Mr. M), Star Magic’s big boss. She then became a part of Ang TV2. She also played Ina Raymundo’s daughter in the soap, Pangako Sa ‘Yo.
Denise Laurel proved herself not only in the Philippines but also in other country. She made a name in Singapore when she joined MTV Asia’s “Rouge” where she played the character of Pat, a smart lead vocalist of the band. When she came back to the Philippines after doing Rouge, she became a contract star under GMA Network where she did Walang Hanggang, Leya, the teen-oriented show Click, and fantaseryes Mulawin and Encantadia.
At the peak of her career, Denise left showbiz because of the rumor about her being pregnant. When she came back in 2011, she admitted that she gave birth to a baby boy but did not reveal the identity of the child’s father. In 2012, she came back as part of the TV series, Dahil sa Pag-ibig under ABS-CBN opposite her good friend Rafael Rosell.
Among the series she appeared at are GMA Network’s Encantadia, Mulawin, Leya: ang Pinakamagandang babae sa Ilalim ng Lupa, Click and Walang Hanggang; ABS-CBN’s Maging Sino Ka Man, Star Magic Presents: Tender Loving Care, Pangako Sa ‘Yo, Ang TV2, Star magic Presents: Abt Ur Luv, Maalaala Mo Kaya: Airport, Komiks Presents: Si Pedro Penduko at Ang Mga Engkantao, Sineserye Presents: Natutulog Ba Ang Diyos?, Prinsesa ng Banyera, Maalaala Mo Kaya: Tren, Your Song: Wala Ng Hahanapin Pa, Maalaala Mo Kaya: Botelya, Precious Hearts Romances Presents: Bud Brothers, Precious Hearts Romances Presents: You’re Mine Only Mine, Sunsilk Hair Is Your Moment, Precious Hearts Romances Presents: Midnight Phantom, Maalaala Mo Kaya: Tinapay, Precious Hearts Romances Presents: Kristine, Wansapanataym: Hulog ng Langit, Dahil Sa Pag-Ibig, Precious Hearts Romances Presents: Pintada, Annaliza, and Precious Hearts Romances Presents: Paraiso; TV5’s Rakista and Midnight DJ; MTV Asia’s Rouge; and Studio 23 (Studio 23).
She also did some movies like First Day High, For the First Time, Shake Rattle & Roll X, Ang Darling Kong Aswang, and a cameo role in the film, My Amnesia Girl. As a singer, Denise recorded non-album songs entailed ‘I Will Take You Forever’ (a duet with Kris Lawrence), Head Over Heels, My Memory of Him, Disco Lights, and a version of Alicia Keys’ If I Ain’t Got You’.
