Bernard Palanca Biography: Age, Wife, Children, Net Worth, Movies & TV Shows, Height

Bernard Joseph Palanca Jr., professionally known as Bernard Palanca, is a versatile Filipino actor celebrated for his commanding presence in Philippine cinema and television, with a career spanning over two decades.

Rising to prominence through ABS-CBN’s Star Circle Batch 6 in 1997, he gained acclaim for roles in teleseryes like Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay and films such as Magkapatid (2002), earning a Best Supporting Actor nomination at the FAMAS Awards.

Known for his intense portrayals of complex characters, from conflicted villains to heartfelt leads, Palanca remains a respected figure in the industry, balancing mainstream projects with indie films while maintaining a private yet impactful persona.

Profile

• Full Name: Bernard Joseph Palanca Jr.
• Stage Name: Bernard Palanca
• Born: 25 December, 1976
• Age: 48 years old
• Birthplace: Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines
• Nationality: Filipino
• Occupation: Actor, and Model
• Height: 1.78m
• Parents: Bernard Palanca Sr. and Pita Revilla-Palanca
• Siblings: Mico Palanca, Erika Hocson, Santi Hocson, Martin Hocson, Lisa Palanca
• Spouse: Meryll Soriano (m. 2006–2015), Maricar Reyes (m. 2019)
• Children: Elijah Palanca
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $1.5 million

Early Life and Education

Bernard Joseph Palanca Jr. was born on December 25, 1976, in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines, to Bernard Palanca Sr., a businessman, and Pita Revilla-Palanca, a homemaker from the prominent Revilla showbiz clan.

Growing up alongside his siblings: Erika Hocson, Santi Hocson, Martin Hocson, Lisa Palanca, and his younger brother, Mico Palanca, who later became an actor before his passing in 2019.

He attended Ateneo de Manila University, where he engaged in theater productions, though specific details about his degree remain private.

He is of Filipino descent with Spanish and Chinese ancestry, though his religious beliefs are not unknown.

Career

Bernard Joseph Palanca Jr. entered show business in 1997 as part of ABS-CBN’s Star Circle Batch 6, debuting with small roles in youth-oriented shows like Gimik and Esperanza.

His early work in the teen drama Tabing Ilog (1998–2000) alongside John Lloyd Cruz and Jodi Sta. Maria showcased his charisma, earning him roles in primetime teleseryes such as Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay (2002–2003), where he played the conflicted Anilov.

His cinematic breakthrough came with Magkapatid (2002), a drama directed by Joel Lamangan, where his portrayal of a grieving brother earned a FAMAS Best Supporting Actor nomination, establishing him as a serious talent in Philippine cinema.

Palanca’s career flourished through the 2000s with lead and supporting roles in films like Yamashita: The Tiger’s Treasure (2001) and Lupe: A Seaman’s Wife (2003), balancing mainstream hits with indie projects.

His versatility shone in teleseryes such as Kampanerang Kuba (2005) and Impostora (2007), where he tackled intense antagonist roles, while Komiks and Your Song allowed comedic and romantic turns.

By the 2010s, he transitioned to character-driven parts in Green Rose (2011) and Magpakailanman episodes, earning praise for his depth in portraying real-life figures.

His work in The Legal Wife (2014) as a flawed husband further solidified his reputation for nuanced performances.

Bernard Palanca continues to captivate audiences with roles in FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano (2016–2020), where he portrayed a corrupt official, and recent projects like Lavender Fields (2024), showcasing his enduring appeal in action and drama.

His forays into indie films, such as Culion (2019), highlight his commitment to meaningful storytelling, while guest spots on Wish Ko Lang keep him connected to social-issue narratives.

Palanca’s mentorship of younger actors and advocacy for mental health awareness, inspired by his brother’s struggles, underscore his influence, blending on-screen intensity with off-screen compassion.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @bernardpalanca
• Facebook Handle: Bernard Palanca
• Twitter Handle: Unknown

Personal Life

Bernard Palanca married actress Meryll Soriano in 2006, welcoming their son Elijah on August 27, 2007, before their marriage was annulled in 2015 due to personal differences.

He found love again with actress Maricar Reyes, whom he married in a private Los Angeles ceremony in May 2019, maintaining a low-key yet stable partnership.

Palanca keeps his personal life private, focusing on fatherhood and supporting Elijah’s interests.

Filmography

• Yamashita: The Tiger’s Treasure (2001)
• Magkapatid (2002)
• Lupe: A Seaman’s Wife (2003)
• Mano Po III: My Love (2004)
• Sa Aking Puso: The Marcos ‘Bong’ Manalang Story (2013)
• Culion (2019)

Net Worth

Bernard Palanca has an estimated net worth of $1.5 million.

His wealth stems from decades of acting in ABS-CBN teleseryes, film projects, and occasional modeling contracts, bolstered by endorsements and guest appearances.