From matinee idol to a binibini: The colorful and transformative life of BB Gandanghari
Since coming out on national television in 2006, BB Gandanghari's has led a very transformative life in the US. See how she's metamorphosized from being a matinee idol to a symbol of the Filipino LGBTQIA+ community in this gallery
Rustom Padilla
BB Gandanghari, formerly known as Rustom Padilla, is the older sister of actor Robin Padilla and the younger sibling of Royette and Rommel Padilla. In the '90s she was regarded as a matinee idol who rose in success for his films and TV series such as GMA's 'Valiente' and 'Pintados.'
The Padilla Clan
BB Gandanghari was born to Casimero Padilla Sr and Lolita Eva Carino. She has seven siblings: four brothers and four sisters; most of whom are actors.
Keana Reeves
In 2006, BB joined 'Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Edition,' where she came out after 44 days to fellow housemate Keana Reeves.
Carmina Villarroel
BB was married to actress Carmina Villarroel in 1994 and was separated years later. Their marriage was then annulled in 2002. When asked if Carmina had an inkling about BB's identity during their marriage, the actress shared that she had no idea.
Coming out as trans
On January 16, 2009, a headline in the local newspapers was written: “Rustom is dead.” This marks the first chapter of BB Gandanghari's life as a transwoman to which described as a “self-awakening process.” She then chose to undergo gender confirmation surgery after announcing her new name.
Move to Los Angeles
A few years later, BB then moved to Los Angeles, California to pursue a degree in filmmaking at the UCLA.
Misgender
In 2012, BB Gandanghari's brother Robin Padilla admitted that things are not well between him and his sibling. He told reporters at a press conference that he is still in a state of shock after BB revealed he was a transwoman. In the following years, BB would claim that she would not allow anyone to address her by her dead name.
Brogan Agency
In 2017, BB Gandanghari signed a contract with a talent firm, The Brogan Agency, to set up her new life and career in Hollywood.
Uber driver
In the same year, a report was published by the Filipino Times stating that BB has obtained employment in the United States as a driver for car service Uber.
Hospitalization
In 2019, BB reported that she experienced bullying at her workplace leading to her experiencing “extreme emotional distress and severe anxiety attack.” She asked, “What would you do when you're a transgender and your personal and professional boundaries are being violated in a work environment that claims to be a safe zone for people like me?”
'Glow'
Things are finally looking up for BB in 2019 as she confirmed her guest billing in the Netflix comedy 'Glow.' BB played the role of Patricia, a fortune-teller who had a run-in with Alison Brie's character, Ruth.
YouTube career
In December 2019, BB rekindled her love for the camera by reopening her YouTube channel “BB Gandanghari Official.” There, she gives weekly updates of her life and even shares her tried and tested recipes for her fans to follow.
Imman
Today, BB is living alone in Los Angeles with her dog Imman, which she often features on her Instagram Live and YouTube videos.
COVID-19
In her vlog, BB shares that she is still reporting to work despite the coronavirus pandemic.
Independence
In the same vlog, BB shared that she's living her best life despite being alone. “Magpapaka-honest ako. I worked hard for my existence and I do what I do because I think it can provide… I can make a living out of it. So I appreciate it… Maraming salamat sa inyo. Because of you alam kong kaya ko at magsa-succeed tayo.”