Meet Bela Padilla’s Parents: All About Meg Cariño and Cornelius Gary Sullivan

Bela Padilla, a celebrated Filipino-British actress, host, singer, writer, and director, has captivated audiences with her talent and charm.

Born Krista Elyse Hidalgo Sullivan on May 3, 1991, in Makati, Philippines, Bela embraces a rich cultural heritage. Her mother, Meg Cariño, is Filipina, while her father, the late Cornelius Gary Sullivan, was British with English, Irish, and Saint Helenian ancestry.

Raised in a Roman Catholic household, her upbringing was shaped by both Filipino and British influences, fostering a deep appreciation for her diverse roots.

Bela is the daughter of Meg Cariño and Cornelius Gary Sullivan, who passed away in 2023. She has an elder brother from her parents’ marriage and three elder half-siblings from her father’s previous marriage, who reside in England. Growing up in a blended family exposed her to a mix of cultures, which played a vital role in shaping her worldview.

Her education began at a Montessori-style international school in Forbes Park, Makati, where her creativity was nurtured early. She later attended Colegio San Agustin – Makati, excelling academically and taking journalism as an elective in senior high school, a choice that foreshadowed her future in writing and storytelling. This strong educational foundation, combined with her multicultural upbringing, paved the way for her multifaceted career in entertainment.

Bela’s journey has been profoundly influenced by her parents, whose diverse backgrounds and personal experiences add depth to her story. Their guidance and support have been crucial in shaping her path, from her early years to her rise as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.

Meg Cariño

Margarette Cariño Hidalgo, fondly known as “Meg,” is Bela Padilla’s mother and a proud Filipina whose lineage connects her daughter to one of the Philippines’ most prominent showbiz families.

Meg comes from the esteemed Padilla clan, a powerhouse in Filipino entertainment. Her mother, Anita Rivera Cariño, was the sister of Eva Cariño-Padilla, who married Roy Padilla Sr., a renowned actor-director and former governor of Camarines Norte.

This makes Meg a first-degree maternal cousin of Filipino action star and senator Robin Padilla, linking Bela to a celebrated family of actors, including Rommel Padilla, BB Gandanghari, and second cousins Daniel Padilla, RJ Padilla, Queenie Padilla, Camille Orosa, Ali Padilla, Mico Padilla, Zhen-Zhen Padilla, and Kylie Padilla.

Despite Bela’s mixed ancestry, Meg’s Filipino heritage provided her with a strong cultural foundation, grounding her in the traditions and values of the Philippines. Though Meg prefers to keep much of her personal life private, her influence as a supportive mother is evident in Bela’s upbringing.

She prioritized her daughter’s education, enrolling her in a Montessori-style international school in Forbes Park, Makati, and later in the foreigners’ class at Colegio San Agustin—Makati, where Bela took journalism as an elective in senior high school. This emphasis on education undoubtedly shaped Bela’s multifaceted career, which extends beyond acting to writing and directing.

Cornelius Gary Sullivan

Cornelius Gary Sullivan, Bela Padilla’s father, brought an international dimension to the family with his British heritage. Originally from Cleveland, Yorkshire, England, he came from a lineage deeply rooted in English, Irish, and Saint Helenian ancestry.

His paternal grandfather, John Leslie Sullivan, was the son of William Sullivan, an Irish emigrant from County Cork, and Esther Bailey, whose ancestry blended English and Irish roots. His grandmother, Margaret Agnes Crowther, further enriched his Yorkshire heritage, descending from George Edward Crowther and Kate Scarr, both native to the region.

Cornelius’ life was defined by adventure and resilience. Before marrying Meg, he had a previous marriage and three children, giving Bela three elder half-siblings who reside in England.

His union with Meg brought two more children into the family—Bela and her elder brother—creating a blended household that spanned two continents. Known for his vibrant personality, Bela described Cornelius as a man who “loved life and lived it to the fullest.” He was calm, empathetic, and affectionate, never raising his voice angrily and always offering warm hugs.

Tragically, Cornelius Gary Sullivan passed away on August 27, 2023, a profound loss for Bela. In a heartfelt Instagram tribute, she shared that he passed peacefully in his sleep, taking comfort in the thought that “he wasn’t in pain and hopefully was dreaming of the happy times in his life.”