Perla Bautista was born on February 18, 1940, in Manila, Philippines, to Carmen Marcial and Vicente Bautista, becoming the fifth of eight children. She pursued her secondary education at Torres High School, after which she enrolled in Commerce at the prestigious Lyceum of the Philippines.
At the tender age of 17, Perla Bautista began her acting career by taking on small roles in various films. Her breakthrough came in 1958 with the film "Eddie Junior Detective", which formally introduced her to the film industry. She went on to appear in numerous dramatic films, including "Malvarosa", "Anak ni Waray", "Casa Grande", "Ana Maria", "Hiwaga ng Pag-Ibig", and "Venganza", opposite heartthrob Mario Montenegro.
Perla Bautista's filmography continued to grow with appearances in "Barrio Fiesta" (1959),"Mr. Announcer" (1959),"Black Beauty" (1960) with Charito Solis, and "Kung Ako'y Iiwan Mo" (1960). She was given the lead role in "Kilabot sa Baril" (1960),opposite Zaldy Zshornack, marking a significant milestone in her career.
Throughout her illustrious career, Perla Bautista has acted alongside some of the most prominent Filipino actors, including Nora Aunor, with whom she collaborated in over 10 films, including "Minsa'y isang gamugamo" (1976),"Sapin-sapin, patung-patong" (1977),"Bakekang" (1978),"Bulaklak ng City Jail" (1985),"Till We Meet Again" (1985),"Bilangin Mo Ang Bituin Sa Langit" (1989),and "Andrea, paano ba ang maging isang ina?" (1990).
Perla Bautista has won numerous awards for her outstanding performances, including the Filipino Academy of Movie Arts & Sciences (FAMAS) Best Actress award for "Markang Rehas" (1962) opposite Joseph Estrada, as well as FAMAS supporting acting awards for "Alamat ni Julian Makabayan" (1979),"Nang Bumuka ang Sampaguita" (1980),and "Bulaklak ng City Jail" (1984). She also won the Best Supporting Actress award from the Manunuring Pelikulang Pilipino (URIAN AWARDS) for "Anak ng Cabron" (1988).
Perla Bautista's impressive filmography and numerous accolades have solidified her position as one of the most respected and beloved actresses in the Filipino film industry.
