Yassi Pressman
Yasmin Isabel "Yassi" Pressman (born May 11, 1995) is a Filipino-British actress, model, singer, dancer, and television personality.[1] Born in Hong Kong to a British father, Ronnie Pressman, and a Filipina mother, Belcy Dalloran Yasto from Isabela, she holds dual heritage that has influenced her multicultural appeal in the Philippine entertainment industry.[1] Pressman debuted as a child actress in 2006 on ABS-CBN's Gulong ng Palad at age 11, but her early career breakthrough came through her work as a power dancer and in antagonist roles on GMA Network's variety shows.[2] Pressman rose to widespread prominence in 2015 with her lead role as Alyana R. Arevalo-Dalisay, the love interest of the protagonist Cardo Dalisay (played by Coco Martin), in the long-running ABS-CBN action-drama series FPJ's Ang Probinsyano.[3] The series aired from 2015 until 2022, spanning 1,696 episodes, and became one of the highest-rated teleseryes in Philippine television history.[4][5] Her performance in the series showcased her versatility in dramatic and romantic arcs, earning her acclaim as a leading lady. Beyond television, she has starred in films such as Diary ng Panget (2014), Talk Back and You're Dead (2014), More Than Blue (2021), Video City: Be Kind, Please Rewind (2023), and Isolated (2025) alongside Joel Torre.[6] In addition to acting, Pressman is renowned for her dynamic dance performances, having been a standout on GMA's Party Pilipinas and later captivating audiences on ABS-CBN's ASAP with viral covers and showdowns, including a 2025 comeback performance of KATSEYE's "GABRIELA."[7] She signed with Viva Artists Agency in 2013, expanding into modeling, singing, and hosting, and in recent years has ventured into fitness content with her 2025 online series All That Yas, promoting accessible workouts.[8] Pressman also joined the cast of the 2025 ABS-CBN series Roja, marking her return to the network after a period with GMA.[7]Early life
Background and family
Yasmin Isabel Pressman, known professionally as Yassi Pressman, was born on May 11, 1995, in British Hong Kong to Ronnie Pressman, a British father of English-Jewish descent from Lambeth, London, and Belcy Dalloran Yasto, a Filipino mother from Echague, Isabela.[9][10][11] Pressman holds dual Filipino-British nationality, reflecting her multicultural heritage, which shaped her early life as the family relocated to the Philippines when she was young.[12][13] She is the fourth of five daughters in the Pressman family, with sisters Abby, Cara, Siobhan, and Issa; the youngest, Issa Pressman, is also a model and actress.[13][14] Ronnie Pressman passed away on February 6, 2020, at the age of 90, following a heart attack.[15][16][17]Childhood and early interests
Following her parents' separation in her early years, Pressman and her younger sister Issa relocated to the Philippines to live with their father, while their mother worked abroad. After residing in Hong Kong until age two and briefly in the United States, the family settled in the Philippines when Pressman was six years old, at which point she began appearing in commercials and became a breadwinner for the family.[18][11] This move immersed Pressman in Filipino culture, where her multicultural background—blending British and Filipino influences—shaped her adaptability and resilience. She and her sister developed a strong sibling bond amid family challenges, with Pressman often assuming a protective, maternal role toward Issa, fostering a positive family dynamic despite the separation.[18] From a young age, Pressman displayed a keen interest in performing arts, particularly dance, which she began training in during her childhood. By age six, she had developed a passion for modeling and started appearing in commercials, reflecting her early exposure to creative expression.[9] Details on Pressman's formal education remain limited, with no records of higher education specified in available accounts.Career
Early career (2001–2015)
Pressman began her entertainment career at the age of six with her first modeling appearance in a Colgate television commercial in 2001.[19] This early exposure marked her entry into the industry as a child performer, where she faced various challenges, including balancing the demands of show business with personal growth.[9] Her acting debut came in 2006 at age 11, portraying the young Luisa in the ABS-CBN drama series Gulong ng Palad.[20] After this initial role, she transitioned to GMA Network in 2009, becoming a regular talent and focusing on her dancing skills.[21] There, she joined the musical-variety show SOP before it was reformatted into Party Pilipinas (2010–2013), where she performed as part of the Sayaw Pilipinas segment and earned the nickname "Princess of the Dance Floor" for her energetic routines.[22] During this period, Pressman took on early television roles, including appearances in GMA's Tween Hearts (2010–2012), where she played antagonistic characters, and the sitcom Vampire Ang Daddy Ko! (2013–2014).[22] These roles allowed her to build her acting portfolio while continuing to showcase her dance talents. In 2013, she signed with Viva Artists Agency, which supported her multifaceted career.[21] Pressman's music career debuted in 2015 under Viva Records with the single "Hush," an electro-tinged dance track featuring Nadine Lustre, serving as her pop introduction.[23] That same year, she released her self-titled EP Yassi, a six-track project produced by Viva Records with contributions from lyricist Nica del Rosario, highlighting her transition into singing amid her ongoing television commitments.[24]Breakthrough and later career (2016–present)
Pressman's breakthrough came in 2016 when she joined the cast of ABS-CBN's long-running action drama FPJ's Ang Probinsyano as Alyana R. Arevalo-Dalisay, initially introduced as the love interest of lead character Cardo Dalisay (played by Coco Martin) before evolving into his devoted wife and a community leader amid intense plotlines involving crime and family struggles. Her portrayal, which spanned nearly five years until her character's dramatic death in 2021, captivated audiences and solidified her status as a household name, contributing to the series' status as one of Philippine television's most-watched programs.[25] For this role, she received accolades including the TV Supporting Actress of the Year at the 50th Guillermo Mendoza Memorial Scholarship Foundation (GMMSF) Box-Office Entertainment Awards in 2020, which she dedicated to her late father as her primary inspiration, and shared the German Moreno Power Tandem of the Year with Martin at the 2018 PMPC Star Awards for Television.[26][27] That same year, Pressman expanded her presence on ABS-CBN by participating as a celebrity housemate in Pinoy Big Brother: Lucky 7, showcasing her charisma and dance skills during tasks that highlighted her versatility beyond acting.[28] This move marked her full transition from GMA Network, where she began her career, to ABS-CBN, allowing her to balance acting with performances on variety shows like ASAP. Her multifaceted talents—encompassing acting, dancing, and occasional singing—became a hallmark, though she navigated challenges such as intense media scrutiny on her personal life, which exacerbated anxiety and prompted a focus on mental health advocacy in interviews.[29][30] After Ang Probinsyano concluded in 2022 amid ABS-CBN's network challenges, Pressman returned to GMA Network in 2023 as a freelancer, starring as Vanessa "Bane" Bartolome, a tough vigilante ally in the action series Black Rider opposite Ruru Madrid—a role she described as one of her favorites for its departure from romantic leads and demand for physical intensity.[31][32] The series, which ran until 2024, reunited her with former co-stars and emphasized her ability to adapt across networks, despite the logistical hurdles of shifting affiliations multiple times in her career.[33] In film, Pressman continued her momentum with supporting roles that highlighted her range: as the quirky Kylie "Ningning" Eusebio in the nostalgic comedy Video City: Be Kind, Please Rewind (2023), and as Sandara, a key figure in the Filipino-South Korean action-thriller The Guardian (2024).[34][35] She made a big-screen comeback in 2025 with the psychological thriller Isolated, portraying a nurse trapped with a patient during a zombie-like outbreak alongside Joel Torre, a project that pushed her out of her comfort zone with horror elements and earned praise for its suspense.[36][37] Later that year, she took on the role of Ayen in the drama Roja, reuniting with Torre and exploring themes of care and resilience, with the series launching in November.[38] In addition, she ventured into fitness content with her 2025 online series All That Yas, promoting accessible workouts.[8] By 2025, Pressman had circled back to ABS-CBN, performing a high-energy dance to KATSEYE's "GABRIELA" on ASAP in October to mark her return as a Kapamilya artist, while making guest appearances on It's Showtime to promote Isolated and engage in fun segments like the Crazy Dance Craze.[7][39] She also served as a brand ambassador for Sunlight during the Sinulog Grand Parade in January, blending her performance skills with endorsement duties amid ongoing projects like Roja.[40] These developments underscored her resilience in balancing a demanding schedule across acting, dance performances, and commercial ventures.Personal life
Family and relationships
Yassi Pressman maintains a close-knit relationship with her sisters, particularly her younger sister Issa Pressman, with whom she frequently collaborates in fashion and modeling endeavors. The siblings often coordinate outfits for public appearances, such as color-blocked ensembles at movie premieres and matching swimsuits during leisure outings, showcasing their shared sense of style.[41] Pressman has also promoted Issa's creative projects, including her art collaboration with the swimwear brand Blackbough in 2021.[42] These joint activities highlight their ongoing bond, which extends to family events and social media features dedicated to their sibling dynamic.[43] The death of Pressman's father, Ronald "Ronnie" Pressman, in February 2020 at age 90, profoundly impacted her family, fostering deeper emotional connections among the siblings. During his wake on February 18, 2020, Pressman, Issa, older half-sister Cara, and other relatives performed a heartfelt rendition of "We Are Family" by Sister Sledge, dressed in black and white attire, evoking smiles, tears, and embraces that underscored their unity.[44] Pressman has shared public tributes on anniversaries, including a 2021 Instagram post reflecting on his passing and words of encouragement like "Carry on, Be Strong, Stay Happy," which continue to strengthen family ties.[45] Pressman approaches her personal life with a strong emphasis on privacy, rarely discussing romantic involvements publicly unless she chooses to confirm them, and she has addressed past rumors by expressing discomfort without delving into details.[46] In July 2022, she publicly confirmed her relationship with Canadian businessman Jon Semira through an Instagram birthday post, sharing affectionate photos of them traveling together and captioning it with sentiments about his supportive role in her life.[47] The couple got engaged in 2023 but amicably parted ways in August 2023, with both denying any third-party involvement and issuing statements of mutual respect.[48] As of November 2025, Pressman is in a committed relationship with politician Luigi Villafuerte, the former Governor of Camarines Sur and current Congressman for its 2nd District. They marked their first anniversary in September 2024 with shared social media posts, and Pressman publicly celebrated his congressional victory in the May 2025 elections, praising his dedication to public service.[49][50] Their partnership has included joint appearances at events like the GMA Gala 2024, reflecting a blend of personal affection and professional support.[51]Philanthropy
Yassi Pressman has consistently organized annual charity projects around her birthday on May 11 and holidays, focusing on gift-giving and support for underprivileged children. For her 24th birthday in 2019, she collaborated with fans to repair classrooms at a school in Navotas, providing educational resources to students in need.[52] In 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, she shifted efforts to delivering food, toys, and aid to hospitals, honoring a personal commitment to visit and assist a new community or province each year.[16] Holiday initiatives include a 2021 Christmas party for 80 children with special needs in partnership with the TAWAG Foundation, emphasizing inclusive joy and support.[53] During her tenure on the ABS-CBN series Ang Probinsyano from 2019 to 2021, Pressman partnered with the ABS-CBN Foundation on relief efforts, including the "Stay Safe Together" campaign launched in 2020 to raise funds for feeding families affected by COVID-19 lockdowns.[54] This initiative, supported by bracelet sales and direct donations, distributed meals through volunteer groups like Be The Juan PH.[55] In 2021, she contributed to hospital donations, including P1 million to the Philippine General Hospital alongside NBA star Damian Lillard, aiding fire-damaged facilities during the pandemic.[56] Post-2020, Pressman has engaged in awareness campaigns for mental health and women's empowerment, leveraging her platform for advocacy. As a mental health advocate, she participated in the 2022 National Mental Health Summit, sharing personal experiences with anxiety to reduce stigma and promote well-being, and provided a video message for the Global Peace Foundation's 10th Global Youth Summit that year.[57][58] For women's empowerment, she visited Quezon City Jail in 2022 with Spark Philippines to celebrate International Women's Month, supporting female inmates through motivational sessions and resources.[59] In 2024, she continued hands-on work with organizations like Child Haus, providing care for indigent children with cancer.[60] In January 2025, Pressman met an 8-year-old girl in Cebu named after her and committed to sponsoring her Grade 2 tuition for one year.[61] By 2025, Pressman's philanthropy has evolved from personal, event-based drives to more structured collaborations and ongoing support for foundations aiding vulnerable groups, including educational sponsorships that foster long-term community resilience.[62]Filmography
Feature films
Yassi Pressman made her feature film debut in 2006 and has since appeared in over 20 theatrical and direct-to-video films, often in supporting and leading roles within the Philippine cinema landscape, spanning genres from romantic comedies to horror thrillers.| Year | Title | Role | Director | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | All About Love | Barbie | Don Cuaresma, Jerry Lopez Sineneng, Andoy Ranay | Child supporting role in romantic anthology film. |
| 2013 | Kaleidoscope World | Elsa | Eliza Cornejo | Lead role in hip-hop dance film. |
| 2014 | Diary ng Panget | Lorraine "Lory" Keet | Andoy Ranay | Supporting role as a kind-hearted student who befriends the protagonist in this romantic comedy adaptation. |
| 2014 | Talk Back and You're Dead | Audrey Dela Cruz | Andoy Ranay | Antagonistic role as a rival student in this teen romance film. |
| 2015 | Felix Manalo | Via Dela Vega | Joel Lamangan | Supporting role in biographical film about the founder of Iglesia ni Cristo. |
| 2015 | Wang Fam | Elenita Sera | Wenn V. Deramas | Supporting role in supernatural comedy-horror film about an aswang family. |
| 2015 | Beauty and the Bestie | Nikki | Wenn V. Deramas | Supporting role as a friend in this buddy comedy about lifelong companions. |
| 2016 | Miracles Are Forever | Leonor | Nuel C. Naval | Lead role in the "To Love and To Live" segment of this inspirational anthology film. |
| 2016 | Girlfriend for Hire | Nami San Jose | Prime Cruz | Lead role as an orphan hired as a pretend girlfriend who develops real feelings. |
| 2016 | Camp Sawi | Jessica "Jess" | Irene Villamor | Supporting role as a heartbroken cheerleader attending a healing retreat in this dramedy.[63] |
| 2018 | Ang Pambansang Third Wheel | Trina | Jason Paul Laxamana | Lead role as a woman navigating feelings for a single father in this romantic comedy. |
| 2018 | Para sa Broken Hearted | Shalee | Joel Lamangan | Ensemble role in this heartbreak anthology film exploring various tales of loss. |
| 2018 | Born Ready | Leona | Joyce Bernal | Supporting role as a resilient young woman from the slums in this inspirational drama.[64] |
| 2019 | The Mall, The Merrier | Maria Clara / M.C. | Erick Cabotaje | Lead in one segment of this holiday anthology comedy set in a mall. |
| 2019 | Unbreakable | Vidia | Jun Robles Lana | Supporting role in this family drama about resilience and bonds. |
| 2020 | Four Sisters Before the Wedding | Chloe | Don Cuaresma | Supporting role as a sister in this family comedy prequel. |
| 2021 | Just the Way You Are | Stella | Joyce Bernal | Lead role as a woman with body image issues in this romantic comedy. |
| 2021 | More Than Blue | Sue Anne | Irene Villamor | Lead role as a woman with a terminal illness in this tearjerker remake. |
| 2021 | Mang Jose | Connie | Joyce Bernal | Supporting role in this biographical drama about a war hero. |
| 2023 | Video City: Be Kind, Please Rewind | Ningning | Raynier Brizuela | Lead role as a 1990s video store clerk in this time-travel romance. |
| 2024 | The Guardian | Sandara | Jeong Jang-hwa | Lead role as an aspiring K-pop idol in this Filipino-Korean action-thriller.[65] |
| 2025 | Isolated | Rose Magbanua | Benedict Mique | Lead role as an overworked nurse facing supernatural threats while caring for a dementia patient in this psychological horror.[66] |
Television and digital series
Yassi Pressman began her television career with the youth-oriented drama series Tween Hearts on GMA Network, where she portrayed Eunice Fuentabella from 2010 to 2012, marking her debut as a regular cast member in a serialized format.[68] Early guest and supporting roles followed on GMA, including Ayra in Ilumina (2010), Tina in Beauty Queen (2010), and Rhoda in Angelina's Sky (2012), showcasing her versatility in drama genres.[69] She also appeared in ABS-CBN productions like Terry in Time of My Life (2011) and Jenna Vera in Anna Karenina (2013), transitioning between networks while building her presence in episodic storytelling.[69] In 2015, Pressman joined ABS-CBN's long-running variety show ASAP as a performer and dancer, contributing to musical numbers and specials from 2015 through 2022, with a comeback performance in 2025.[69][7] Her breakthrough came with the lead role of Alyana Arevalo-Dalisay in the action-drama FPJ's Ang Probinsyano (2015–2022), where she played the resilient wife of the protagonist across over 1,500 episodes, earning widespread recognition for her emotional depth in family-oriented narratives.[70] During this period, she hosted Born to Be a Star (2016) on ABS-CBN and participated as a celebrity housemate in Pinoy Big Brother: Lucky 7 (2016), blending reality TV with her acting career.[69] Venturing into digital content, Pressman starred as Alice Lagaac in the iWantTFC thriller series The Tapes (2020), a web-exclusive exploring psychological suspense in a confined setting.[71] After departing ABS-CBN, she returned to GMA Network in 2023 with the lead role of Kuring/Daphne in the comedy-drama Kurdapya.[69] Pressman's role as Vanessa "Bane" Bartolome in the action series Black Rider (2023–2024) on GMA highlighted her range, evolving from a street-smart ally to an amnesiac character in a vigilante storyline spanning high-stakes chases and personal redemption.[72] She made recurring guest appearances on the noontime variety show It's Showtime from 2020 onward, serving as a co-host in segments like games and performances, including notable spots in 2024 promoting her projects. In 2025, Pressman took on the lead role of Ayen in the ABS-CBN drama Roja, a character-driven story of passion and conflict, airing alongside promotional performances on ASAP.[73] Her affiliations span GMA and ABS-CBN, with a focus on dramas, realities, and digital formats that emphasize strong female leads and ensemble dynamics.Discography
Albums
Yassi Pressman's debut album, titled Yassi, was released on May 5, 2015, by Viva Records, marking her entry into the music industry as a recording artist.[74] The project blends pop and dance genres, reflecting her established persona as a professional dancer through its upbeat, rhythmic tracks designed for energetic performances.[75] Produced under Viva Entertainment, the album features collaborations with prominent Filipino artists, including Nadine Lustre on the lead single "Hush" and Andre Paras on "Dahil Sa 'Yo," emphasizing interpersonal dynamics and romantic themes across its songs.[76] The tracklist consists of five original songs, each contributing to a cohesive collection that highlights Pressman's versatile vocal style alongside dance-oriented instrumentation:- "Hush" (feat. Nadine Lustre) – 3:19
- "Walang Unahan" – 3:12
- "Lala" – 3:33
- "Dahil Sa 'Yo" (feat. Andre Paras) – 3:52
- "The Possibility of You and Me" – 3:45 [76]
Singles
Yassi Pressman's non-album singles primarily consist of promotional releases, soundtrack contributions for films, and entries to the Philippine Popular Music (PhilPop) Festival, showcasing her versatility in pop, rock, and OPM genres. These tracks often tie directly to her acting roles, enhancing her multimedia presence in the Philippine entertainment industry. Many feature collaborations with fellow artists and include official music videos produced by Viva Records.| Title | Year | Soundtrack/Notes | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Di ko Alam (feat. Andre Paras) | 2014 | Diary Ng Panget (Original Movie Soundtrack) | Romantic ballad from the film Diary Ng Panget; official music video directed by Vincent De Jesus, highlighting Pressman's early singing breakout alongside her acting debut. https://music.apple.com/us/artist/yassi-pressman/648730488 |
| Katakot-Takot (with Andre Paras feat. Alonzo Muhlach) | 2015 | Wang Fam (Original Movie Soundtrack) | Upbeat rock track for the horror-comedy Wang Fam; music video features film cast, emphasizing comedic scares; produced by Edwin Marollano. https://open.spotify.com/album/20dWH7ptRM8gtCIkoh9Skq |
| Edge of the World (with Josh Padilla) | 2015 | PhilPop 2015 entry; Beauty and the Bestie (soundtrack contribution) | Folk-pop duet submitted to PhilPop Music Festival; tied to the film Beauty and the Bestie; official music video depicts adventurous romance. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNqZg4ClD_Q |
| Girlfriend For Hire | 2016 | Girlfriend For Hire (Original Movie Soundtrack) | Title track for the romantic comedy Girlfriend For Hire, where Pressman starred; synth-pop style with a music video integrating film scenes. https://open.spotify.com/album/2e2zrIvFVnCJauwyDFha3s |
| Dumadagundong | 2016 | PhilPop 2016 entry | Electro-pop song about infatuation's chaos, performed at PhilPop finals; written by Mike Villegas and Brian Cua; official lyric video released by Viva Records. https://entertainment.inquirer.net/196091/digital-album-of-top-12-philpop-song-entries-released |
| Sandaang Habambuhay | 2017 | Ang Pambansang Third Wheel (Original Movie Soundtrack) | OPM cover of a classic love song for the 2018 film Ang Pambansang Third Wheel; emotional ballad with official lyric video tying to Pressman's supporting role. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZViNs6U7AA |
| Migraine | 2018 | Standalone single; Pambansang Third Wheel (soundtrack cover) | Cover of the 2009 Sugarcubes song for Ang Pambansang Third Wheel; alternative rock style; official music video produced by Viva Records, Civ Fontanilla. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Migraine_(song) (Note: Citing for song origin and cover context; primary release via Viva) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vf33J2uBtXc |
| Sa Wakas | 2019 | Standalone single | Reflective pop ballad; released as part of her independent promotions post-album era. https://open.spotify.com/artist/77y4D50m5EAQjB0x7XW7Lc |
| Sige Na Please | 2019 | Standalone single | Upbeat plea-themed track; music video emphasizes youthful romance. https://open.spotify.com/artist/77y4D50m5EAQjB0x7XW7Lc |
| Basta Mahal Kita | 2019 | Standalone single | Romantic declaration song; part of a series of 2019 releases focusing on love themes. https://open.spotify.com/artist/77y4D50m5EAQjB0x7XW7Lc |
| Bukas Mo Na Sabihin | 2020 | Standalone single | Motivational pop track amid pandemic-era releases; official audio available on streaming platforms. https://open.spotify.com/artist/77y4D50m5EAQjB0x7XW7Lc |
| Kaya Natin Ito | 2020 | Standalone single | Inspirational anthem encouraging resilience; her final major single release as of 2025, with ties to broader OPM positivity movements. https://open.spotify.com/artist/77y4D50m5EAQjB0x7XW7Lc |