Mark Alcala is known in the political scene as Lucena City’s youngest mayor, and in the basketball arena as a point guard.
Yet, there emerges a new reason as to why his name rings increasingly familiar—being linked to none other than Kathryn Bernardo, a gem of an actress in her generation.
From Mark's leadership strides to the latest gossip about his romantic life, find out why this politician is the talk of the town.
Read: Lucena Mayor Mark Alcala, nanliligaw rin kay Kathryn Bernardo
BACKGROUND
FULL NAME
Mark's full given name is Mark Don Victor Benitez Alcala.
BIRTHDAY, AGE, ZODIAC SIGNS
Born on February 23, 1996, Mark Alcala is 28 years old.
His astrological sign is Pisces, which is often associated with traits such as intuition and empathy—qualities that are crucial in his role as a public servant.
Additionally, according to the Chinese zodiac, Mark is born under the Year of the Rat. People born in this year are known for their resourcefulness and adaptability.
Height
Mark's zeal for basketball is bolstered by his height of 182.88 cm or six feet.
FAMILY
He comes from a close-knit family with deep-seated roots in politics.
His father, Roderick Dondon Alcala, previously served as mayor of Lucena City and now holds the position of vice mayor.
Mark's mother, Maggie Benitez-Alcala, has been a supportive pillar in his life.
He also has two sisters, Donne Marie Victor Alcala-Guyett and Graciel Dawn Victor B. Alcala.
EDUCATION
Mark is a certified Green Archer through and through, having attended La Salle Greenhills, College of St. Benilde, and De La Salle University in his whole academic life.
He obtained a BS Business Management degree from De La Salle University.
SPORTS
Basketball history
Before going pro with his basketball skills, Mark first honed his passion for the sport as a varsity player under the banner of the Green Archers.
His athletic journey continued professionally with the Quezon Huskers—a team that competes in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) as a member of the league's South Division.
He has always played as a point guard, proudly wearing the number 10 jersey ever since.
CAREER
Mark stepped into the political limelight at the age of 26, succeeding his father Roderick on May 9, 2022.
Before taking the helm as mayor, Mark served as the Youth Ambassador for the Local Youth Development Council, and as an executive assistant for support services under the City Mayor’s Office.
His early contributions earned him recognition from the Department of Education Lucena City for his exemplary support and commendable service, as well as accolades from the Lucena GPTA Federation for his commitment to educational advancement.
Read: Hunk boyfriend ng Kapuso actress na si Ashley Ortega, nahalal bilang mayor ng Lucena City
Mark becomes the youngest Lucena mayor
Mark's ascension to the role of mayor marked a new chapter for the city, one that brought both excitement and scrutiny.
He acknowledged: "As the youngest elected city mayor of the city of Lucena, I am well aware that there will be criticisms.
"But I believe that criticisms are in two parts: One is you criticize so that you can destroy, and another is you criticize so you can help someone be better.
"So, I am encouraging each and every one of you, it is okay to criticize.
"But make sure that you suggest and give opinions, and I will make sure that we listen.
"Also, I am fully aware that this administration will be compared to past administrations. But also remember, people, we should respect every leader of every generation.
"Because every generation has different problems, different challenges, and different situations.
"This is not easy. Everything will be tough. This is very challenging, and this will be hard."
ON BEING PART OF A POLITICAL DYNASTY
According to Mark, the true measure of a leader’s impact is not determined by their political lineage, but by their motives.
"When it comes to political dynasty, naniniwala po ako na it all comes down to intention—intention po nung mauupo," he told Boy Abunda in an exclusive interview on October 20, 2023.
"Whether you are from a political dynasty, a political family or not—whether you serve 1, 2, 3, or even 20 years—if you intend to cheat on the people that trusted you, kahit saan ka galing, yun yung mangyayari.
"But, if it's the other way around, I think no matter where you come from, you will be loved by the people."
Second State of the City Address
On July 31, 2024, Mark delivered his second State of the City Address.
In his speech, he laid out Lucena City's progress under his leadership: "Naglabas ang Philippine Statistics Authority ng datos na nagsasabing ang Lungsod ng Lucena ay fastest growing economy in the region."
To underscore this achievement, he identifies "the primary important task is to immerse in our communities and to meet with Lucenahins across sectors.
"Nailatag natin ang mga bagong programa para sa pagtaas ng kalidad ng buhay ng mga mamamayang Lucenahin, partikular sa aspeto ng kalusugan, edukasyon, seguridad, at kapakanang panlipunan."
Subsequently, Mark's administration has set records in amusement tax collections and consistently received high marks from the Commission on Audit.
Honored by the Department of Trade and Industry as one of the top five most improved highly urbanized cities, Lucena’s ongoing transformation is driven by Mark's vision of a modern, inclusive city.
His administration's mantra is "Boom Lucena!"—which he intends to be a fresh departure from traditional politics and a promising future for the city.
"We must stay committed to our vision. We must fix our eyes to the goal, and our goal is to consistently make public service better each year," he said.
"Although each year comes with new challenges, we are determined to keep our focus on our one goal, and that is to make Lucena City our first choice in the region...
"At the end of the day, Lucena City owes its booming progress and development to a bright economic backbone.
"Our leadership did not only succeed in bringing economic recovery to Lucena City, we also succeeded in leading Lucenahins toward economic stability and progress."
He added: "There are three major areas we need to look into: health, education, and social protection.
"We stand on the principle of inclusivity for development. We want to empower and strengthen the participation of Lucenahin women in governance.
"Prayoridad natin ang pagbangon.”
PERSONAL LIFE
RELATIONSHIP WITH ASHLEY ORTEGA
A quick glance at Mark's social media accounts reveals that he prefers to keep his romantic relationships private. However, it might surprise some to learn that this wasn't always the case.
He first appeared on the showbiz media radar when he was publicly dating Kapuso actress Ashley Ortega.
Up until the 2022 election, photos of the two would capture them either on dates or celebrating their milestones.
Ashley was even there to accompany Mark when he filed his candidacy for mayor.
Later, PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) found out on March 3, 2023 — during the mediacon for Ashley's series Hearts on Ice opposite Xian Lim—that the Mark and Ashley have broken up.
"Kinonfirm ko naman na I’m single now. Last year pa," Ashley affirmed.
"Ang focus ko talaga is my career right now. Ibubuhos ko ang lahat ng oras ko, ng effort ko sa show na ito.
"Parang there’s so much on my plate right now, ang Hearts on Ice. Siyempre, tuluy-tuloy ang taping.
"Wala pa ring time yung love life," she said, smiling brightly.
"I’m really happy. I want to stay single. Kasi mas maraming nagagawa pag single ka.
"Priority ko talaga is my career, at ito talaga ang biggest break na nakuha ko, di ba?
"So, I think I have to put all my attention here para hindi mahati ang oras ko sa ibang bagay."
Rumored romance with Mika Reyes
After Ashley, Mark was embroiled in a rumored romance with volleyball star Mika Reyes, who presently plays for PLDT High Speed Hitters in the Premier Volleyball League.
It can be recalled that Mika made headlines as the former girlfriend of Jerome Ponce.
However, according to PEP's credible source, Mark and Mika's relationship, too, had quickly burned out.
MARK ALCALA, Alleged suitor Kathryn Bernardo
These days, all eyes are on Mark, who, according to a Cabinet Files source, is currently courting A-lister Kathryn Bernardo.
Meanwhile, Kathryn is busy filming Hello, Love, Again, the sequel to the 2019 blockbuster Hello, Love, Goodbye, alongside another suitor, Alden Richards.
Read: 13 leading men we want to see Kathryn Bernardo paired with