Bida

Bida is a Filipino term that translates roughly to “star,” “hero,” or “leading character.” In everyday usage, it refers to the person who plays the main role in a story, film, television show, or stage production.

In Philippine media and theatre, bida denotes the primary character or lead performer. The term is commonly contrasted with kontrabida, which means the antagonist. Beyond identifying a character, bida is used in coverage and promotion to highlight the central focus of a narrative or event.

The word also appears in general phrasing and headlines to indicate the main subject of attention. In colloquial speech, bida-bida is a related expression describing someone who frequently positions themselves as the center of attention or the star of a scene.

Bida is a core element of Filipino popular culture and language, reflecting how audiences frame stories and performances. Its meaning aligns with English terms such as “lead character” or “star,” though its usage is deeply embedded in the local entertainment lexicon.

In broader usage, bida can describe the leading person in a group activity, campaign, or incident, emphasizing prominence or central involvement in a given situation.