She began her career as a child actress, portraying young versions of lead characters in series such as It Might Be You (2003) and Endless Love (2010).

[8][9][10][11] She is best known for her roles in popular television series including Mara Clara (2010–2011), Princess and I (2012–2013),[12] Got to Believe (2013–2014), Pangako Sa 'Yo (2015–2016), La Luna Sangre (2017–2018), and 2 Good 2 Be True (2022).

[24] Following Mara Clara, Bernardo starred in the teen show Growing Up, where she played Ella, a 15-year-old girl living with her single mother.

[25][26] Bernardo's film career started in 2004 with Gagamboy, but she gained prominence in 2011 with the movie Way Back Home, which she starred alongside Mara Clara co-star Julia Montes.

[27][28] That same year, she joined the cast of the horror film Shake, Rattle & Roll 13, receiving positive reviews for her performance.

Starring alongside Growing Up co-star Daniel Padilla and Enrique Gil, Bernardo played the titular role of Mikay/Princess Areeyah.

[39][40] By December, Bernardo and Padilla received stars on the Eastwood Walk of Fame in Quezon City, a recognition of their contributions to Philippine entertainment.

[44] In 2018, Bernardo made history as the first Filipina actress to reach the ₱800 million mark in the box office with her film The Hows of Us alongside Padilla.

[46][47] The following year, she achieved this box office milestone once again with Hello, Love, Goodbye, this time alongside GMA actor Alden Richards.

[55] In 2023, Bernardo starred in A Very Good Girl which is her first solo film in several years, alongside acclaimed actress Dolly de Leon.

[62][63] In April 2024, she celebrated a house blessing and housewarming party for her new home in Antipolo, which features modern architecture and various artistic elements.

[67] She co-founded a boutique hotel, Isla Amara, in El Nido, Palawan, alongside actor Piolo Pascual and other partners.