At the Star Magic Spotlight press conference held Tuesday in Quezon City, Kapamilya actress Andrea Brillantes shared her personal journey of dealing with bashing and public scrutiny.
Having been in showbiz since she was a child, Andrea is no stranger to the harshness of netizens, who often leave the harshest criticisms for celebrities.
Despite the frequent attacks, the 21-year-old actress has learned to rise above the negativity, thanks to the wisdom she’s gained over nearly 15 years in the industry.
“Lahat ng tapang ko nanggagaling sa mga pinagdaanan ko,” Andrea shared, explaining that although there are moments when she feels like giving up, she looks back at her past struggles for strength. “Minsan gi-give up ako, but I will look up sa mga pinagdaanan ko. Ngayon pa ba ako titigil? Nalagpasan ko na dati to. Kaya ko rin itong lagpasan!”
Andrea revealed how she is besieged by doubt and uncertainties.
“Minsan hindi na ako naniniwala sa self ko, minsan hindi na ako naniniwala sa humanity. Minsan hindi na rin ako naniniwala sa trabaho. Minsan may times na, kaya pa ba ng talent to? Kaya pa ba idaan sa ganda ito? Hindi na!” she confessed.
However, she emphasized the importance of faith, and how it has become her anchor during difficult times. “Naniniwala ako sa Diyos na i-de-deliver Nya ako sa lahat ng dinadaanan ko,” she said, adding that during moments of intense emotional struggle, she turns to her faith: “Although ‘di ko talaga alam may moments na nag-iiyak na lang ako. Sabihin ko lang, Lord hindi ko na lang alam pero naniniwala ako sa Yo, kapit na lang ako sa’yo. Sa’yo ako naniniwala. Hindi na ako naniniwala sa mundo, pero sa’yo ako naniniwala.”
Andrea also spoke about the importance of having a supportive community. “If you don’t have that strong faith, it’s important to surround yourself with the right people — those who will always uplift you,” she said.
Andrea also offered an empowering message about self-worth, encouraging her fans and fellow celebrities to prioritize their inner beauty over external validation. “Kahit minsan paulit-ulit ako — kanina paulit ulit ako na at least pretty ako — minsan guys, pretty nga ako pero minsan nakakainis ang life. Importante meron kang kinakapitan …. So mas importante ang loob, hindi ang labas,” she said.