MANILA, Philippines - She admits having stage fright and she juggles her studies as a fifth grade student and an actress. But so far, 10-year-old Andrea Brillantes is enjoying being in the spotlight.
Currently the lead star of the early evening drama “Annaliza,†Andrea said she aims to be a photographer or a director someday.
“Pag wala po akong taping, pumapasok po ako. Kapag may taping po ako at hindi ako kasama sa eksena, ginagawa ko po yung mga assignment ko,†the Kapamilya young star said on how she balances school and work.
Related video: Andrea 'Annaliza' Brillantes: 'Education should be a prority of every student'
She added, “Importante po talaga ang pag-aaral para sa aming mga bata.â€
Andrea is aware of the fact that there are a lot of child stars in show business today — from her fellow “Annaliza†co-stars to the likes of Ryzza Mae Dizon in GMA-7. But the young actress said she doesn’t see showbiz as a competition.
In fact, she views fellow child star Xyriel Manabat as one of her showbiz idols. Her other showbiz favorites? Andrea cites Anne Curtis, Kim Chiu, and her “Annaliza†co-stars Kaye Abad, Denise Laurel and Zanjoe Marudo.
Related video: Andrea Brillantes talks about stardom, social media
Andrea spoke to the press during the tablet PC-giving program Knowledge on Tap at the Lupang Pangako Elementary School in Barangay Payatas, Quezon City on Tuesday, September 17. The child star, through Red Dot Philippines, gave the school’s library 10 Polaroid tablets for the use of its students.
“Masaya po ako kasi makakatulong ako sa mga bata,†Andrea said. “Sana po mag-aral sila ng mabuti dahil ang pag-aaral ang pinakaimportante sa lahat.â€
Here are photos from the Knowledge on Tap event at Payatas, Quezon City with "Annaliza" star Andrea Brillantes.