Kaila in mom Janice and dad John’s footsteps?

MANILA, Philippines - Kaila Estrada may just be the next big thing to grace glossy magazine covers, gigantic billboards and social media feeds, yet this 20-year-old chic beauty says she is completely and totally dedicated to her studies. Absolutely!

A young lady with a familiar celebrity surname — being the daughter of John Estrada and Janice de Belen — looks regal enough for a queen and ideal for a movie star, plus forward-thinking intelligence coupled with a quick wit, Kaila has no intentions to join the showbiz industry. Not now, not in the near future.

“A common misconception is that when your parents are film and TV personalities, you are expected to follow suit. But I have other plans in life,” the 5’7” model revealed during a recent chat — between classes — at the Andrew Café, a culinary student-managed coffee shop, at the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB).

Although being inevitably flagged as a trendsetter, she is still an example of the textbook youth, who juggles hectic lectures and seminars, amidst weekend rakets — albeit just more grandiose — all while dreaming of getting much-needed sleep.

“Even before I started modeling, I informed my parents and talent agency that education is my top priority — and most importantly, I want to finish on time. Understandably so, they were initially hesitant to allow me to model, but they have been reassured, and thus realized my studies are still my main goal,” the charming lady confided.

On her last two terms, she emphasized she will never compromise her on-going diligent work to earn a diploma. Part of her present arsenal is how to carefully evaluate important decisions. “There were numerous opportunities that I had to turn down, simply due to commitments at school. It’s such a big deal for me to obtain good grades, and again, not to delay my graduation date.”

However, hailing from a renowned household of artistas, it is next to impossible for her to somehow turn away from the public eye. Recently, Kaila and her male co-contestant, Kyle Perry, were acclaimed as winners of the SM Youth Go-See Competition — an online web show ala America’s Next Top Model — to enhance the original team of four other brand ambassadors.

SM Youth is a clothing line which specializes in Boys & Teens’ Wear. “It’s rather funny as most of their customers are actually girls. I likewise enjoy wearing guys’ clothes. Their pieces are a bit loose for women and that’s what makes it comfortable, practical and versatile. I feel that we can relate to that,” Kaila shared.

“Fashion is becoming genderless. Even if it’s male clothes, there are female models.”

From a faceless label to a recognizable trademark, SM Youth is considered as a community. “We have actively participated in fiestas such as Kadayawan, Sinulog and Masskara.”

Whenever they would go on festival tours, Kaila would be amazed by the impact that they’re made. “It was so overwhelming. I did not expect it at all. Today, people would approach me wherever I am and greet me,” she exclaimed.

“We have such a huge following and we all see them wear what we’ve modeled. It’s more than just a product, it’s a lifestyle.”

Her personal fashion sense, from her own admission, is very basic. “I’m simple, not flamboyant at all. I don’t wear a lot of colors. Military green is probably the most color I’ve worn,” she laughed.

For those who want to step up their fashion game, Kaila, currently crazy over timeless denim and in-vogue chokers, dished some pieces of advice. “Find a perfect pair of jeans that will compliment your body size. It’s very rare to find the perfect pair. So when you discover it, claim it.”

On off days, she watches the fantasy series Game of Thrones and listens to indie music.

Despite being a regular in the limelight, Kaila confessed she’s an introvert, and in the past, struggled with her shyness.

However, upon consciously embracing her DNA, guided by her “good head on her shoulders,” and her innate charisma, she at last is comfortable in her own skin and struts down runways and poses for photo shoots.

Upon earning her AB in Arts Management degree at DLS-CSB, she wishes to travel abroad and alone. “Since I’ve been to Asia, I dream to go to Europe.”

“It’s soul-searching — you’ll find yourself even more when you travel on your own.”