How well does Nadine know James?

Reel and real-life couple Nadine Lustre and James Reid in scenes from their latest starrer Never Not Love You

Part of last month’s activities was the celebration of women’s achievements in various fields of society. We paid tribute to extraordinary women and up to this day, they continue to contribute their talents to the world. In the Philippines, Women’s Month had the theme We Make Change Work for Women.

Showbiz is one of the fields brimming with empowered women and one of them is Nadine Lustre. She never backs down from a challenge — from her career and new business ventures to personal life trials. She remains steadfast and strong. Who does she think is the woman or women who have made a big impact on her life?

“I couldn’t tell, Tito Boy, for they were so many. You know, I went through a lot last year and I’m proud to say that I surpassed the challenge because of all the people surrounding me. I just feel so loved and blessed that God has given me a wonderful support group.

“But the first woman that comes to mind is my mom. She’s amazing. I guess, I am the woman that I am because of her.”

Undeniably, Nadine is an empowered woman but she has admitted to have gone through a long process to become one. She had a lot of insecurities while growing up. There were lots of things she wanted to change physically.

“Feeling ko ang daming mali sa akin so growing up, I had to learn how to deal with all those things. How to accept or embrace all my flaws was the first thing I did. And now that I’m free from all those insecurities and from all those negativity, I have that power to also inspire other girls like me.”

The young actress opened up about her insecurity with her skin color before she became one of today’s biggest young stars and whose mere presence in public could elicit deafening shrieks from excited fans in an instant. It was still vivid in Nadine’s memory how she would patiently line up for VTR sessions hoping to be a part of TV commercials and often ending up with nothing.

“I would patiently wait to be called for the VTR while seated side by side with other girls who were mestiza. Then I realized all those who passed were all mestiza so there was a point in my life when I wished to be a mestiza like them so I can also have projects.”

In an attempt to achieve a peaches-and-cream glow, Nadine tried using every whitening product available. “I went through that because I was insecure about myself only to realize later that who you are is the best. I’ve realized that I’m unique and no one else has what I have so I just have to be proud of it.”

Indeed, Nadine has become one of the biggest young stars of today without having to change anything. She has a new movie, Never Not Love You, with reel and real-life boyfriend James Reid. Graded A by the Cinema Evaluation Board, Never Not Love You is about love and career.

Far different from her character Joanne, who has to choose between love and career, Nadine doesn’t have to give up either one of the two. “It’s hard because I’m in a situation where everything is good but if I were to put myself in Joanne’s shoes, she’s a career woman who has big dreams for her family…but then the movie is not about making choices. It’s more about sacrifice… you have to watch it.” James is Gio in the movie.

Speaking of James, he recently revealed that he would like to have six children and Nadine knew about it. “Sabi n’ya ang marami masaya. But me, I only want three.”

The actress also proved that she knows a lot about her boyfriend after almost getting all the correct answers in How Well Do You Know James? Find out below:

Other than swimming and gymnastics, name one more sport that James was into when he was still in high school.

“Football.”

How old was James when he transferred to the Philippines to live with his dad?

“16.”

Anong title ng show na unang kinabilangan ni James after winning in Pinoy Big Brother?

“Wait, it’s a variety show.” (Answer: Good Vibes.)

True or false. James has a fear of heights.

“False.”

True or false. James has endorsed a chewing gum.

“True.”

What’s the Twitter handle of James?

“@tellemjaye.”

Gaano kahaba ang pasensya ni James?

“Super haba. Hindi nawawalan ng pasensya yun eh, hahaha.”

Ilan ang abs ni James?

“Hahaha, four.”