Andrea Brillantes: It’s time to be happy

MANILA, Philippines — If her life were a movie or series this 2025, Andrea Brillantes said it would be “slice of life with a little bit of rom-com.”

Which goes to say, she’s ready for what’s to come this year — including the possibility of a real-life leading man.

The 21-year-old admitted she has suitors, and that there are people showing interest and sending feelers.

But she said, “I’m really not focused on that, like last year. I’ve admitted that to them, na parang, ‘Sorry, but I don’t really date or, like, ganito yung hinahanap ko (or, that this is what I’m looking for.)’”

She further said, “I also said this in my prayers to God: ‘Lord, actually, I think I’ve healed, not 100 percent because nobody is ever 100-percent healed.

“But I think I’ve grown so much from last year. At the same time, what if I’m just being isolated? That I’m just staying away because I’m not yet healed. So sabi ko, ‘Lord, I don’t know, but maybe I can heal kung may darating or what.’ Let’s see. I’m open naman to it, but I want to be intentional with it.”

Andrea was refreshingly candid when she answered media questions as the featured star to kick off ABS-CBN Star Magic’s monthly Spotlight of the Year series.

The former child star, now young lady, entrepreneur and CEO of her own brand named Lucky Beauty, capped the year that was with a major blessing. She was named No. 1 on the 2024 Top 100 Most Beautiful Faces international list by TC Candler and Independent Critics, outranking BLACKPINK’s Jisoo and American actress-model Sydney Sweeney.

“I’m really happy (about it) but I don’t let it get to my head that I’m No. 1,” she said. “Because ayoko naman na dun lang naka-depende yung pagkatao ko and lahat ng pinaghirapan ko.”

Though she’s been working in showbiz since she was a kid and has since ventured into related fields of the industry, Andrea said she tries not to lose herself in the process.

“Ayoko naman mawalan ng sense of self, ayoko naman na dun lang ako nakatutok since I’m just in my early 20s. I still want to be young and enjoy my youth,” she stressed.

“So I try to find time for my family, friends, community at church… and training for sports, frisbee, and I also have ballet (lessons)... I even found time for my solo travel for one month in 2024. I was able to visit four countries. I try to be really intentional with my time.”

Meanwhile, in a separate one-on-one with The STAR, Andrea revealed more takeaways from 2024 and exciting goals she’s setting her sights on this 2025.

What are you looking forward to ticking off from your bucket list this year?

“This year, there’s something I want to get for myself. I don’t want to share it yet so as not to jinx it, but it’s something I want to buy for myself. Hopefully, given the chance, I’ll be able to tick that off my bucket list. It’s something like an investment — my biggest gift for myself.”

What’s your go-to mantra this year?

“Just pray. ‘Pag mainit ulo, pray; when you’re happy, pray; kapag kahit ano, pray lang.”

Any advice you’d like to give yourself this year?

“Laban, kapit, be happy. That’s the only advice I can give myself. To be positive lang.”

What’s the most surprising thing you discovered about yourself last year?

“Ang dami ko talagang na-discover sa sarili ko. Marami talaga kasi mag-isa lang akong nakatira (solo living). Ngayon ko lang ma-discover kung kaya kong ma-apply yung mga natutunan ko sa sarili ko.

“But what stood out the most was… I realized that I can be calm. Kaya ko pala kumalma and be at peace kahit maingay. Kaya kong makuha yung sarili kong peace. That’s one of the things I discovered — that it’s possible.

“Yes, madali akong ma-anxious before and mag-worry, and I really get affected. Grabe talaga. But now, at peace ako. Siyempre nahihirapan pa rin ako, but I have peace and quiet despite the noise.”

What’s one thing you want to achieve, not necessarily for yourself but for other people?

“May gusto din akong makuha for my family. Hoping ma-achieve ko yun at mabibigay ko rin sa kanila. But maybe hoping to inspire others to have a relationship with God, especially those close to me.”

If there’s one day from last year you’d like to relive in 2025, what would that be?

“Maybe the concert of Olivia Rodrigo. Gusto ko siyang maulit ulit. Pero wala akong flight kinabukasan (laughs). At that time, I just came from a flight, then went straight to the concert, and then I had another flight. Siguro yun. Sobra kasi akong nag-enjoy dun eh.

“Or maybe one more day in Vienna. May isang araw doon na dapat inagahan ko para naabutan ko yung Christmas market nila. Hindi ko naabutan eh.”

What’s one mentality you’d like to leave behind and not carry over into the new year?

“Overthinking. I want to leave that behind. Hindi lahat kailangan kong i-overanalyze.”

If your life were a film or series this year, what would the genre be?

“Ano kaya genre ng life ko this year? Slice of life, with a little bit of rom-com. As of now, January. But maybe rom-com or romance genre. Yeah, I’m open naman (to a real-life leading man). I’m not closing my heart to it.”

You’re a big fan of music. What’s your theme song for the start of the year?

“DtMF of Bad Bunny. It’s a new song. I should have taken more photos, dapat mas bineso pa kita, I should have kept more memories and mas sinusulit ko pa kasi the song is about a loved one na nawala.

“So this year, that’s my goal — to make the most of my moments with all my loved ones and enjoy. Instead of wasting time on negative energy, (just focus on) love. Love and happiness lang.”

Speaking of positive energy, to whom or what do you owe your glow these days?

“To myself din (laughs). Kasi ang dami ko ring pinagdadaanan. It’s time to be happy. Who knows?

“I’m also really happy with my community, the people around me and people I talk to on a daily basis. They all make me happy. And this sense of peace with God. I think ito talaga ang (source of) glow — when you’re in a relationship… with God!

“So this year, I want a deeper relationship with Him and hope na hindi mawala because sometimes, when we get elbowed by life, we lose our relationship with (God).”