Having a famous parent has its perks, but it can sometimes be tough because you could suffer by comparison. You are also given little leeway for mistakes. As the daughter of Inday Badiday, I know what it’s like. In the case of Kaila Estrada, her mom (Janice de Belen) and dad (John Estrada) are both celebrities, so it’s double the pressure.
Stepping out of the shadow of famous parents is quite a challenge. But Kaila makes it look so easy. She is now basking in her own light. The Kapamilya hottie redefines woman power as a hacker (Max Alvero) in the riveting action series of ABS-CBN, “Incognito.” She’s on equal footing with her male co-stars, Daniel Padilla, Richard Gutierrez, Baron Geisler, Anthony Jennings and Ian Veneracion. Arriba, Kaila bida.
Here’s my chat with Kaila:
What’s the toughest part of stepping out of your parents’ shadow?
“I don’t know if I have yet, but all I can say is I don’t really mind being recognized as the daughter of John and Janice, but I must admit that it brings me a lot of joy when people recognize me as the characters I portrayed.”
What are you learning from your character, Max in “Incognito”?
“That in life, you have to learn how to let go. Even if it is painful, it is the only way to move forward. It doesn’t make sense yet, but as we go through Max’s journey, it will make sense.”
With just one word, describe Daniel, Richard, Ian, Baron, and Anthony?
“Richard — laidback, Daniel — generous, Ian — cool, Anthony — funny, Baron — dedicated.”
Please share any amusing off-cam anecdote.
“We have a very fun set, so the guys are always cracking jokes, and sometimes we really have to stop ourselves from laughing during a take.”
How did you handle your parents’ separation?
“Having my siblings is a really big factor because we had each other to lean on as we were going through the same experience. And also open communication for better understanding from all sides is another big factor.”
What’s the best love advice your mom gave you?
“Always choose yourself.”
What’s something not too many people know about you?
“People sometimes mistake me as suplada because of my face and ‘cause I tend to be quiet, but I don’t think I am.”
What will it take for a guy to win your heart?
“I have a long list (laughs). But the most important thing would be someone who supports my career and makes an effort to have a relationship with my family and is God-fearing.”
Buboy’s food truck
BFF Buboy (Cesar Montano) has a new “baby.” It’s a food truck, Kuya Buboy’s Smoked Chicken Inasal, located across Ever Gotesco Commonwealth. Its specialties are Smoked and Grilled Chicken, Crispy Pata, Chicken Sisig and Lumpiang Sariwa. They only use native chicken, which comes from BFF’s poultry farm. Too delish for words. Since the food truck is in the vicinity of Buboy’s home, he frequents the place. So, diners won’t just eat but also have a “meet and greet” with him.
OG Ogie
Ogie Alcasid, plus Louie Ocampo, plus Ryan Cayabyab (Mr. C) equals EAResistible music. Let the three OGs serenade you in “OAC Original & Absolute Classics” on Feb. 13, 8:30 p.m. at Solaire Resort North Grand Ballroom (ticketworld.com.ph). Their timeless repertoire of Original Pilipino Music (OPM) hits could very well be the national anthems of lovers and the brokenhearted. What a triumphant triumvirate!
Here’s my chat with Ogie:
What do you admire most about Mr. C and Louie?
“Mr. C is a national artist. But in spite of his stature, he remains humble and truly supportive of artists, most especially songwriters. Louie O is one musician who continues to work with new and young artists and has always been ahead of the pack with music tech. A super giving musician. I am just in awe of these musicians. To be sharing the same stage with them is an honor and a huge privilege.”
Please share any amusing anecdote about Mr. C, Louie and you?
“Mr. C loves to laugh. Sometimes, in our gigs, he misses his cues from laughing at my antics. Louie is a fellow hurado at Tawag ng Tanghalan, and we have so many moments of laughter, most especially when Vice, Vhong, and Jhong target us.”
What’s your marriage advice for your daughter Leila and her fiancé, Mito?
“To truly make serious their relationship with God. No marriage can ever succeed without Him.”
How did Mito win you over?
“Mito loves Leila very much and takes care of her.”
How was your bonding with Sofronio Vasquez?
“Sof is a wonderful listener. He takes all the advice of the vets really seriously.”
Among all the sweet things that Regine has done for you, what are the Top Three?
“My wife always cooks for me when she can. Always prays for me and with me. Love our walks together in the morning.”