Alexa Ilacad. Image: Instagram/@abscbnpr
In a nod to her “Pira-Pirasong Paraiso” co-stars Charlie Dizon, Loisa Andalio, and Elisse Joson, Alexa Ilacad didn’t hesitate to speak about representing “different kinds of beauty” in a bid to promote women empowerment.
Ilacad spoke about celebrating beauty in diversity in response to a showbiz reporter ‘s question during a media conference for the drama, where the four actresses were asked whether they’ve gone under the knife to achieve their slim physiques to prepare for their respective roles.
“Having four girls, I think representation matters. We have different kinds of beauty and that’s being accepted and supported. It’s really nice to be different from each other,” she firmly said.
“Kaya si Loisa [Andalio], kung may ina-achieve siya, it’s for her character and gan’un din naman sina [Elisse Joson and Charlie Dizon]. Kaya sa mga pananamit namin, we really tried to give different vibes,” she continued. (If Loisa Andalio wants to achieve a certain figure, it’s for her character. The same thing goes to Elisse Joson and Charlie Dizon. It explains why we really tried to give different vibes in our roles.)
The actress then pointed out that she really works hard to maintain her curvy figure for the drama, sharing her passion for a “healthier lifestyle.”
“I really work hard everyday to be more fit, especially for this role. Hindi naman retoke but I wanted to lose weight for this role. Paraiso siya (It can be seen as a form of paradise) because I’m really loving this healthier lifestyle,” she said.
Following her classy response, Ilacad was praised by host and LGBTQIA+ advocate Mela Habijan, who pointed out that women should “stand their ground” in owning their bodies.
“I admire these four women because you value your bodies. You value your choices. You value your decisions, and that’s what we really need right now. Women who stand their ground in owning their bodies so that they can be respected by others too. And as you mentioned Alexa, it should be diverse and well-represented,” she said.
‘We’re all perfectly cast’
Ilacad, who laughed when she was described by Dizon as the “smartest” of the four actresses, expressed her appreciation for her fellow actresses, saying they’re “perfectly cast” in their respective roles.
“I believe that we’re all perfectly cast. I’m so thankful kasi when this was pitched to me at nalaman ko kung sino ang mga kasama ko, I didn’t have to think twice. I was like, ‘This is perfect,’” she said. “Katulad ng title, I believe that we all complete each other in a sense kaya kapag nagkakasama kami sa isang eksena, power.”
(I believe that we’re all perfectly cast. I’m so thankful because when this was pitched to me and I found out who I’ll be working with, I didn’t have to think twice. I was like, “This is perfect.” Just like the title of the show, I believe that we all complete each other in a sense that’s why you can feel the power when we’re in a scene together.)
The singer-actress also sang praises for ABS-CBN and TV5’s effort in bringing the collaborative project to life.
“Para sa’kin, the more the merrier. Great minds think alike. With more great minds working together, [this means] more quality entertainment sa mga Filipinos. And I’m very grateful and very blessed to be part of this,” she said.
In the drama, Ilacad portrays Angela, an outspoken journalist who’s determined to discover the truth behind the reunion of alleged long-lost sisters Diana (Charlie Dizon) and Baby (Loisa Andalio).
The actress is paired with her onscreen partner, KD Estrada, who stars as on-the-job trainee Vlad. EDV