IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Getting to know Kaila Estrada

Image: Instagram/@kailaestrada

Kaila Estrada is definitely treading the right path to achieve her ambition of having a “versatile and long acting career,” and all the credit goes not to her showbiz background but to her aptitude for her craft. 

The actress—third child of former celebrity couple Janice de Belen and John Estrada—has been the talk of the town after her commendable performance in the drama series “Linlang,” delivering an emotionally-charged exchange of lines with her co-stars Kim Chiu, JM de Guzman and the Diamond Star Maricel Soriano. 

But even prior to this, 27-year-old Kaila already showed beyond doubt her talent through her previous acting stints—leaving viewers applauding in awe of the real “Anak ni Janice.” 

At the height of the pandemic, Kaila—who had already set out in modeling—decided to venture into acting and had her very first audition for a TV series. Unfortunately, the young actress was not able to secure the role she auditioned for. 

“Rejection is redirection. I’m so grateful because when I didn’t get that role, ‘yung next na audition ko naman was for Raven ng ‘Viral Scandal’… It was one of the best roles I’ve ever played,” she said in a May 2023 interview with ABS-CBN, referring to the 2021 TV series which marked her acting debut.

Kaila then became part of several TV series including “The Chosen One,” “Love in 40 Days,” “Love Bites,” and the two ongoing series “Linlang” and “Can’t Buy Me Love.” She also portrayed host and former radio DJ Karen Bordador in an episode of the drama anthology program “Maalala Mo Kaya,” which is arguably one of the highlights of Kaila’s career. 

Kaila Estrada and Karen Bordador. Image: Instagram/@kailaestrada

“I want to have a very versatile and long acting career,” said Kaila when asked what her ambition is, adding that she dreams of being part of an action-thriller project.  

Kaila is also loud and proud of her admiration for her two “mothers” in the industry, Janice and Soriano, whom she regards as her “role models” and applauds for their dedication to their craft.

Kaila Estrada and her mom Janice de Belen. Image: Instagram/@kailaestrada

Kaila Estrada and Maricel Soriano. Image: screengrab from YouTube/Maricel Soriano

As for her personality, Kaila describes herself as “laid back, patient and a hardworking” person who goes through life with the mantra “whatever will be, will be.” Also evident in her social media pages, particularly on Instagram, is her love for beaches, her pet dogs and working out. 

Image: Instagram/@kailaestrada

Image: Instagram/@kailaestrada

Image: Instagram/@kailaestrada

Image: Instagram/@kailaestrada

Image: Instagram/@kailaestrada

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A post shared by Kaila Estrada (@kailaestrada)

While she admitted that show business can be overwhelming at times, Kaila delights in the fact that her hard work has been paying off and has brought joy not only to her, but also to her parents. 

Image: Instagram/@super_janice

Image: Instagram/@johnestrada__

“I’m happy when my parents say they’re proud of me and that they watch the work I do. They’re very supportive,” Kaila told Philippine Daily Inquirer in a 2022 interview.