Being called the “Most Beautiful Face of 2024” may seem like a dream title for many, but for Andrea Brillantes, it’s more complicated than that. While the recognition from TC Candler in December 2024 cemented her status as one of the most striking celebrities of her generation, the actress revealed that beauty isn’t always a blessing—sometimes, it can be a “curse.”
READ: Andrea Brillantes on the "Curse" of Being Pretty
During a Star Magic Spotlight press conference reported on by Inquirer, Andrea got real about the struggles that come with being labeled as one of the most beautiful faces in the world. “I feel like when you're under the curse [of being beautiful], hindi mo mare-recognize that you are. Noong nursery to grade school, hirap akong magkaroon ng friends. Hirap ako makapili ng friends. Lagi nila akong binu-bully,” she shared.
The Senior High actress admitted that growing up, she felt isolated and misunderstood. To cope, she adapted by making friends with boys instead. “Gagawin kong tibo ang sarili ko and dun ako sa mga boys, hindi ito pagiging 'pick-me',” she explained, highlighting how she tried to shield herself from the scrutiny that often came with her looks.
Andrea also pointed out how beauty can spark envy and misconceptions. “I think that's one of the curses of being pretty, merong maiinis and maiinggit sa'yo,” she remarked. This led to social struggles in her early school years, though she emphasized that things eventually changed as she and her peers grew older. “Pero maayos na ang relationship ko sa school. The first few years [ko lang na-experience] 'yung heated sila sa'kin, pero friends na kaming lahat. Bata pa kaming lahat n'un eh.”
Andrea Brillantes on Learning to Rise Above the Judgment
As she matured, Andrea realized the importance of choosing the right people to surround herself with. “Kapag ganun kasi ang standard nila [in terms of friendship], hindi ko na siya ipinaglalaban. Hindi ko na kailangang i-prove ang worth ko. Beauty is subjective. Kung 'yun ang magiging tingin mo sa'kin, 'yun ang magiging tingin mo sa'kin. Hindi na siya worth fighting for. Hahanap ako ng mga tao with the right eyes to see and know me,” she shared.
Now more self-assured, Andrea has learned to rise above the negativity. “Kapag naiinis ako, wala na akong ginagawa. I try my best to be the bigger person,” she stated.
Despite the challenges that come with being in the spotlight, Andrea Brillantes is proving that she is more than just her looks.
The Gen Z star was also included in TC Candler’s rankings in 2023, where she landed in the 16th spot. She joins a growing list of Filipinas recognized in the 2024 edition, including Janine Gutierrez, Belle Mariano, Ivana Alawi, and BINI's Aiah Arceta.
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