Since winning Miss Universe in 2015, Pia Wurtzbach has proven that there's way more to her than just being a pretty face. On top of the work she does for her advocacies, Queen P has branched out into being a businesswoman, a podcaster, and a global fashion muse.
Though, before she wore any of the crowns she earned today, Pia actually gained her footing in the industry as an actress. At a recent event for an international beauty brand, she opened up about the struggles she faced when she was starting in the industry.
Pia Wurtzbach on Her Early Struggles as an Actress
Before we had the Pia Wurtzbach we know today, there was 13-year-old Pia Romero who began her show biz career with ABS-CBN. She was launched alongside Shaina Magdayao, Bea Alonzo, and Angelene Aguilar in the youth-oriented show K2BU. What followed were minor roles in titles such as It Might Be You, Sa Piling Mo, and Aryana, which saw the young actress switching between networks.
Looking back at her humble beginnings, Pia shared that she was often told, "Sayang si Pia, maganda sana pero hindi nabigyan ng break."
She continued, sharing more anecdotes of when she was written off as "sayang" throughout her career. "Masyado kasi s’yang matangkad, 'di natin siya mabigyan ng love team. Sayang ‘di n’ya tinanggap 'yung mga sexy na roles. Chance na n’ya ‘yun pero sinayang.”
As chronicled in her Maalala Mo Kaya episode, the breadwinner flew to the United Kingdom to pursue odd jobs in hopes of making enough to financially support her family. Pia made a living working at a paper factory and serving as a waitress in restaurants. She adds that it was difficult to be in such environments since she was continually looked down upon.
"Nu'ng nag-culinary naman ako, which is a male-dominated space, sayang din, ako lang 'yung babae sa kusina. Ayaw nila agad ibigay sa 'kin 'yung trabaho kasi akala nila hindi ko kaya buhatin 'yung mga pots and pans," she narrates.
Fast forward to today, Pia can confidently say that she's overcome her doubters. In the world of showbiz, she's made a comeback through the 2017 action-comedy film Gandarrapiddo! The Revenger Squad, acting alongside Vice Ganda and Daniel Padilla, and even winning a PMPC Star Award for her performance. Aside from this, she's also returned as a host for the Miss Universe-Philippines pageant in 2022, sharing the stage with fellow titleholders Demi Leigh-Nel Peters and Iris Mittanaire.
Hats off to you, Pia!
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