Kathryn Bernardo has taken a courageous step in her career, choosing to work on her latest project, "A Very Good Girl," without long-time reel and real partner, Daniel Padilla.

In a recent press conference, Kathryn revealed her reasons.

She reiterated that it hinged on her wanting to to tackle a subject that resonates deeply within her - promoting women's empowerment.

"I want to inspire my fellow women. I want to empower them," she declared.

Of course, she asked Daniel's permission prior.

"Before saying yes to this project ('A Very Good Girl'). Sabi ko: 'Love, is it okay if I want to do something alone muna? Promise wala akong ka-love team, wala akong ka-partner.' Wala muna. Parang gusto kong gumawa ng ganu'n..."

Kathryn describes Philo as "fun," "very honest," someone who "speaks her mind." 

It was a huge adjustment for her as the character is far different from her.

"Sa pagkatao ko, sa values ko - malayo siya in general," was how she put it. "So ang hirap gawin nu'ng role na yun given the short amount of time."

It was so challenging for her, she needed someone to "hold onto."

And she's thankful that everyone involved in the film helped her, particularly director Petersen Vargas and co-star Dolly de Leon.

"At times talaga na feeling ko hindi ko alam kung tama yung ginagawa ko, then once na sinabi sa akin ni Ms. D (Dolly) na: 'That's fine,' nararamdaman ko yun. Parang may extra assurance ako na okay naman pala, tama yung ginagawa ko."

Different as "A Very Good Girl" from past efforts, she explained, "Ito yung hiningi ko. And they gave it to me. Binigyan nila ako ng magandang materyal. Binigyan tayo ng time ni Ms. D. They gave us P (Petersen). Parang ako, ako na lang. Binigay na sa akin lahat, kailangan ma-deliver ko 100 percent."

Asked where she's coming from, putting huge effort in getting out of her comfort zone, Kathryn answered: "In order for us to grow, we have to be curious."

"Kahit hindi ka artista, kung ano man yang trabaho natin, kailangan talaga meron yung hunger to learn more. Hindi dapat mawala."

Anticipating how her fans and the audience would react to this dramatic departure from previous performances, Kathryn acknowledged there's fear but emphasized the importance of taking risks as an artist.

"Kasi ako nanibago. Si mama nga nanibago. So dalawa lang yan, it's either tatanggapin or, you know, di nila matatangap yung pinasok ko," she said.

"Pero ang ganda kasi ng character e. And confident ako na after watching it, more than anything, may matututunan pa rin yung viewers. So yeah, nakakatakot kasi siyempre meron din akong mga kailangan alalayan na mga moms, mga parents na sumusuporta din sa akin; mga bata... pero kailangan din nila sa akin ibigay yung room for growth." 

"I'm 27 na din. So I think its about time na gumawa na din ng mga ganitong klaseng project. And hopefully instead of bitawan nila ako after watching this, sana mas makita nila yung reason why I accepted this project."

She's grateful that when the teaser was made public a few weeks ago, it received warm reception.

"Even from non-fans. Di ko ine-expect na ganun," she said.

Kathryn noted "A Very Good Girl" is a "good kind of evolution."

She hopes that her supporters will understand the necessity of her diversifying in her choice of roles, emphasizing "Hindi ito yung magiging last."

"May 'Elena' pa na gagawin ta's may gagawin pa next. So parang maganda ito ('A Very Good Girl'). Stepping stone in a way, just to warm them up kung ano yung mga mangyayari in the future." 

Kathryn's eagerness to embrace challenging projects reflects her desire for growth and artistic exploration.

And there's no turning back for her.

"I took the risk so, might as well give your all," she said. "At wala akong pinagsisihan."