With her vibrant personality, quick wit and apparent acting chops, it's evident that child star Althea Ruedas has a bright future in show business.
Despite these winning attributes, Althea didn't have it easy.
In a recent interview, the 10-year-old shared her journey as actress.
She actually started at three, appearing in commercials, including TV, digital, and print ads.
Recognition came when she joined "Eat Bulaga's" "Little Miss Philippines" in 2019, where she was hailed 1st Runner Up.
Four years later she won the grand prize in the show's "Little Miss Diva" segment.
Althea also secured a first-runner up finish in "It's Showtime's" "Mini Miss U."
She then started auditioning for film roles.
It was a long wait for the then six-year-old.
Her mother was already willing to give up but Althea remained positive, responding to news of rejections with, "Ah okay. May next pa po."
When her mom suggested that she quit showbiz altogether, Althea asked for patience and prayer.
"Intay-intay lang po. Meron din yan. Mag-pray lang tayo," was how she put it.
Fortuitously, a renowned fast-food brand noticed her and offered three projects.
None too soon, Althea earned the respect of critics.
Her portrayal of Yumi in Baron Geisler's "Doll House" earned her a Best Actress trophy at the 6th Asia-Pacific Luminaire Awards.
Regarding her optimistic outlook, Althea expressed, "Ganu'n po talaga ako. Pag gusto ko po talaga dapat magawa ko po yun. Hindi po ako mag-gi-give up kasi parang nilaglag ko na rin po yung sarili ko (kapag ginawa ko po yun). Yun po yung feeling ko."
Her work doesn't feel like a chore. She shared, "Kapag gusto ko po. Hindi po ako napapagod. Kahit yung from 6 a.m. kahit hanggang 6 a.m. po ng kinabukasan ulit kaya ko po yan. Basta po gusto ko yun."
Althea appreciates leading a normal life like other kids.
Currently, she balances her work commitments with her studies.
On non-taping days, she attends school in person. When busy, she completes modules.
Sometimes, she brings her homeworks to the set and tackles it between scenes.
This approach has kept Althea among top three students in her school.
In her showbiz journey, Althea aspires to share the screen with Kathryn Bernardo, who she considers her acting "inspiration."
When they recently met, Althea couldn't help but feel starstruck.
Notably, Althea portrays the younger version of Kathryn in "A Very Good Girl."
Next month, Althea returns to enchant viewers in Viva Film's dramedy "Instant Daddy."
She plays Mira, the spirited and endearing daughter of Val (Jerald Napoles). Her life takes a turn when her mother (Danita Paner), absent since infancy, reappears, seeking to uproot her from the only home she's known.
Directed by Crisanto Aquino, "Instant Daddy" hits cinemas nationwide on Oct. 11.