Navigating the world of show business is difficult, primarily when artists are judged for their appearance.

Stars often face harsh comments about their appearance, body shape, and fashion choices. The pressure to conform to a specific image can be overwhelming and interfere with their creativity and self-expression.

So, in this unforgiving landscape, how do artists rise above the tide of negativity and reclaim their confidence in the entertainment industry?

In a special interview at GMA Studios, the stars of the revenge drama series 'Beauty Empire' — Barbie Forteza, Kyline Alcantara, and Ruffa Gutierrez — talked about the pressures of maintaining their public images. They discussed the high expectations for beauty and style in their industry, as well as their struggles to achieve perfection.

Kyline believes that true beauty truly comes from within.

'In this show, we will break the beauty standards. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. But for me, true beauty will always come from inside. It's your inner confidence. It's not about the makeup, outfits, or anything exterior. Beauty will always come from within. We should also accept our flaws as individuals,' she said.

Barbie said show business is a different world where you have to invest in your appearance.

'Ibang mundo ang showbiz. Kasama sa amin ang pag-i-invest sa damit, and makeup. (Showbiz is a different world. We invest in clothes and makeup.) More than the physical contribution of beauty standards, trying to fit in, it's more about trying to catch up beyond my means when I was a young child. That wasn't easy.

'However, there are now many affordable local brands with comparable quality. Affordability with good quality is essential. We will tackle these things during the show,' she said.

Ruffa said it is inevitable that people will always have something to say about the way you look.

'I grew up in the industry since I was 13, andyan pa rin talaga na it's also about the physical. Hindi talaga maiiwasan sa industry natin na punahin ka at sasabhin, 'Ay ang taba taba!' Laging nandyan ang pamimintas. (It's all about the physical (appearance). It's inevitable in our industry that you'll be criticized and told, 'Oh, you're so fat!' Criticism is always there.)

'Sana, we should be more understanding. However, they are more understanding now because the stars are no longer as mysterious as they once were. Dati kasi pag tinatago natin pag nakita nila tayo, tinitingala nila tayo kaagad. (Before, you would rarely see the stars everywhere. So when you see them, you adore them.) Now, the more you express yourself (on social media), the more you are in. You become relatable to them.

'But I think people will soon be able to accept colors, shapes, and sizes. They will focus on what's inside. Hindi alam ng iba na meron din kaming pinagdadaanan. (Others don't know that we're going through something too.) You can share what you want. Social media is a facade,' the former beauty queen said.

Kyline said she has grown in the industry where she could show her authentic self.

'For some reason, I am in an era where I can be whoever I am. However, I don't share everything on social media, such as when I cry or when I'm struggling.

'Whoever I am in person, I am the same on social media. It's up to them if they will accept me or not. I'm just being true to myself.

'I have no pressure to maintain an image. We should strive to be role models, even when we make mistakes. We also have struggles,' Kyline also said.

Ruffa mentioned that she doesn't feel pressured about her looks when she is staying at home.

'Off camera, no. When I'm in the comforts of my home, I just be myself. You don't need to pretend. It's our responsibility to look good and dress up.

'But I think it's more for ourselves than trying to get people's reactions. People will always have something to say. What's truly important is how you feel inside. That is what makes you a person,' she remarked.

A captivating new chapter in Philippine drama is set to unfold as GMA Network, Viu Philippines, and CreaZion Studios’ highly anticipated revenge drama series, Beauty Empire,” makes its television premiere on July 7.

Beauty Empire marks a significant collaboration between the three powerhouses in the media industry, offering a fresh take on a Filipino story that will resonate deeply with audiences.

The series is top-billed by Kapuso Primetime Princess Barbie Forteza as Noreen Alfonso, Kyline Alcantara as Shari De Jesus, Sid Lucero as Eddie, Sam Concepcion as Migoy, Chai Fonacier as Kriselda, and Ms. Ruffa Gutierrez as Velma Imperial, with the special participation of Ms. Gloria Diaz as Clara and Korean actor and K-pop star Choi Bo-Min as Alex in his first Filipino production.

With pivotal scenes filmed in South Korea, Beauty Empire is a high-stakes drama that promises to deliver an insider look into the local beauty industry while inspiring K-drama enthusiasts and everyday Filipino viewers to redefine their beauty standards.

The story centers on Noreen Alfonso (Barbie), a rags-to-riches beauty entrepreneur who seeks to dismantle the empire her enemies have built. She goes head-to-head against Shari De Jesus (Kyline), a crass but social media-famous beauty CEO who is mentored by Velma Imperial (Ruffa), Noreen’s idol and a powerful industry veteran whose ties to her go beyond business.

But as Noreen tears her opponents down on social media and as they destroy each other’s personal lives, an invisible player becomes responsible for the bloodshed happening amidst the ongoing beauty wars.

Barbie gave a glimpse on what viewers can expect on the upcoming GMA-CreaZion-Viu series. 'Ang istorya po namin ay punung-puno ng puso at pagmamahal sa pamilya. With fashion and beauty at its core, we will tackle murder mystery, love for family, and revenge.'

She likewise shared her experiences shooting scenes for the series in South Korea.

“Sobrang saya. Challenging siyempre kasi unfamiliar territory, so hindi siya as comfortable as when we shoot here in the Philippines. Pero masaya kasi first of all, lahat talaga very efficient,” she said.

Joining the powerful ensemble are Gabby Padilla as Helena, Alex Agustin as Martika, Paolo O’hara as Gardo, Polo Laurel as Gino, Arkel Mendoza as Jessie, Divine Aucina as Jana, Aaron Maniego as Sylvester, Noemi Gonzales as Charing, and Ms. Isay Alvarez as Eva.

Created by award-winning filmmaker Real Florido and seasoned screenwriter Rona Co of CreaZion Studios Creatives, the highly anticipated series is under the helm of esteemed director Mark Sicat Dela Cruz.

The GMA Public Affairs series premiered on the streaming platform Viu on June 16, ahead of its much-awaited television debut.

Don’t miss “Beauty Empire” beginning July 7 on GMA Prime, Mondays to Fridays at 9:35 p.m. Global Pinoys can also tune in via GMA Pinoy TV.