Andrea Brillantes (YouTube)

Actress Andrea Brillantes, known for her standout roles in "Annaliza" and "Kadenang Ginto," has addressed public reactions to her recent bold and sophisticated image, particularly her decision to pose in a bikini as calendar girl of an alcoholic beverage brand.

Now transitioning into a more mature phase of her career, Brillantes has been open about embracing projects that reflect her personal growth.

In her guest appearance on "1 on 1 with Karen Davila," the actress clarified that her decision to flaunt her curves was not meant to prove anything or change how people see her.

“Kapag ang babae gusto lang magpa-sexy ang dami nilang sinasabi. Ako, wala po akong tinry i-prove o hindi ko po siya ginawa para basagin ‘yung image na 'Annaliza.' I just did it simply because I can and I want to,” she said.

Brillantes also shared that her perspective was influenced by advice she had seen from an older woman encouraging younger women to embrace their bodies while they are young.

“Magbikini ka nang magbikini, mag-post ka nang mag-post kasi you’re only going to get that body once,” she recalled the woman as saying.

She further explained that she sees her choices as part of self-expression, noting that the body naturally changes over time due to life experiences such as aging, pregnancy, and menopause.

“Your body is always changing… you’re only young once. So sabi ko, ifo-flaunt ko ito. Ginawa ko lang siya kasi kaya ko, I want to,” she said.

Despite the mixed reactions, Brillantes emphasized that her decision comes from personal freedom rather than external pressure.

“Nag-sexy calendar ako kasi sexy ako. ‘Yun lang,” she added.