When we say Kaila Estrada in Incognito—we're already thinking of that bold, badass with micro bangs (we're so close to getting that haircut IRL, btw) that makes her stand out even more.
Well, micro bangs or not, Kaila has been stealing everyone's attention with her superb acting skills. Remember Linlang? She was a feisty character that didn't back down to anything at all. Now, with Incognito, she's fiercer than ever—plus there's a lot of action scenes that she pulls off flawlessly.
The Cosmopolitan Philippines team had a short but insightful chat with Kaila herself in between her tapings (and also her overseas trips!). Our October 2024 cover star was still a breeze to converse with, and like everybody else, we were fangirling over Kaila once again.
There have been plenty of action teleseryes, but Incognito marks a special milestone—it's Kaila's first action series, and a longtime dream come true! Naturally, it took intense training to master the stunts and execute them seamlessly. ICYDK, the show revolves around a team of ex-military misfits who take on secret missions as a private group—getting paid after every successful job.
"I love everything! Since tackling the action genre has been a dream of mine since I started. I feel like I manifested this! And I feel like the casting is such a great fit as well, on and off screen. It makes work feel like a breeze," Kaila happily told Cosmo.
The show might feel like any other action concept out there, but Kaila underscores the beauty of their action scenes that are well-thought-out. "I feel like our action scenes are really well-made. Thanks to Direk Lester [Pimentel Ong], Direk Ace [Wang Yan Bin] and Action 360. Also, I believe that our training in preparation for taping really helped us in picking up the choreography and familiarity in our movement," Kaila stated.
Aside from that, Kaila interestingly noted how the show felt like it wasn't a one-man show—rather, it's an ensemble. Everybody has their story to tell in the show, and everybody can have their spotlight. Most importantly, the fact that the women in the show can fight and be involved, it's what sets Incognito apart from other action shows.
"I'm very grateful that the women in these series are empowered women who can take care of themselves," Kaila shared.
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Kaila Estrada as Max Alvero in Incognito
Speaking of the women in Incognito, Kaila takes on the role of Max Alvero—a character who embodies both strength and softness. A former military officer with a specialized set of deadly skills, Max is as formidable as she is resilient. But beneath her tough exterior lies a painful past—one marked by loss, including the heartbreaking death of her fiancé.
"Max is very independent and seems to not rely on anyone. But just like all of us, she has a heart and is in need of connection," she said in our chat. Then, Kaila goes on by teasing, "You can expect more action scenes of course! Hehehe but you'll definitely see a lot more of her heart in the coming episodes."
We also asked Kaila if there's a trait she shares with Max, and the 28-year-old actress admitted she sees a lot of herself in her Incognito character. "Just like Max, I consider myself to be a very independent person and quite guarded. But I am also a softie hehe," she said.
With an airing teleserye like Incognito, Kaila's schedule can get a bit more hectic, especially given the fact that Incognito's locations are not just a set studio. They actually fly to locations, like El Nido, Baguio, and Italy!
So, aside from staying at home and working out, Kaila makes sure to catch up on sleep and hang out with her loved ones when she can—a.k.a. when she's not busy with work. "I like to really slow down on my off day. I catch up on sleep, workout, meet up with friends and family, or just stay home and chill. I take resting very seriously because it is important for my physical and mental well-being. Just as we all should!"
In case you haven't noticed, we've been eagerly following Kaila's digital footsteps on Instagram, just to admire how effortlessly stylish and chic she looks in every travel photo she shares! Recently, she visited Japan and Australia! Happy for you, Kaila :)
With everything that's happened so far, Incognito is steadily making its mark, thanks to its engaging storyline, layered characters, and surprising twists. It's shaping up to be a must-watch, with excitement growing each episode. Plus, it's been among the most-watched shows on Netflix for weeks—and it looks like there's more in store for avid viewers.
The show also stars Richard Gutierrez (who fans think is Kaila's love interest in the show), Ian Veneracion, Daniel Padilla, Anthony Jennings, Baron Geisler, and Maris Racal. The show premiered on Netflix on January 17.
To wrap up, Kaila expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the fans for their unwavering support and encouraged them to keep watching Incognito, teasing that there's a lot more to come. "It just keeps getting more exciting every week, so definitely stay tuned! We've got plenty more surprises in store for you!" Kaila declared.
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