Kaila Estrada is someone to watch out for. She has taken the internet by storm thanks to her acting prowess. However, not a lot of people would know that the 27-year-old actress was once uncertain about her talent.
Although she comes from a family of prominent Filipino actors (namely Janice De Belen and John Estrada) becoming a celebrity wasn't initially part of her life plan. That's why when the time came for her to finally give acting a shot, she doubted herself at first.
"I feel like when I decided to try, I wasn't sure if I was capable," she told MJ Felipe in an On Cue interview. Fortunately, everything has since fallen into place for Kaila.
Kaila candidly shared how happy she was as soon as she started doing workshops in preparation for her earlier projects. She noted that it was during the pandemic when she began to do virtual acting workshops. Still, this did not lessen her interest, and she eventually fell in love with acting.
"I try not to dream too far. I don't like getting ahead of myself [...] When I started doing the workshops, I just fell in love with it. Sabi ko, parang ito 'yun. Parang ito 'yung feeling na hinahanap ko," Kaila declared. She added, "You just know that this is what you want."
Kaila then revealed that as once she decided to become a full-fledged actress, she also became determined to sign on as a Kapamilya—part of the ABS-CBN pool of talent, Star Magic.
She wanted to star as a Kapamilya so much so that she *manifested it.* Last February 19, 2024, she successfully signed a contract with the network!
"I really manifested it. I think when I decided that I wanted to give acting a shot, sabi ko, gusto ko talaga sa ABS, and sa Star Magic. I just knew I wanted to start here," she declared during the interview.
Kaila Estrada on playing back-to-back supporting roles
ICYDK, Kaila scored her first acting role in the teleserye Viral Scandal together with Joshua Garcia and Charlie Dizon. She's since taken on other notable roles like Sylvia Lualhati in the series Linlang, alongside Kim Chiu, Paulo Avelino, and JM De Guzman. Now, she portrays Bettina Tiu in Can't Buy Me Love, also starring Belle Mariano and Donny Pangilinan.
As of writing, Kaila has been portraying supporting roles—and she's slaying every role with much dedication and hard work. Her hard work is paying off, as viewers enjoy and remember her every character.
Does she feel any pressure to take on a lead role? For the actress, she's focused on enjoying her acting journey, while preparing for bigger roles in the future. "I'm enjoying the journey. I feel like I'm building up on a lot of experiences. So when the time they do cast me as a lead, I know that by that time, I'm ready for it," she simply said.
She also sees her previous roles as pivotal characters that shape the story of the shows she's been in. "I feel like I'm very fortunate to have been given the opportunities to explore these characters na not necessarily lead, but have a very strong impact in the story."
Right now Kaila is keeping her doors open for every acting opportunity. However, she feels that her career is moving perfectly on track. "My goal, of course, if given a chance to do lead roles, I would love that. But I'm very happy with where I am right now. And it feels right. It feels like the right timing for me."
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Kaila Estrada on making a name of her own
In the interview, Kaila also talked about her relationship with her parents, while building her own career in showbiz. As the daughter of two seasoned actors, there was a "conscious effort" to not be known as Janice De Belen's or John Estrada's daughter. Instead, she wants to be known for what she can do.
"Yes, there is...There's also a part of me who wants to be recognized for what I can bring to the table rather than just as my parent's daughter. I think that's fair to say," Kaila admitted.
Early in her career, Kaila once revealed that she had not even told her parents that she was already trying to become an actress. It was only when she was cast in a teleserye that her parents found out. Now, she includes her parents in the list of actors she'd like to work with in the future.
(Fun fact: She's also eager to work with Jodi Sta. Maria, Angelica Panganiban, and Angel Locsin!)
Moreover, she sees her mother as her ultimate anchor, her hero in everything she does. She owes much of her strength to Janice. "She's always been my hero. I realize that a lot of my strength comes from her talaga... She just constantly amazes me," an emotional Kaila shared.
What's next for Kaila Estrada?
For one, Kaila still can't believe that she's now a well-known actress in the Philippines. Kaila shares, "I get surprised now when people ask me for pictures na nasa grocery lang ako...'Kilala mo pala ako?' May ganon pa rin akong feeling, I don't know if mawawala 'yun."
Even when one of her favorite celebrities, Vice Ganda, talked to her and praised her, she still got starstruck and is constantly in awe of how far she's come. "Si Meme Vice... She talked to me about watching Linlang, and loving Sylvia's character. I was like, 'oh my gosh, I can't believe this is happening.' Kilig na kilig talaga ako," the actress recalled.
On top of everything, Kaila knows the importance of keeping her feet on the ground and how to remain focused on her goals. Her acting career is her primary concern, and she sees love as a possible distraction—for now.
"My priority right now is really my career. I feel like I don't really wanna be distracted.. At the moment it could be. I know myself well also," she proclaimed. However, she also stated that she's still open to entertain future love interests, if someone comes along.
Now that she has signed her first-ever contract with a major network, Kaila promised that a lot of exciting things are coming up for her and her fans. She actually teased that she's doing a movie this year! Aside from that, she's looking forward to filming a rom-com soon.
Kaila is out there making the *best* out of every opportunity—one step at a time. After all, it's her ultimate goal in her career: "I want to be an actress for as long as I can be an actress."
One thing's for sure: Kaila Estrada is not going anywhere but up. "For as long as anyone would cast me, I'll be here," she declared.
