The ABS-CBN Ball is one of the most anticipated events for actors and actresses. However, there's more to this event than meets the eye—the behind-the-scenes work, preparations, and the cost involved in attending.
And for actress Karina Bautista, skipping the ball wasn't about missing out but rather making a smarter decision for something greater.
When a follower on TikTok asked Karina why she didn't attend the ball, she gave a thoughtful and practical response.
"Tinimbang ko rin kasi, kilala nyo naman ako, love kong rumampa and umawra. And every year we have been serving looks on every carpet plus exposure tsaka networking na rin, 'di ba?" Karina shared. "Kaso financially, napaka-expensive niya ha," she added.
Karina went on to explain that her decision was based on weighing her financial responsibilities. She's juggling multiple commitments like running businesses, building a house, and even setting up a podcast room. These financial priorities led her to conclude that attending the ball wasn't the best choice right now.
"And right now, ang dami ko kasi pinapagawa, pinapaayos sa lupa, rito sa business, sa kwarto ko dahil ginagawa ko pang podcast soon. So bagong bilhin ng ilaw and everything. And of course, yung glam team, that doesn't come cheap ha," Karina added.
"Kasi biruin mo naman, ang ganda ko every time. Pasabog. So s'yempre, kailangan ko rin palitan [financially]," she added.
@kare.bautista Replying to @Stella's affiliateshOp ? original sound - kare ????
Karina Bautista On Being A Strong Independent Woman
In a world where public figures often feel pressured to keep up with social expectations, Karina stood firmly by her choice, driven by practicality and her personal values.
"Kailangan ko palitan yun [possibility of attending the ball] ng monetary value. Nag-decide na ako, as your independent girly. And hindi rin naman tayo anak ni Henry Sy na mag-pass muna para makatipid," she explained.
"And ayoko rin naman kasi magka-utang dahil hate na hate ko po yan. Akala ko nga, hindi niyo naman mapapansin na hanapin ba ako doon," she stressed.
Karina concluded her video by thanking her followers and supporters for their encouragement. She assured them that this wasn't the last time they'd see her at such event.
"Promise, babawi tayo sa next ball. Dahil for sure marami pa naman tayong chances. Dahil yearly naman yan," she said.
Karina started her showbiz career on Pinoy Big Brother 8 - Part 1: Teen Edition. Besides her entertainment career, she's also a Philippine Navy reservist, having completed her training with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)'s naval warfare branch.
