Mikee Quintos admits she felt a bit down after several months of having zero projects, almost to the point of depression. But she didn't harbor any hard feelings against her home network, GMA. If anything, she confessed that she once felt jealous of her boyfriend, Paul Salas, who's received multiple project offers.
In her recent conversation with PEP.ph, Mikee talked about how she handled the long wait before another project knocked on her door. "Feeling ko, 'yung pinaka-negative na na-feel ko, nainggit ako na nag-aaral ng script si Paul, ako hindi. Nagkaroon kasi ng time na ganun, na parang nag-aaral siya ng script" she expressed.
ICYDK, Mikee and Paul started dating in 2021, but they only confirmed their relationship in April 2022. The two worked together in the series, The Lost Recipe in 2021. At present, Paul is among the cast of the teleseryes, Shining Inheritance.
Mikee also disclosed that she felt anxious about the course of her career. "More on takot 'yung naramdaman ko. Kasi mahal ko 'yung ginagawa ko eh, 'yung trabaho ko, 'yung pag-arte." This feeling, she clearly admitted, almost triggered her depression. "Papunta 'dun, oo, aaminin ko, nandun na," Mikee said when asked about it.
Later on, Mikee divulged that she had realized how her indefinite break from projects gave her the chance to focus on her studies. At the moment, Mikee is taking up architecture at the University of Santo Tomas. But even though she's decided to focus on her studies, she still felt scared that she would lose the opportunity to come back to showbiz and acting.
Mikee explained, "Although, hindi naman full 'yung reason, like, dinecide ko sa sarili ko unahin 'yung school, na mag-focus sa school [...] Pero na-realize ko nung ginawa ko, hindi din ako nakapag-focus dun, e. Kasi yung utak ko, nami-miss kong umarte. Yun, nami-miss ko."
This kind of realization led her to overthink her situation to the point that she felt the need to blame herself. "Tapos yun, nag-overthink ako naman. Tapos akala ko mawawala na, hindi ko na magagawa. Hindi or never ko naman na-feel na magsisi ng ibang tao, or sisihin yung network, sisihin yung manager. Wala akong na-feel na ganoon. Una kong sisisihin sarili ko. 'Yun ako, sarili ko."
Her boyfriend, Paul, continued to comfort Mikee while she was waiting for her new project. Despite the ups and downs of her "depression state," Mikee affirmed that Paul remained supportive.
And so, when GMA Network entrusted her with the cooking variety show, Lutong Bahay, Mikee accepted it with open arms and felt extremely grateful for the opportunity.
Mikee Quintos' career
Mikee is best known for her debut project as one of the new generation sang'gres in the reboot of Encantadia in 2016. Her prominence grew afterwards, resulting in more projects through the years. She headlined several teleseryes, namely, Onanay and The Lost Recipe. Mikee also won "Best New Female TV Personality" at the 31st PMPC Star Awards for Television in 2017.
Mikee's last major show was when she starred in the Viu Original Series, The Write One, alongside Bianca Umali and Ruru Madrid. It aired from March to May 2023.
Congrats on your new show, Mikee! :)
