"I got to meet my twin," said Kathryn Bernardo after a year of waiting, countless measurements, and meticulous craftsmanship.
The unveiling of her Madame Tussauds Hong Kong wax figure happened on July 9, 2026, in Glorietta 2, Makati City.
The project had been in the works for almost a year before the actress finally saw the finished masterpiece.
"We waited for like a year. When we did all the measurements and everything you saw, it's a video. It was August of 2025.
"And then, ang bilis, I was just so busy the past months. And actually, nakalimutan ko na nga na this week i-launch na yung wax figure.
"I'm like, 'Oh my God, it's done. It's been a year already.' And a while ago, I got to see it."
Her reaction to the wax figure?
"I got to meet my twin! And oh my gosh, they are amazing—the team behind Madame Tussauds, all the artists.
"I'm just happy. Masaya talaga ako. And today I'm just really, really grateful."
Kathryn also appreciated having her loved ones with her during the unveiling.
She described the recognition as a rewarding moment after months filled with work.
"I don't know what to feel. I'm just really happy because all my friends are here. And it's been a busy, busy month for me and this is like very rewarding na, you know, all the hard work we put, it really pays off. And this wax figure is just one of them."
Meeting her wax figure in person felt unlike anything she had experienced before.
"Sabi ko talaga, 'Oh my gosh. Ganun pala yung feeling like, seeing yourself.' Seeing myself in flesh. Like, right there in front of me. It's crazy."
EVERY DETAIL MATTERED
Kathryn did not settle for simply admiring the overall resemblance.
She examined every part of the figure to see how faithfully it reflected her.
"So even my baby hairs, from my facial features down to the toes, I checked it. I'm like, 'Oh, my god! Match!' My polish."
She shared that the gown displayed on the wax figure carries a special meaning.
Her team selected the look because it reminded them of a memorable chapter in her career.
"I'm just happy because this is how I want to present myself. So I like.
"First, we chose this gown. Actually, my team chose it because this look is parang from a special, like, special milestone when I received an award in Korea, 2023.
"So very important also, but I think it's very classic, very timeless, and, hopefully, we'll create a lot of memories together."
Even the make-up caught her attention.
"And then kanina, we checked the, like the blush on, started with the lipstick. It's the same.
"That's really worth the wait because I'm like, 'Wow, it's gonna take a year to get?' Now I have a chance."
Long before the unveiling, Kathryn could hardly believe that Madame Tussauds wanted to immortalize her with a wax figure.
She initially wondering if the invitation was real.
"We received an email. This is not like, this is not a prank. This is actually happening."
Her disbelief continued as she browsed through the presentation.
"I looked and I was like, 'Oh, Madame Tussauds.' I used to go to Madame Tussauds. Like, my family, my papa and I, we went to Madame Tussauds in LA. So I'm a fan of Madame Tussauds."
Then came the question she kept asking herself.
"I'm like, 'What's this?' And then I was like, browse through the, ano, the deck. I was like, 'What? Me? Why me?' That was my reaction. Why me?
Reality only sank in after spending several hours with the museum's team during the measurement session.
"Hindi pa rin nagsi-sink in until I did a measurement. And I spent time, half of my day there. I met the team from the UK and then they matched up everything lang. So my ticket is reserved. Doon na nag-sink in, 'Oh my God. It's really happening. That I'm gonna be part of it.'"
Looking at the finished figure, Kathryn could only describe the experience as a full-circle moment.
"So, so really, it's like a full-circle moment na and until today, I couldn't believe it. So I'm just happy that I get to share this moment with everyone and with my family."
WHY HONG KONG FEELS LIKE HOME
For Kathryn, Hong Kong was the perfect home for her Madame Tussauds wax figure.
The city holds a special place in her heart, as it became the setting of Hello, Love, Goodbye, the film that introduced audiences to Joy.
"Joy will be there in Hong Kong very, very soon. Hong Kong will always have a special place in my heart."
She fondly remembered filming the movie there and the impact it had on her career.
"We shot Hello, Love, Goodbye there, and that project made a big, big impact in my career. We created Joy there. I have so many memories there. We stayed there for like a month to shoot the movie and then, the rest is history."
Kathryn said she hopes the wax figure becomes something meaningful for Filipinos living overseas.
"I think it's just the perfect place to put my wax figure in there. Kasi, you know, they don't get to go home naman, di ba? So at least we bring a piece of parang Philippines there. And I hope I'll be able to bring smiles sa mga hindi nakakauwi nating kababayan."
She also looks forward to welcoming tourists who will visit Madame Tussauds Hong Kong.
"Then, of course, all the tourists who will visit there also. Another parang Filipino na magpapasaya."
For fans planning a trip, Kathryn even joked that they now have another reason to visit Hong Kong.
"Hong Kong, you know, when I was there, wala akong time mag-shop, girl. Puro trabaho. But of course, for shopping Hong Kong. It's so easy to go there. Parang ilang hours lang nandoon na tayo."
She added with a smile: "And now, you have a reason to go there because Joy will be there with you guys, forever. Joy will be home. And I'm just glad that it's in Hong Kong."
Kathryn also expressed her gratitude for joining fellow Filipinos who have already earned a place inside Madame Tussauds.
"I'm just very humbled to be there alongside with these icons na, of course, Manny Pacquiao is there."
She continued: "Nakakatuwa kasi iba-ibang field kami. So, we have Manny Pacquiao, we have Pia [Wurtzbach] and Catriona [Gray], of course. We have Miss Lea Salonga, we have Miss Anne Curtis, and now, I think I'm the youngest."
Looking ahead, she hoped that more Filipinos will receive the same recognition.
"I think we can give you a list of who to consider next, but, hopefully, this won't be the last, and marami, marami pang puwedeng i-offer ang Filipinos, not just here in the Philippines but also globally.
"So, I hope this will open doors to that, and again, thank you for considering us."
“THIS IS OUR MILESTONE”
Although the unveiling marked another milestone in Kathryn’s career, she repeatedly turned the spotlight toward the people who have stood by her through the years.
"It just reminds me na, you know, every milestone like, it's nice to remind people, especially my fans that they are all a part of this. They made today possible. They believed in me."
Kathryn said she remains grateful that she continues to pursue the craft she loves because of the support she receives.
"I'm just so grateful because I get to do the thing I love the most, which is acting, and people continue to believe in me, my craft, and everything I do. So, thank you. Thank you for that."
The actress also became emotional while reflecting on the road that led to this moment.
"So maybe kanina I was just a bit emotional. Meron nagiging sentimental and all because looking at it, you know, it wasn't an easy ride. People get to see just Kathryn on camera and all."
She acknowledged the challenges behind the scenes before dedicating the recognition to her fans.
"But in order for this to be possible, the fans made it possible. It was a lot of hard work, a lot of challenges, and a lot. So maganda lang na gift for the fans."
For Kathryn, the unveiling represents something much bigger than a personal accomplishment.
"Actually, this is not my milestone, it's our milestone because this wouldn't be possible if not for them. So come on, let's hear it for them. So this is for you guys. mostly actually, to the fans."
She was also reminded to appreciate every season instead of rushing toward the next one.
"Milestone? You know, I have a lot of goals, but what I learned siguro, especially last year, is that I need to, you know, just savor everything and just to enjoy it. I don't wanna rush anything."
She added that she still dreams big but now places greater value on the present.
"Yes, I have a lot of goals, but sometimes we're so focused in the future, we don't get to appreciate the present anymore."
As more projects line up in the months ahead, Kathryn hopes to continue doing what she loves while inspiring others along the way.
"So with everything that's happening now, I have a serye coming this July, and then after that, so many exciting things. So I just want to be happy.
"To live a good, balanced life more than anything, and of course, I want to inspire more Filipinas out there, especially the younger ones, that you can dream big and it will happen if you put a lot of hard work."
Her message remains the same for herself and for everyone following her journey.
"Again, a reminder for all of us 'cause siyempre we keep, you know, we keep wanting to chase the next big thing, but, honestly, you gotta just, again, live in the present and just enjoy what you have di ba? Kasi nga, every moment is fleeting, di ba?"
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