One of the biggest hurdles former child stars face as they grow older is shaking off the image that defined their early careers.
For Andrea Brillantes, this has been a journey years in the making.
Now 22, the actress is embracing a more confident chapter, having recently been unveiled as the official calendar girl for a popular liquor brand.
Read: Andrea Brillantes is the Tanduay Calendar Girl for 2026
The campaign features Andrea in sultry lingerie.
During a press interview with PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) and other media outlets on November 19, 2025, Andrea addressed the mixed reactions to her transformation.
When asked what she would say to those who still see her as that child star, she playfully responded, “Surprise?”
Her calendar debut sent a clear message: she’s grown up, and she has fully embraced it.
She said, "Actually, ang dami nilang ang nagsasabi, parang, 'They're really happy. Sana lang'di na siya magsalita,' ganun.
"Kasi alam ko naman na nakilala ko sa maliit talagang ng voice ko. Pero gustong ko lang ipaalala na tumatanda naman ang mga tao, ang mga child star.
"Napanood niyo din naman siguro ang mga recent interviews ko. Pero, yeah, wala lang.
"'Surprise!' na lang siguro yung masasabi ko, and I'm really happy to enter this era."
ANDREA BRILLANTES: BOLDER FASHION CHOICES
For many former child stars, evolving into a more mature image often starts with fashion.
"My style is always changing. As in wala talaga akong... I think, ang hirap kapag creative ka din, ang daming mong gustong gawin.
"At lagi kong gustong magpakita ng iba't ibang side ko sa mga tao, sa mga fans ko.
"Pero ngayon, I think, I could say mas mature na yung style ko. Hindi na ako masyado ka-experimental with colors. Hindi na din ako masyado sumusunod sa kung ano lang yung trend.
"Ang style ko lang talaga is I just wear the clothes that I feel good in. Mas mahilig na ako sa dresses and I think, mas nagka-crop top na din ako... more skin ngayon na I'm 22... And mas confident lang ako ngayon."
Still, Andrea acknowledged that not everyone is ready to see her in this new light.
"Honestly, gets ko naman yung point din ng iba," she said.
"Lumaki din naman.... parang sa Philippines talaga, meron tayo yung 'Dalagang Filipina' na medyo parang naging culture na nga siya, e."
Andrea hopes that people will support her choices—whether in fashion or other aspects of her life—now that she’s stepping fully into adulthood.
For her, this new chapter is about expressing confidence and individuality, while staying true to herself.
Andrea said, "I think it's time na we celebrate liberated women. Yung mga babaaeng confident lang to be themselves to be in their skin.
"And ako, ganun lang din talaga ako. Confident lang talaga ako sa katawan ko, sa body ko.
Andrea also emphasized that no one is pressuring her into adopting this image. Instead, she sees this phase as an opportunity to explore, experiment, and express herself on her own terms.
"I'm happy sa mga suot ko. Wala naman nangpi-pressure sa akin to have this image or to wear this and that. Just really exploring lang.
"Tsaka di naman sa entering a more mature phase, kundi I'm also just really growing up, not trying to be more mature, just, I'm becoming a woman. I have been a woman for a while."
FIRST-EVER AMBASSADOR
In her bold new era, Andrea was launched as the first-ever local ambassador of Guess since the brand’s arrival in the country in 1991.
For Andrea, the milestone is deeply personal.
"Actually gulat ako kasi I never thought that this would be possible. As in ang ini-expect ko, lagi namang mga international models, yung mga global models natin...
"Hindi ko talaga in-expect na puwede siya, lalo na, yun nga, like what I said earlier, I grew up na knowing that Guess is this iconic global brand, so I never would have expected that they would get me as their brand ambassador.
"It feels surreal, pero I'm really happy."
Just like the brand’s iconic denim-and-white-shirt combo, Andrea admitted it’s also her go-to off-duty look.
When asked for a style tip to elevate this minimalist pairing, she suggests adding personality through accessories—whether it’s bold jewelry, a statement bag, or playful layering.
She said: "Kilala talaga yung Guess sa mga denim and white tees nila... Pero I think, mas magpa-prioritize ako sa pag-a-accessorize kapag naka-jeans ako at saka white shirt.
"Idadaan ko siguro sa bag. Tapos ang ganda rin kasi ng accessories nila. Maganda yung... may watches din sila. So I guess, magdadagdag ako ng accessories."
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