Bianca Umali has been setting social media on fire since October 6, when she uploaded a photo showing her sunbathing at an undisclosed beach—her well-toned body in full display.
Based on her latest posts, the 19-year-old Kapuso actress seems to be revamping her Instagram feed.
On October 11, Friday, Bianca uploaded a photo of her wearing a white bikini and wrote, "simply happy."
Her sunbathing photo earlier left her Instagram followers stunned.
She wrote "en paz" on the caption of the photo, which is the Spanish phrase for "at peace."
This was followed on October 8 with a no make-up selfie with the caption "live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air."
Bianca's bikini posts have been receiving mostly positive reactions from her celebrity friends— including Maymay Entrata, Assunta de Rossi, Ryzza Mae Dizon, Cassy Legaspi, Chynna Ortaleza, and her rumored boyfriend Ruru Madrid, among many others.
In an interview with PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) through GMA-7's Corporate Communications, Bianca said she's grateful for all the comments
She said, "To the people, for both the good and the bad comments, I am very flattered. I am at my happiest. I am very thankful for everything."
BIANCA'S BIKINI BOD: HER DIET AND FITNESS
Asked how she has maintained her well-toned body, she revealed, "Honestly, I haven't been doing anything.
"No gym, No diet. I've been busy with so much work that I haven't had time for physical workouts.
"I used to be at the gym every single day for hours and used to follow different strict diets. I don't know how it worked for me but it is different for every person."
In an earlier interview with the Sahaya star, Bianca said she has been burning the extra calories by working out for an hour in the gym.
"Pag walang work as much as possible; if every day kaya then, kung pasok lang sa busy schedule. One [hour] is actually enough, but I exceed, like, four hours or five."
As for her workout routine and diet, she said, "I go Circuit Training. I also do weightlifting, I also do a lot of cardio.
"For diet, I am not taking in any sugar. I take in carbs when I want to. But as much as possible, no carbs and no sugar diet and more workout."
What advice can she give those who are struggling to maintain or even start their own journey to a healthier lifestyle?
She said, "A tip or a lesson I’d like to share is that being 'healthy' doesn't mean you kill yourself physically or deprive yourself of eating. Being healthy is a lifestyle—a lifestyle where everything is well balanced in all aspects--physical, mental, spiritual."
"Another secret of mine is to have a full happy heart and peace in both your mind and soul."
BIANCA'S TRANSFORMATION FROM CHILD STAR TO LEADING LADY
She started her career as a commercial model before she became a child star.
Among her first TV projects were Darna (2009), which starred Marian Rivera, and Kaya Kong Abutin ang Langit (2009).
It was also around this time when Bianca joined a children's morning show titled Tropang Potchi that aired until 2013.
Bianca spent her preadolescence stage portraying tween roles such as Dina in Magic Palayok (2011).
In 2013, Bianca was paired with Miguel Tanfelix, her first love-team partner, for the fantasy series Paroa: Ang Kuwento Ni Mariposa, which also starred Barbie Forteza, Derrick Monasterio, and Ruru Madrid.
Their love team became a hit among the Kapuso network's viewers; before long, Bianca and Miguel were being tagged as "BiGuel."
They starred in several TV projects as BiGuel, including the afternoon series Niño (2014).
Around this time, Bianca ditched the bangs for a more age-appropriate look.
She maintained this look up until Once Upon A Kiss (2015) and Wish I May (2016).
Bianca went a little more daring when she took on the role of Lawiswis in GMA-7's Mulawin VS Ravena in 2017.
Her photos in a costume baring her abs circulated online and shocked Bianca's fans.
When she turned 18, Bianca started experimenting with her style.
In 2018, Bianca showed more of her daring side with her choice of wardrobe for PEP.ph's Main Attraction feature.
That was also the time when she started uploading her beach photos.
Her fans began to wonder: Is this Bianca's way of showing she has shed the wholesome image of a teenybopper to pursue a more daring one?
Bianca did say she is open to taking on more mature roles but clarified in her interview by Ricky Lo of Philstar.com, "I don’t want to be stereotyped based on the few sexy photos I posted...
“I would say that I am ready for more mature roles but I don’t want to be judged on what I post on social media. Posting sexy photos is not actually what I do.
"‘Yung nasasabi nilang ‘sexy’ I don’t really post it intentionally para magpa-sexy."