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Alexa Ilacad speaking at the press conference for the teleserye "Pira-Pirasong Paraiso" at the Luxent Hotel in Quezon City on July 13, 2023. Maria Tan ABS-CBN/File

Alexa Ilacad speaking at the press conference for the tele serye "Pira-Pirasong Paraiso" at the Luxent Hotel in Quezon City on July 13, 2023. Maria Tan ABS-CBN

Article (news)

Alexa Ilacad

Ganiel Krishnan

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/178231503687320230713-pira-pirasong-paraiso-presscon-MT-9.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960" alt="Alexa Ilacad speaking at the press conference for the teleserye &quot;Pira-Pirasong Paraiso&quot; at the Luxent Hotel in Quezon City on July 13, 2023. Maria Tan ABS-CBN/File"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Alexa Ilacad speaking at the press conference for the teleserye &quot;Pira-Pirasong Paraiso&quot; at the Luxent Hotel in Quezon City on July 13, 2023. <em>Maria Tan ABS-CBN/File</em></span></span></span></div><p>MANILA — Alexa Ilacad got candid about healing, self-worth and the pressure of growing up in show business.</p><p>In her guesting on Oh My Gan, Alexa admitted that being a woman in the entertainment industry comes with intense pressure, especially when it comes to looks and body standards.</p><p>“I wanted to change a lot about myself, for myself,” Alexa said. “People would call me names or give me backhanded compliments, and it always had something to do with my weight.”</p><p>The actress shared that she previously struggled with body image issues and body dysmorphia, something she said she is still healing from.</p><p>“Healing naman. On the way naman tayo doon,” she said.</p><p>Alexa also reflected on how she used to respond to bashers when she was younger. According to her, she often felt the need to defend herself, especially when people would label her unfairly.</p><p>“Umabot na sa point na I don’t need to give an answer. I don’t need to explain myself ever to anyone anymore,” she said.</p><p>The actress said she has learned to choose her battles and protect her peace.</p><p>“Pag may nambash sa akin, hinga muna. I don’t need to deal with this today,” she said.</p><p>Alexa also opened up about being a people pleaser in the past, saying she used to allow other people’s opinions to control her.</p><p>“I was so scared to lose supporters. My world was just, I need to please all,” she admitted.</p><p>Now, Alexa said she is prioritizing herself and her happiness.</p><p>“Myself. My happiness. Ang saya palang maging masaya,” she said.</p><p>For Alexa, the biggest change came when she decided to live more freely.</p><p>“I desire to be free more than to be loved,” she said.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>WATCH:</strong></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="960" height="540" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CXM3DyMXO3k?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div>

<p>Alexa Ilacad got candid about healing, self-worth and the pressure of growing up in show business.</p>

Alexa Ilacad got candid about healing, self-worth and the pressure of growing up in show business.

Alexa Ilacad opens up about body image, people-pleasing and choosing herself

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Alexa Ilacad opens up about body image, people-pleasing and choosing herself

Ganiel Krishnan,

ABS-CBN News

Published June 25, 2026 09:00 AM PHT

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