Kapuso actress Klea Pineda is stepping onto a much bigger stage as she officially begins filming her first-ever international movie.
In an interview with 24 Oras Weekend, Klea opened up about how different the experience has been working alongside international actors, particularly when it comes to discipline and preparation on set.
“Sobrang gaan sa set, sobrang naka-schedule lahat which is good,” Klea said. “Walang bad energy sa set which is sobrang 'yun 'yung gusto ko sana.”
Beyond learning new work habits, the project has also stirred a deep sense of national pride in her. For Klea, being part of a global production while representing Filipinos is a moment she holds close to her heart.
“Sobrang nakaka-proud bilang Pinoy na mapasama 'yung mga Filipinos sa ganung klaseng film [na] international,” she said.
According to the actress, the film is co-produced by Alden Richards along with producers from the United States. While Klea has confirmed her involvement, she has yet to reveal details about the story and her role, keeping fans eagerly guessing about what’s to come.
Off camera, the actress is also embracing a deeply personal era centered on self-love and choosing herself. With March marking her birth month, Klea shared that recent experiences have led her to important realizations.
“Isa sa mga realizations ko nung mga nangyari nung past few months, pagiging selfish, pagiging makasarili, hindi siya masama paminsan-minsan,” she said.
She added, “Ako naman. Ako naman this time. Para sa 'kin naman this time, para sa pamilya ko. Sa 'kin 'yung spotlight this time.”
READ: Klea Pineda on online bashing: ‘Don’t be the reason someone gives up on life’
While focusing on herself, Klea continues to cherish meaningful moments with her closest friends, including Open Endings co-actress and celebrity mom Janella Salvador. On Instagram last month, Klea shared glimpses of their trip together where they bonded over snowboarding.
“Mga sandaling hindi minamadali :),” Klea wrote in her post.
The bond between the two actresses extends to family celebrations too, as Klea recently celebrated her mother Charito’s birthday at a resort in Pampanga, joined by Janella and her son Jude.
“Mommy's birthday, spent the best way. ◡̈, ” she wrote.
READ: Klea Pineda flies a plane with Janella Salvador and son Jude as passengers
In December, Klea and Janella traveled together to the United States, following an earlier trip where Klea took Janella and Jude on a plane ride to Subic and Pangasinan, where she was the co-pilot.
“Quick trip above the clouds, just to bring a little light to someone’s day. Subic > Lingayen > Subic 🛬,” she said at the time.
The two previously worked together in the queer film Open Endings, which won Best Ensemble Performance at Cinemalaya 2025. They co-starred with Jasmine Curtis-Smith and OPM singer Leanne Mamonong.
Since the film’s release, Klea, who came out as lesbian in 2023, has been romantically linked to Janella. Addressing the speculation, Klea previously said, “Kung ano 'yung nakikita n'yo online or kahit saan, 'yun na 'yun, basta masaya kami together.”