Actress Sofia Andres is choosing honesty and self-acceptance as she speaks out about one of the most persistent realities in showbiz – comparison.
In an interview on Hot Takes, the actress acknowledged how social media has amplified the tendency of audiences to pit celebrities against one another. For Sofia, it’s something she has come to terms with over time, recognizing that being in the public eye comes with unavoidable scrutiny.
READ: Sofia Andres shares how her character in 'The Alibi' inspires her
“I think a lot. I just got used to it and I learned how to accept that kind of treatment to artists or celebrities because we are public figures. We cannot avoid that. We just have to live with it.”
Looking back, Sofia admitted that comparisons used to affect her more deeply, especially during her early years in the industry more than a decade ago. Being new to showbiz at the time and constantly exposed to public opinion, she found herself questioning her worth.
“Kasi siyempre sobrang bago pa nung comments nung mga tao. Also, yung role ko palagi is kontrabida so they would always compare me to the bida. Ako naman [iniisip ko] baka I’m not doing enough. I had to really swallow my pride.”
In time, however, she realized that humility and self-assurance are key to staying grounded in such a competitive field.
“I think, importante sa showbiz yung talagang stay on your ground. Be humble. Kasi kapag nagpadala ka sa ego and lagi kang nagcocompare, you’re not going to be happy.”
Among those she once compared herself to was veteran actress Dawn Zulueta, whom she considers both an idol and an inspiration. Seeing someone she deemed “the perfect package” pushed her to reflect on her own growth, ultimately turning comparison into motivation instead of self-doubt.
“Sabi ko ‘maganda naman ako, pero anong kulang sa'kin?’ But I really love her kasi. She’s my idol. She’s the perfect package so I think she’s really one of my inspirations."
A major turning point in shifting to a more positive stance came when Sofia embraced motherhood with the birth of her daughter, Zoe. This new chapter reshaped her priorities and gave her a clearer sense of boundaries.
“Now that I have a kid, I’m more into my boundaries. Importante talaga kasi yung who you surround yourself with, who you are friends with kasi nakikita yan ng anak mo eh.
“I want to build a world that’s really joyful for her. I’m just happy that this year, I’m able to finally see the world that it is not always fair. Para siyang yin yang. If I let go and accept the fact that it’s not perfect, I think it’s going to be easier. I want to let her know that this world is not going to be easy,” she added.
Now, the actress is also redefining what success means to her, stepping away from the pressures of constantly keeping up. Instead of joining the “rat race,” she is focusing on honing her craft and surrounding herself with people she admires.
“My goal is to be an actress talaga. Yung iba, on the side na lang yon. I want to be known as somebody that’s the one that you look up to,” she said.
Working alongside her fellow The Alibi stars Kim Chiu, Paulo Avelino, Zsa Zsa Padilla, and John Arcilla has only strengthened her resolve. For Sofia, growth now comes from meaningful collaborations and continuous learning, rather than constant visibility.
“These are the people that I want to surround myself with because they inspire me. I grow with them and I learn a lot from them. That's my intention now. Hindi na ako yung before na ‘oh I have to be super active’. No, if I focus on this craft, then I don’t have to be in that rat race.”
Through it all, Sofia emerges with a renewed sense of purpose rooted in authenticity, growth, and self-acceptance. In an industry where comparisons are inevitable, she chooses to rise above them, focusing instead on her journey, her craft, and the life she is building for herself and her daughter.