Behind Kira Balinger’s strong and confident image is a woman who continues to carry the emotional effects of growing up in a broken family.
In a candid conversation on “Oh My Gan!,” the actress revealed that her parents separated when she was around 11 or 12 years old.
“My parents, they’re still married, but they split a long time ago when I was very, very young,” Balinger said.
The actress, who is the only child of her mother and father together, admitted that being raised primarily by one parent was difficult.
“Growing up with just one parent, it was very, very tough,” she said.
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While she remains on good terms with both parents, Balinger said seeing complete families still brings a sense of longing.
“I love my mom, but I also want my dad to be there too. Like, where was he during my first heartbreak?” she said.
“Seeing other people with complete families, actually up until now, it still pricks the heart talaga. There’s this longing,” she added.
Balinger described her mother as her greatest supporter and “number one protector.” During the early years of her career, her mother regularly accompanied her to work and ensured that she was safe, well-fed and prepared despite long taping hours.
Her mother eventually stopped accompanying her when Balinger reached her 20s and lock-in tapings became common during the pandemic.
Although the experience taught her to become independent, Balinger admitted that she sometimes misses having her mother beside her, especially when she encounters workplace problems.
“You just have to bite your tongue and carry on. It’s really part of the industry,” she said.
However, she stressed that artists should still defend themselves when mistreatment becomes excessive. “Pag sobra na, fight for yourself din,” she said.
Balinger also opened up about receiving unwanted remarks about her physical appearance. She recalled being told to lose weight when she appeared heavier on camera, only to later be criticized for looking too muscular after she began exercising.
“I started going to the gym, and then I started posting gym pictures because I’m starting to feel good about myself. I feel healthy. In my opinion, I think I look great,” she said.
“But then I started to get comments na, ‘Kira, tama na, ang macho mo na.’ So, saan ako lulugar?” she added.
Balinger said comments disguised as concern can still be damaging, particularly when they focus on another person’s body.
“They think that it doesn’t hurt you. They also say that it’s coming from a place of love and understanding. Pero when it gets to us, it’s not helping. It’s actually more damaging,” she said.
To protect her mental health, Balinger said she blocks or restricts social media users who make below-the-belt remarks.
“That’s how you take away their power,” she explained.
The actress also shared that she recently had to walk away from a person she deeply loved after realizing that she was no longer receiving what she deserved.
“Kahit na sobrang mahal mo 'yung tao, it comes to a point talaga na you have to choose yourself. Otherwise, maubos ka,” she said.
Balinger acknowledged that leaving can lead people to question their own decisions, especially when the relationship did not appear entirely bad.
“You’re gonna gaslight yourself sometimes. But you made that decision for a reason. Life goes on,” she said.
She added that growth sometimes means accepting that not everyone can accompany a person through every stage of life.
“No matter how much you want to pull them with you, minsan it will pull you down. So, you have to walk alone sometimes,” she said.
Despite the personal and professional challenges she has faced, Balinger said she continues to rely on her mother, trusted friends and her faith as she moves forward.
“Only God knows sometimes. Later pa lang natin maiintindihan kung bakit,” she said.