Being famous definitely comes with a lot of perks. But it also means giving up everyday freedom, you know, the normal days most of us live on autopilot. So we flipped the script and asked some of our favorite Kapamilya ladies—if they woke up one day not famous, like ordinary girls again, what's the first thing they'd do?
Julia Montes would begin the day with a serene moment and by giving thanks, for she would consider it a real blessing to devote her full attention to her family and make up for the times she had to prioritize her work. "Kasi minsan kapag busy tayo sa trabaho, nagkakaroon tayo ng kaunting pagkukulang na oras sa pamilya," reflects Julia, who is set to star in the upcoming Kapamilya series "Sigabo" alongside her real-life leading man, Coco Martin.
If fame wasn’t part of the picture, some of these women imagine themselves building entirely different careers. “I think I’ll have my own restaurant kasi I love cooking,” says Jane De Leon. “I’ll focus on studying food and recipes.” But before the whipping and everything else, she’d first hug her family upon waking up that day.
The same goes for "What Lies Beneath" star Mary Joy Apostol, who would pursue a job in the hotel or airline industry, which is related to her degree in tourism.
Many celebrities have to put their studies on the backseat due to their packed schedules. AC Bonifacio thinks she’d probably still be in school if she weren't famous. Same with ex-“PBB Gen 11” housemate Kolette Madelo, who believes she would’ve pursued her dream diploma first, then start her own business.
Because they’re recognizable pretty much anywhere, actresses rarely get to step out without makeup or at least being selfie-ready for fans. So if there were a day with zero fame attached to her, Criza Taa would take a breather from all the glam and then head to the mall completely unbothered—barefaced and no hiding under a cap.
Celebrities also barely get to shop in peace. There's always a possibility of drawing a crowd or being followed by a paparazzi keeping tabs on who they're with. So if she weren’t identifiable in public, Jona would spend the day thrift-style shopping at tiangge and food-hopping through hole-in-the-wall spots in Baclaran and Divisoria.
Her fellow “ASAP” performer Kai Montinola can totally relate. Kai wants to try ice skating at big malls, but hasn’t gone for it yet, feeling a little shy knowing people might be watching.
“Roja” actress Maymay Entrata and “Your Face Sounds Familiar” celebrity performer Alexa Ilacad would head to music festivals. Specifically, Alexa would fulfill her fantasy of a mosh pit lift and join a flash mob, which would definitely be more fun if she goes unrecognized and can just be carefree.
But before you think fame comes with too many limitations, Maris Racal, who just finished her “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” stint, says it’s not that restricting, as she can still move freely in public. For the sake of answering the question, though, she revealed her alternate dream job to become a store cashier… in full glam uniform. This was her career goal back in kindergarten.
Meanwhile, Gela Atayde doesn’t make a big deal out of her popularity. “I wouldn’t consider myself famous, if I’m being honest, so that’s an easy question,” she says. Gela would just go about her usual routine as an introvert who enjoys staying at home.
So the next time you spot your favorite celeb in public, maybe give them a little space—chances are, they’re just trying to enjoy a normal day.