How do we decide what feels like home? For Sofia Andres, home is where cherished memories, dreams, and calm and comfort reside. And she has found this sense of home within her own little family and in the house that she has built for her mother.

In an appearance on Karen Davila’s vlog channel, Sofia Andres gives a tour of the Scandinavian-inspired house she’s constructing for her mom, Monette, in Lipa, Batangas, her mother’s hometown. The house feels light and cozy, featuring a white, clean, and airy interior. It boasts nice custom-made local furniture and French doors that lead to a spacious garden, reminiscent of a Greek resort. Some corners of the home also display Sofia's paintings, adding a personal touch to the serene environment.

We all know Sofia can paint, but not everyone is aware of her potential as an interior designer. She was the one who styled the house, with support from her trusted architect. She's even saving up to return to college and pursue a course in interior design.

Sofia only finished high school, as she became the breadwinner at a young age and chose to support her siblings first. Besides, she could always return to her education later. In every family, there's often one child who dreams big and takes a major leap to lift the family out of hardship. In the Andres abode, that child was Sofia.

“Malaki talaga ‘yung pangarap ko and I wanted to achieve that goal in my head. Gusto ko malaki talaga ‘yung bahay ko. Kasi, before, no’ng bata kami, nasa isang room lang kami. We are four na magkakapatid tapos si Mommy at Daddy – sa isang kwarto lang,” she recalled. “Nasanay ako na ang dami namin sa isang kwarto, so, I was thinking, ‘Baka naman may magawa pa ako.’”

She was only three years old when she started going to VTRs and auditions. At that time, she didn't realize she was earning money; she thought of it as playing with the other kids. This continued until she was 12 years old. Her mom accompanied her to every audition, tirelessly seeking opportunities around Makati to secure jobs for her. It was difficult. Sofia would wake up early and spend the entire day searching for casting calls, but she never complained. “Basta nakikita ko ‘yung family ko na they’re all good and healthy, may pang-school. They all finished college,” she said, with tears in her eyes.

At times, Mommy Monette would suggest she stop and focus on her studies instead. But Sofia felt in her heart that her hard work would be worth it. As long as people still liked her and she was getting projects, she would seize every opportunity to support her family financially.

The universe truly rewards those who never give up. Starting with small roles, Sofia gradually gained more exposure on TV, often appearing as the 'third wheel' or ‘kontrabida’ alongside popular love teams.

In 2017, ABS-CBN took a chance on her, casting her as a lead star in the afternoon series "Pusong Ligaw" alongside Diego Loyzaga. However, she now admits that her 'bida' era didn't work out as well as hoped. During this time, she was often misunderstood because of her gift for reading people's auras and energies. To cope, Sofia had to seek balance by going to church and consulting psychics. This ability was challenging to manage, especially in showbiz, where she was expected to always appear friendly and warm, even when sensing someone's negative aura.

On marriage and family

Adding to the challenges she faced when she was young, Sofia and her siblings often witnessed their parents constantly fighting. The Andres kids didn’t want to intervene, but they felt that if the relationship was no longer healthy, they would support Mommy Monette in letting go of their dad. Despite this, Mommy Monette wanted to fix things as hard as she could to keep the family together. In the end, things couldn't be fixed. Sofia's parents eventually separated.

Despite the unhealthy environment, Sofia showed strength by accepting that it was her family and parents' fate. In her heart, she believes that Daddy Eric was truly meant to be their father, regardless of whether they are a ‘broken’ family.

They say daughters who witness their parents' heartbreaking relationship may be traumatized or harbor doubts about love and marriage. However, Sofia says that her and her partner Daniel Miranda's decision to not get married yet has nothing to do with how her parents' marriage turned out.

It truly just boils down to ‘feeling’ that perfect moment. “It’s not the time yet talaga. In God’s time,” she emphasized. “Kasi married or hindi, you’ll never know kung kayo ba talaga. Kasi may mga married na naghihiwalay din, eh. May mga hindi married na nagtatagal naman. So, in God’s time.”

Daniel also experienced growing up in an incomplete family. That's why they both understand that marriage shouldn't be rushed if they're not ready. They prefer to prioritize strengthening the foundation of their relationship first, which they are building on respect. While love comes naturally, respect takes time to develop.

Sofia, whom we last saw on primetime via “The Iron Heart,” feels lucky in love, having found a partner who is respectful, kind, and not involved in showbiz. Their daughter, Zoe, is also a daddy’s girl, which is why Sofia is determined to not stay in the relationship if it's not healthy.

People speculate that she is only with Daniel because of his money, but she can confidently say that it's not true. She loves Daniel for who he is, especially appreciating his caring, sweet, and affectionate nature.

"I was only 20 years old [when I got pregnant]. I didn’t know how to handle my own money," she began, reflecting on how becoming pregnant changed her. Her mom sent her and Daniel to Australia as a test, a way for them to learn. They went alone, without any help. Looking back, she says her mom was initially upset, probably because she was at the peak of her career when she became pregnant.

But Sofia herself wasn't afraid, and one reason is her solid relationship with her mom, who she knows will be her example when she becomes a mother herself. However, what she was scared about was that Daniel might leave her because they were both young. But he stayed, and they’re still going strong now.

“’Yung family nila is very humble. Hindi ko naramdaman ‘yung hindi ka welcome, ‘yung gan’un. Nahihiya ako kasi baka i-judge ako, but they really took care of me when I was pregnant,” she spoke of the Mirandas.

Perhaps Sofia started a family with Daniel early because she wanted to create a path far from the chaotic environment she grew up in. This desire likely inspired her to create a spacious, bright, and airy home for her mom as well.

As the house tour continued, Karen met Sofia's daughter, Zoe, and Mommy Monette, who expressed her wish that Sofia's heart's desires would all come true because she truly deserves it. With her big and persevering heart, Sofia deserves nothing but the best in the world.

*Photo credit to Sofia Andres IG