It is so often believed that celebrities are supposed to behave in a certain manner that fans and showbiz culture dictate. But more and more artists are changing the entertainment circuit by embracing authenticity and standing in their own space, living in their place of rawness that cannot be tweaked or filtered. Celebs today defy lists and checkboxes, not fitting into a certain mold, but rather sticking with their truth.

How is it possible in the cutthroat world of showbiz? In this video from ent.abs-cbn.com, Kapamilya celebrities reflect on remaining authentic despite being in the limelight.

“Senior High” lead star Andrea Brillantes admits that it’s easy to lose one’s identity in showbiz. What she does to connect to her true self is make sure that she gets to spend some time alone, “Kapag masyado nang nagiging maingay, like, i-date mo sarili mo. Mag-focus ka lang sa sarili mo.” She also underscored the importance of a strong faith, “Ever since, sa lahat ng prayers ko since ten pa lang ako kasama na ‘yung, ‘Lord, saan man ako mapunta help me to stay grounded and not forget who I really am.’ Kasi ang dali madala, eh.”

For Kaori Oinuma, it’s important to know one’s core and embrace it. She makes time to regularly visit their province and spend time with her family there because these are her foundation. “Lagi ako bumabalik kung saan ako nanggaling. For example, ‘pag may moments na drained na ako sa work, ‘pag gusto kong bumalik sa kung paano ako before, umuuwi ako ng province,” she said she just went home last Halloween break.

Angela Ken shares a similar take, “Lagi mong i-remind ang sarili mo kung saan ka galing kasi doon ka nakilala. So, dapat alagaan mo ‘yung mga taong nando’n from the very start.” She adds that sometimes authenticity means veering away from the crowd, “Hindi mo kailangan laging sumunod sa trend. Minsan kailangan mong baliin ‘yun para mapakita mo ‘yung personal flavor mo rin.”

It takes a strong mentality to remain original, as Sue Ramirez puts it, “Showbiz is just work me, hindi ko siya isinasabuhay.” She assures that she’s still the same old Sue when stripped off of her on-screen characters, “Kung sino ako growing up, that’s still the same Sue na kilala niyo. And nakikita n’yo naman sa social media, I’m very, very transparent. To show my true colors, I always stay true to myself.”

As Kaila Estrada believes, it all boils down to staying true to who you are.

However, some youngsters like Analain Salvador are still in the process of discovering their blueprint, “Right now, I really haven’t found my own self, like, kung ano ‘yung pagiging unique ko or ano ‘yung difference ko sa ibang tao. So, I feel like I’m still in the journey of finding my authenticity.” Well, with that kind of truthfulness, we can all agree that Analain is already showcasing authenticity.

Marlo Mortel defines authenticity through the way he relates to other people, “I keep [my authenticity] by being respectful and being grateful sa mga tao na nakakasama ko, and of course, sa friendship na ma-o-offer ko.”

Honesty breeds authenticity, imparts Janine Gutierrez, who’s all for speaking from the heart and being truthful with her words and actions. For Reign Parani, one way to embrace authenticity is by following her dreams, like how she strives to be a solo artist even if people expect her to be in a loveteam.

Meanwhile, It’s Showitme host Karylle equates authenticity to vulnerability, “It’s a bit hard. It’s also a mere willingness to share your heart.” And for Lassy, he honors his authenticity by staying happy and grounded and building genuine relationships.