As we all know, stardom can be fleeting. While some stars eventually fade from the limelight after making it big, others manage to stay in the spotlight, grow with their audience, and prove that their star power can amazingly stand the test of time.
Among those who have managed to do so is Alexa Ilacad, who enthusiastically opened up about staying relevant in the industry after so many years, evolving both as an individual and an artist, and glowing up into the beautiful woman she is today alongside fellow former child star, "Pinoy Big Brother" alumna, and "Miss Behave" co-star Xyriel Manabat.
The two actresses shared these insights during their joint guesting on the latest episode of the ABS-CBN Studios vodcast "Hello Outside World," hosted by Bianca Gonzalez and Esnyr Ranollo.
On how being a PBB housemate and host changed her perspective in life
During her remarkable stint on the reality show, Alexa, who was given the moniker "Ang Smartista Unica Hija ng Pasig," emerged as one of the standout housemates of "PBB Kumunity Season 10," which aired in 2021. The season also featured beauty queen Samantha Bernardo, professional volleyball player Alyssa Valdez, and actor Albie Casiño.
Although Alexa was often nominated during her time in the house and fell short of making it to the Big 4, this did not stop her from earning the continued support of fans who had closely followed her journey. Years later, she returned to the program in a different capacity—as one of its hosts, earning the moniker “Gen Z Bestie ni Kuya.”
When asked by Esnyr how her perspective had changed from being a housemate to becoming a host, as well as what she found different about the two experiences, Alexa revealed that it made her realize how easy it is for people to judge others without really knowing what they are going through.
She explained, "Sabi ko nga, nang naging host ako, syempre nagbabasa na po ng mga comment, nanonood na rin ako, tapos nakikita ko kung paano naju-judge 'yong mga housemates. Mas naging open-minded ako, saka mas naging understanding ako, mas lumawak 'yong pang-unawa ko, at pakikisama ko sa ibang tao. Parang mas iniintindi ko na sila—na hindi lang ako 'yong dumadaan sa situation na 'to, ma ibang tao rin."
On how PBB helped her reintroduce and reinvent herself
As not all child stars successfully make the transition into adulthood, Bianca expressed her admiration for Alexa and Xyriel for continuing to thrive in the industry, book projects, and strive to be the best at their craft. With this in mind, Bianca asked the two actresses whether becoming PBB housemates helped them in their respective journeys, particularly because the experience allowed them to reintroduce themselves to a new generation of viewers.
For Alexa, the answer was a complete yes.
Having previously been told that she did not seem to cater to the masses and was difficult to reach—a sentiment Bianca could relate to, having also been perceived as too intellectual—Alexa also faced assumptions that she was mean or arrogant because of her serious RBF, or "resting b*tch face." Her PBB stint, however, gave viewers the opportunity to see a more authentic side of her.
"Of course po, it's a big help din. At saka naging joke na nga rin po na kapag gusto mong sumikat kaagad, pumasok ka lang sa Bahay and it will catapult you kung saan-saan. And I experienced that firsthand because when I got out of the house, nag-iba 'yong mundo ko," she stated.
She further elaborated, "I'm not saying na naging superstar ako or anything, but it changed a lot in my life. Ang daming naging bagong tao, 'yong mga supporters. Nagkaroon din syempre ng ibang premium kapag nasabi na nakapasok ka sa loob. And it also helped me reinvent myself in a different way na mas nakilala ako ng mga tao."
Through her everyday exposure on the reality show, Alexa was able to reintroduce herself to people who were either meeting her for the first time or who have heard of her for a while now. In doing so, she gave viewers a different perspective of who she was and allowed them to get to know her on a deeper level.
On what advice she wishes to impart to fellow youth, aspiring artists
Since the episode centered on the theme "Bata, Bata, Paano Mo Nagawa," Bianca asked the two promising young actresses about the biggest life lessons they wished to impart to viewers, particularly the younger generation and aspiring artists who are still finding their footing and learning how to grow, evolve, and bloom.
For Alexa, her answer echoed the advice she shared during the Star Magical Prom 2026 last June 26, when she was asked what she would tell young people who also aspire to become artists.
"Don’t confuse your value with validation. 'Cause I feel like that’s something I struggled a lot with growing up in the industry, growing up in front of everyone, tapos in this age of social media pa. It’s so easy to get lost in what other people say about you, even if they don’t know you. Maniniwala ka sa kanila na 'baka tama nga sila na ganito ako, ganyan.'"
She continued, "So, if you know yourself, kung alam mo kung sino ka talaga, what you stand for, what you fight for, mas hindi ka masyadong mahihirapan ma-confuse 'yong value mo with validations. Kasi hindi naman sa validation lumalabas 'yong galing mo eh—it’s on how you treat other people, it’s with your talents, kung sino ka nga talaga. 'Yon 'yong magle-leave ng lasting impression in this industry."
Alexa went on to reveal that she constantly reminds herself that while people in the entertainment industry may be highly valuable, they are also replaceable. Whenever she finds herself tempted to believe that she is the best, she reminds herself that she is not indispensable. If she is unavailable, someone else can always take her place.
Far from being discouraging, this mindset helps Alexa maintain a healthy perspective on her career while balancing her work, personal life, and family. For her, beyond the glitz and glamour of showbiz, it is her core values that ultimately matter most.
Watch the PBB alums share fun stories, valuable perspectives, and amusing conversations with hosts Bianca Gonzalez and Esnyr in “Hello Outside World,” with full episodes now streaming on the ABS-CBN Entertainment YouTube Channel.
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