In her vlog, Liza opened up on the reality of show business as she introduced a more authentic era of her career
Stage names, love teams, curated career paths—these were (and still are) the three, tried, and tested ways to forge your way into the showbiz industry. For most of her journey in the limelight, Liza lived by these. But with growth came an epiphany, and for the actress, it was time to take charge.
Choosing to end February in a literal clean slate, Liza cleared her Instagram account and YouTube channel. Although some fans suspected a hack, it was actually part of her move to reintroduce herself. She then shared her own visual poem about a flower’s dream—a metaphor for the old her. “A cage is a cage—even with a gilded dream,” the actress wrote.
Making way for courage
Everyone, including fans and production staff, had their own thoughts on Liza’s life update-slash-explanation vlog. While people were studying the black, white, and even grey sides of her career move, there was one thing crystal clear—Liza was finally braver to speak up.
“I had always been told what to do, what to wear, what to say, and what not to say. I know this was for my own good. It was to protect me and my career, but it was a career that I had no say in. A career that, in many ways, wasn’t mine. I didn’t even choose the name Liza. It was chosen for me.”
Liza Soberano on her previous career path
The actress made it clear that addressing the path she had once taken was from growth and gratitude. This honesty, however, did not sit well with some names from Star Magic and ABS-CBN. We could only surmise the reasons behind those emotions.
Liza’s former manager Ogie Diaz also released his statement on the actress’ words. “Tandaan mo, anak. Narating mo ang fame hindi lang dahil sa’kin at sa suporta ng Star Magic at ABS-CBN at production staff. Dahil din ‘yan sa dedication mo sa trabaho. Dahil ‘yan sa’yo. Lahat ng ito, ng narating mo, pinaghirapan mo ‘yan, anak,” he said on his own vlog.
Meanwhile, Liza’s new manager James Reid said it simply as, “People will think you’re crazy when they don’t understand what you’re trying to do. So, I think, my advice to her would be to stick to her guns, stick to what she believes in. Eventually, when she turns around, she’ll find something she’s proud of.”
Courage surely did come with a price, but to Liza, this was a move that she made for herself—just the way she wanted.
Making way for Hope
After all that had been said and done, in whatever way people would choose to perceive Liza’s reintroduction, there’s hope brimming through her move.
Choosing to sign under a start-up and label known for mostly music, maybe Liza would also now explore singing and songwriting guided by Careless. Besides romance, drama, or comedy, could she be dabbling on action and horror soon? The truest of her fans are only waiting, and we are, too.
As supporters are and should be growing with their idols, Liza’s fans also understand the need to change the course in the place of discomfort. And while the feeling of wanting more does not come with the discredit for the years spent with a stage name, an on-screen partner, and a planned career path—for the actress, it’s time to find herself without those three things.
At the end of the day, there are stars who thrive staying in that course and not moving too far from it. Some choose to find their niche in a different genre, with another director, or without a love interest.
But one thing is for sure for people like Liza Soberano—they can be more and do more than the stereotypes and pairings. And once they realize that, there is no turning back. There is only hope, indeed, that once they step out into a new world, they are finally happy, free, and living on their own terms.
Featured image from LIZA SOBERANO (via Instagram)
