Glaiza & the women she looks up to

International Women’s Day may be over but we shouldn’t limit celebrating women to just one day in the year.

Glaiza de Castro credits the many women in her life — her mother, aunts, teachers, friends, church mates, former classmates and even the Spice Girls — for who she is today. Topping the list of this 30-year-old Kapuso actress is her hard-working mother.

“The hard work my mother put into providing for the family was different from the traditional way of thinking that a woman’s place is in the home,” she said.

Glaiza also grew up with her aunts who helped her get into a performing arts school. “They played a big part in forming who I am today.”

Her three sisters were also an integral part of her formative years. “We grew up together, I saw them blossom into young women until they started their own families. I witnessed their struggles giving birth and raising their kids, which is why I am working hard to secure my future. They were — and still are — my guide in my decision-making.”

Aside from her relatives, Glaiza relies on her three best friends from high school whom she describes as her support group.

With her family

One incident in preschool, however, is forever lodged in her memory. “I had a classmate in kindergarten who would pull my hair. I couldn’t understand why he was hurting me. Even then I knew it was wrong, and I think it made me want to stand up for something. I didn’t know anything about ‘feminism’ then but until now, I still think about him and hope he’s okay.”

This willingness to forgive and to look on the bright side of things has likewise helped form who she is now. In high school, Glaiza went through a “dark phase” but realized that by helping other people in small ways, and looking beyond whatever sadness she was going through, she was able to emerge on the other side.

“I would prepare my mother’s clothes for the next day and place them on her bed, fix her a cup of coffee or bring her slippers; I felt happy doing these things.”

Now, she imparts this realization to other people including her 15-year-old niece who recently asked her for advice.

“She asked me if she should write things down when she feels lonely. I told her she should do whatever it takes to get over her sadness. She could sing, dance, write a song, play the guitar,” Glaiza said.

“I think a lot of young women go through these phases nowadays. That then is my message to these girls and young women: Do what you think will make you happy in a very creative way.”

Glaiza headlines the new Kapuso series, Contessa, which she considers a challenge and the fact that it comes after the success of Ika-6 na Utos. She is up for the challenge, however, as she strives for balance between work, exercise and quality time with family and friends.

She is also busy with her eponymously titled foundation whose advocacy is special education. Providing education and care for children with special needs is a goal close to Glaiza’s heart.