Ella shares self-love journey

MANILA, Philippines — Ella Cruz shared how feelings of insecurity had once taken a toll on every aspect of her life — from her physical and emotional well-being to her work performance.

Her height became a source of inadequacy and negative thoughts about herself as a “lesser beauty,” adversely affecting her self-esteem.

“And when I was just starting (in showbiz), my skin wasn’t flawless,” Ella said during the virtual presscon for the film Gluta, set to premiere on July 2 on Vivamax. “But growing up, I realized that we have something unique, that we are talented at meron tayong kanya-kanyang kagandahan.”

The Viva talent has learned to slowly stop entertaining her inner critic and to instead focus her energy on her unique gifts.

“I accepted the fact na merong mas maganda sa akin, at siguro mas maganda s’ya pero ako mas magaling akong sumayaw. I’ve proven to myself that I’m also blessed. Dati rin, I was wondering why I didn’t have much magazine covers kasi siguro hindi pang magazine cover yung mukha ko.”

As she learned to embrace herself and her flaws, this also created positive changes in her work.

“I’ve got more projects so iba naman na blessings for me. I have awards that also validated that I’m doing great,” added Ella, winner of the 2019 Cinemalaya Best Supporting Actress award for her acting performance in Edward.

Portraying the character of Angel in Gluta taught her more about self-love. She knows now that comparing oneself to others is a self-destructing act.

In Gluta, written and directed by Darryl Yap, Ella’s character Angel is an Aeta who has always dreamed of becoming a beauty title-holder in spite of all the discouragements and ridicule she’s been getting because of her skin color. Ella keeps telling herself that she is beautiful, and that one day, she can prove to her detractors that she can win in a beauty contest.

Since a beauty pageant is about to be held in her school, Angel’s name is included as a candidate because of the malicious intent of her schoolmates. Angel’s crush Bambino (played by Marco Gallo), also starts to show interest in her. Unfortunately, Bambino is just being used by mean girl Lovely (Rose Van Ginkel).

As people try harder to bring her down, the more Angel stands proud of her beauty and identity. Angel knows she must stay focused on the Miss University pageant where her confidence will ultimately be put to the test.

Ella said it was Viva top honcho Vic del Rosario himself who informed her about the project to be directed by Darryl. She was hesitant “because I was also offered to play a role in Pag Laki Ko, Gusto Ko Maging Pornstar before also with direk Darryl. So, I was thinking baka ganun din na hindi ako bagay sa Pornstar (laughs).”

But after being told about the storyline, Ella agreed and felt excited to start shooting the comedy-drama movie not because it’s her first time to be directed by Darryl but also because of the lessons Gluta will bring to the audience about the true color of happiness.

“This is just not a message for the Aetas or dark-skinned (individuals). We are not saying that they are not beautiful but this is for everyone. If we are not confident enough, this movie is perfect because all of us have insecurities. This will encourage them to accept that each of us is beautiful and talented na kung hindi man ma-appreciate ng iba, at least learn to appreciate yourself.”

She continued, “We have to learn to embrace our flaws in order to excel. Siguro, kung bata ka, acceptable pa ‘yun kinukumpara mo sarili mo sa iba pero growing up, you need to know how to heal that part, how to handle that part because if we keep on comparing ourselves to others, we can’t be contented with what we are blessed with. Me, I’ve learned to embrace myself more and now, I am happy with myself even if I have imperfections because they make me perfect.”

Gluta stars Arlene Muhlach, Juliana Parizcova Segovia, Loren Montemayor and Jobelyn Marie Manuel.

(Vivamax is available online at web.vivamax.net subscribe via Google Play Store and App Store, with Vivamax vouchers available on Shopee and Lazada.)