Now 18, Sofia Pablo wants to become independent

Sofia Pablo has entered a new milestone in her life. And that is being of legal age and becoming a young woman.

Surrounded by family and friends, the Sparkle GMA Artist Center actress celebrated her 18th birthday on April 20 in a five-star hotel with a Hawaiian tropical paradise theme.

Three days prior to the event and seven days after her actual birthday (April 10), Sofia met up with some media friends and generously entertained their inquiries.

“Now that I’m 18, I also want to explore more challenging love stories with Aki,” she responded to a question asked by The STAR during the press conference. “I’m excited to explore more different romance projects with Aki.”

“Aki” is Sofia and her perennial onscreen partner Allen Ansay’s pet name for each other.

Sofia’s potential in acting was seen in the Kapuso “Afternoon Prime” drama, “Prima Donnas,” and her tandem with Allen in “Raya Sirena,” the “Regal Studio Presents” episode, and the weekend mini-series.

For Sofia, she considered the primetime series, “LUV Is: Caught in His Arms,” a career milestone for her and Allen, also known as Team Jolly.

“It was my first project with Aki wherein we were the lead (stars) and it was really successful,” shared she. “In a way, we were able to show that we could be the next generation’s love team. I’m really proud of ‘LUV Is: Caught in His Arms’ because it was really nice and I can proudly say na maganda po talaga siya, ang dami naming napa-kilig, ang daming sumuporta (that it was really nice, a lot of viewers fell in love with the show, and many supported it) even the original readers of the book.” The TV series was adapted from the hit Wattpad web novel.

During the same media event, Sofia said that she wanted to change her “pa-bebe” or cute, “tweetums” image.

In life, Sofia’s achievement is being a good daughter to her mom, who’s a source of inspiration to her, and always present in every step she takes, showbiz journey-wise.

“My goal is to become independent,” she said in the same interview. “I’m very dependent on my mom since I’m really a mommy’s girl. Mas gusto ko rin na hindi ko na siya masyadong i-stress-sin, like I’m very shy and tell her, ‘Mommy, tulungan mo ‘ko.’ (I want not to stress my mom with my work).” But Sofia will definitely seek her mom’s wisdom in key career decisions.

Her years in the entertainment industry have given Sofia the opportunity to meet established actors, see them work on set, and gain insights about her craft.

“In showbiz, you’ll learn a lot because every day you meet and deal with different people,” said she. “What I’ve learned (let’s say) from all the veteran actors that I’ve worked with is always respect your co-actors. (Another thing is) always keep your feet on the ground… ang daming magaling umarte, pero hindi lahat madaling makasama (many are really good at acting, but not all can get along with others). They believe that (having good) attitude is more important than talent. Yung talent ma-ho-hone yun, but yung ugali yun na talaga yun (talent can be honed, but changing one’s attitude takes some time).”

Sofia added that respect should also be given to all and an actor should never belittle anyone.

As for her investments, Sofia has already built a house for her family and purchased a car, GAC Motor GS3 Emzoom R-Style. She also wishes to have a bigger house somewhere in Quezon City, where her work is located. It’s going to be easy for Sofia and her mom to attend meetings and be on taping set.

As everybody knows, Sofia looked every inch of a happy, pretty debutante in purple AJ Javier gown. In a téte-a-téte with media friends, she shared that she was very hands-on with the different aspects of her birthday party such as the theme, the menu, and production numbers. Hers was a memorable and no-frills kind of celebration.

Her goals were to have fun and to feel comfortable. Sofia was seen wearing a gown first and then in a cocktail dress. Instead of having the 18 roses, she had 18 TikTok dances and received 18 tropical flowers from male friends.

“I just always want to do what I want,” said she in the group interview. “Having your 18th birthday only happens once. Every year, you have your birthday. I want it to be memorable in a way I really want it to be. I want a tropical Hawaiian (theme) since I was young malapit na ang heart ko sa dagat (the sea has had a special place in my heart).”

Proof to that is her Raya Sirena character and playing such a character is a dream come true to Sofia.

In a previous interview, she recalled, “Since I was like six or seven, I’ve been doing mermaid swimming (or swimming) with a mermaid tail. Pangarap ko po talaga dati na magkaroon ng mermaid show. I’m used to it at hindi ako nahihirapan. It’s actually my expertise when it comes to swimming… It’s my dream role.”

The available snapshots and reels from her birthday party showed that Sofia’s vision and wish of a Hawaiian tropical paradise-theme were fulfilled.

Some of her fellow Kapuso stars who were spotted in Sofia’s birthday included Allen Ansay, Anjay Anson, Ashley Ortega, Beauty Gonzalez, Bruce Roeland, Carla Abellana, Dominic Ochoa, Kate Valdez, Kimson Tan, Miguel TanFelix, Mikee Quintos, Radson Flores, Wendell Ramos, and Ysabel Ortega.