From Child Star to Family Provider: Andrea Brillantes Shares Untold Sacrifices
ANDREA BRILLANTES – Actress Andrea Brillantes may have looked like a carefree child star on television, but behind the cameras, she was already carrying a responsibility far bigger than her age.
Andrea Brillantes bravely revisited one of the most challenging chapters of her life as she opened up about growing up as her family’s breadwinner at a very young age. During her guest appearance on the Painfully Human Podcast with Edward Barber, the actress shared how carrying adult responsibilities as a child deeply affected her emotionally and mentally.
Andrea revealed that she became the main provider for her family while she was still trying to understand her own situation. Despite being active on television, her income as a young actress was far from enough to sustain her family’s needs. She recalled moments when she had to ask for help just to ensure that her siblings could continue their education, a burden that weighed heavily on her as a child.
Andrea Brillantes also shared how she reached out to her father’s side of the family for financial assistance, admitting that the responsibility placed on her shoulders was simply overwhelming at that age. What made the situation even more painful were the assumptions made by people around her. Because she appeared on TV and had a lead role, many believed she was already wealthy and did not need help.
Andrea explained that these comments hurt deeply because they failed to recognize the reality she was facing behind the scenes. She emphasized that people only saw her success on screen, not the pressure, fear, and uncertainty she carried off camera. At the time, she admitted she was not emotionally prepared to handle such a heavy role in her family.
Looking back now, Andrea shared that it took years of growth and sacrifice before she felt strong enough to manage that level of responsibility. While she believes she can handle it better today, she acknowledged that the journey was long and difficult, spanning more than a decade.
“Ako talaga ’yung breadwinner ng family… May times na nanghihingi pa rin ako ng tuition para sa mga kapatid ko kasi ang hirap, 10 years old ka, tapos ito lang din ’yung kinikita ko.
Tapos kailangan kong buhayin ’yung buong pamilya ko, so hihingi din ako sa part, sa dad’s side ko.
‘Di ba, artista ka na? Mayaman ka na? Ba’t ka pa hihingi sa amin?’ Yun ’yung sasabihin nila sa ’kin kasi dahil lang nagkaroon ako ng isang bida show…
Hindi ko pa kaya noon, hindi talaga. Siguro ngayon pero it took me, what? 13 years.”
Through her story, Andrea shed light on the unseen struggles of child actors and the resilience it takes to survive and grow beyond them.
READ ALSO: Andrea Brillantes Welcomes 2026 w/ Rumored Non-Showbiz BF at BGC Countdown