Andrea Brillantes savors action persona in ‘A Secret in Prague’

MANILA, Philippines — Andrea Brillantes savors the action-packed life of Chiara in “A Secret in Prague.” She embodies the empowered, tough cookie persona as she’s game to do the physically demanding scenes herself.

Asked by The STAR in a media interview to rate her experience as a female action lead star, with 10 as the highest, the actress-entrepreneur said, “I think it can go to 10 if maayos po siyang ma-execute (if the scene is properly executed), if with proper training, if maayos siyang magagawa (if it will be done well). Kasi ang saya niya talaga (since it’s really fun). At least for me, I personally enjoy it and would love to do more.”

She also shared during the presscon that she would do most of her action scenes, except for stunts like tumbling and front and back flips. But Andrea does scenes that also require jumping.

They have an action choreographer and an action director to guide the artists and supervise the execution.

“I guess gusto ko lang na talagang action, kaya baka magmumukhang natural (I just like doing action, that’s why everything looks natural),” said she. “Gusto ko lang, na-e-enjoy ko po talaga siyang gawin (I just like it, and I’m really enjoying it).”

Andrea also banks on her knowledge and interests in firing, martial arts and Muay Thai.

Andrea Brillantes is game to do the physically demanding scenes that being Chiara in ‘A Secret in Prague’ entails. It also shows her excitement and enjoyment in starring in the TV5 action-drama series. ‘I personally enjoy it and would love to do more,’ says she. The young actress is open to any roles for as long as the script and the working environment are good.

“Lahat (I like everything about it),” said she about the genre. “Nagugustuhan ko yung kung nahihirapan din ako. Nagugustuhan ko yung stunts na ako talaga gumagawa madalas (I like that I get to challenge myself and do the stunts myself).”

She would oftentimes ask to do the action scenes, but the team and the director would say not to and joke that they had more scenes to do. Andrea likes that her character is in fighting form and stance.

The team behind the TV action-drama series has brought the story from Prague to the Philippines and Hong Kong. There are also plans to make a return to Europe. This is perhaps for the key turning points of her and Enrique Gil’s characters, Chiara and Mikoy.

“Well, alam naman natin na laki sa Prague si Chiara at laki siyang yaman at ngayon naman madami na siyang matututunan dahil pinili na niyang magbago at matutong mamuhay ng simple (we know that my character grew up in Prague and comes from a rich family. Now, she has learned to live simply),” said she, “at meron din siyang pagdadaanan kung saan siya ay mamimili kung ano ang pinaka-importante sa buhay niya (She will also go through something that challenges her to decide what matters most in her life). Ang gusto niya ba o ang mahal niya? (Is it what she wants or what she loves?),” said Andrea about the character development of Chiara during the program proper for the event “Tara, Kapatid! 2026 Midyear Media & Trade Celebration.”

The TV5 network unveiled “more stories, more stars and more ways to watch,” as its invitation said. It also presented its “entertainment, news, public service, music and talent-driven programs.”

As for what else one can look forward to from her entertainment career, Andrea said she has a movie with Rein Entertainment. It is titled “Laya” and directed by Sigrid Andrea Bernardo.

Andrea (second from left) with Cedrick Juan, Monique Vazquez, Jericho del Rosario, Mark Ian Garcia and event host Dimples Romana.

Photo from the TV5’s Facebook page

She described the character as “darker,” adding that she is open to any roles “as long as the script is good at maganda yung environment (and the working environment is good). Kasundo ko lahat (and that I get along with everybody).”

“Basta maganda yung script, go. Game naman po ako, any talaga, basta maganda yung script (for as long as the script is interesting, I’m game),” added she.

Away from the klieg lights, Andrea also wears the hat of a CEO of the company Lucky Beauty, with a successful tale to tell.

“But of course, there’s still a lot to learn,” said she, “kasi bago pa naman din po talaga ang Lucky Beauty (since it’s still new). It’s only turning three years (old). So, it’s like a baby brand. But I enjoy the process. Now, I’ve learned a lot about doing business. I have become more aware and more responsible as a CEO. There are many lessons learned, which is really nice.”

In spite of her busy schedule, Andrea finds time for herself and loved ones.

“(It’s) very important po kasi sa akin na meron akong oras para sa sarili ko para hindi ako super na-overwhelm sa lahat po na nagagawa ko (to have ‘me time,’ so that I won’t get overwhelmed with what I’m doing). Me time with my special someone, with my friends, with my family. Lahat naman nabibigyan ko ng oras (I am able to give everyone time).”

That’s how Andrea gets to pursue her passions and enjoy her personal life. She savors the joys that work-life balance provides.