MANILA, Philippines - “Sana pagkatapos ko manganak, I will be back,” Melissa Ricks said when asked if she was scared of losing her showbiz career because of her pregnancy.
In an interview with ABS-CBN's showbiz talk show “The Buzz” on Sunday, August 3, Melissa said: “I was scared na this will probably take more than a year and a half, this whole process—having the baby, losing the weight.”
“But I believe na I've worked really hard to get this far and I have the talent. And hindi man ako ang pinakamagaling, I always do my best,” she added.
READ: Melissa Ricks is pregnant
Melissa, via ABS-CBN's talent management arm Star Magic, confirmed her pregnancy last week.
The father of Melissa's child is her non-showbiz boyfriend.
“It's such a different feeling. It's a huge responsibility. Nakakatakot, nakakanerbiyos, but I'm very happy,” Melissa said of her pregnancy.
She found out she was carrying a baby seven weeks into her pregnancy.
Melissa admitted feeling scared on what people would say about her pregnancy, particularly because no one knew she was in a relationship. “And feeling ko nasira yung mga plano para sa akin, baka ma-disappoint sila sa akin. But it turned out everyone was happy for me,” Melissa shared.
READ: ‘The baby is a blessing’
The 24-year-old actress revealed she did not know how her parents would react, but they were supportive of Melissa's pregnancy. “I really expected a different reaction and I'm thankful na tinanggap nila,” she said.
She said her boyfriend has met her father. Melissa's mother, meanwhile, is currently based in the United States with her siblings.
“I just want the baby to be very proud, very proud of me, very proud of her dad. I'm excited to see the baby. I just want the baby to grow up to be a good person, to be happy. Sana ma-provide namin lahat ng kailangan niya,” Melissa said of her pregnancy. “Sobrang laking responsibility talaga. But I'm happy na I was blessed with a baby.”
She added, “Maybe it's exactly what I need.”