Actress, host, endorser: Alex Gonzaga talks about never giving up on life goals

MANILA, Philippines — What does success mean to you? Is it defined by your bank account? Your possessions? Your career? Or perhaps your social media status?

Our versions of success vary from one person to another, and this may even change depending on where one is in life.

To actress and YouTube phenomenon Alex Gonzaga, success remains to be a continuous process. 

As one of the most sought-after actresses and social media personalities today, can you define success and how do you think you have or have not achieved this as a vlogger, TV host and actress?

Alex Gonzaga: Success for me is knowing who you are and not changing it. It is expressing your authentic self—‘yong wala kang kailangan i-fake. In my 12 years of being in this industry, I learned you can’t be saying yes to other people, but then say no to yourself. For me, what matters most is that I find peace and contentment; and that’s how I feel with what I do now.

What are your struggles in going after these goals?

AG: We’re all a work in progress and there are flaws that you think you have to change. Ako nagkaroon ako ng struggle na I needed to change something. I thought I needed to change myself to be accepted. I was being compared to my sister. I tried doing things her way and then it got to a point na I go to work pero hindi ko na-enjoy. Opinionated kasi ako. As an employee, I would voice out my opinion, but I had to hold back. What’s accepted for other people is what they see in my sister; but this is me, and I have my own persona. I didn’t feel like I was needed in the same field she’s in.

Feeling that way, I took a step back. I took my time, nag-reflect ako for a year and a half. It was like a pause for me. During that time, I asked myself questions like, “What’s wrong? Bakit ganito yung nangyayari? Why do I feel like I’m putting my life to waste?” Other than that, I had this tendency na tumingin sa blessings ng kapwa ko more than mine. I was done fighting for my worth and value.

How did you deal with these struggles?

AG: I reassessed myself. Pinag-aralan ko sarili ko, yung ugali ko at intentions ko—then I found acceptance. Sometimes the enemy is really yourself. It goes back to the way you handle life, your struggles and pain, your work and career. Hindi pala binibigay sa’yo yung gusto mo kasi hindi ka pa handa.

Life is meant to be experienced and all about experimenting. Find something where you’ll be most comfortable. It took me years before I found mine. That’s why thankful talaga ako—in this digital world, people can express and be more themselves freely.

Through vlogging, I found my voice, and an audience that accepts me. Yes, ginusto ko maging movie star, concert performer, but I am happy where I am now. You have to be at peace with who you are and what you are without comparing yourself to other people. 

Are there habits/aspirations in life that you believe help you continuously pursue this busy and active lifestyle?

AG: Importante for me to realign and recharge with my family. Sa industriya kasi, madaming sinasabi mga tao. That’s why its important na I have my family that grounds me. In my career, I always do the best I can. Happy ako where I am but firm believer ako na the best is yet to come.

Vitamilk, satisfying #Pagud-tom

This 2019, Vitamilk celebrates the launch of its new campaign that highlights its ability to satisfy #Pagud-tom, especially as millennials brave hectic and busy schedules every day.

With vlogger, actress and endorser Alex Gonzaga at the forefront, the brand gives a fresh, new perspective on how to get yourself that quick and healthy break to recharge so that you’re ready to go back to the kind of hustle that gives personal fulfillment. 

Vitamilk is a great source of protein and potassium. It has all-natural ingredients and uses non-GMO soybeans. It is available in five different flavors: Original, Choco Shake, Energy, Double Choco Shake and Banana.