Awra Briguela opens up on gender transition, model inspo for rhinoplasty
MANILA, Philippines — Actress-comedienne Awra Briguela opened up about her gender transition and the physical changes she has undergone since beginning the process earlier this year.
During her guest appearance on “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda” on August 7, Awra shared that she started consulting an endocrinologist and taking hormones as part of her transition into a transgender woman.
“What I mean by that po, this year nag-start po akong mag-consult sa endocrinologist, sa tamang pag-inom po ng hormones po and kasama din po 'yung physical transformation ko po. Hindi lang po sa pag-transition ko into transgender woman po,” she said.
One of the first procedures Awra underwent was rhinoplasty, a surgical procedure to alter or enhance the shape of the nose.
Awra clarified, however, that having the procedure was not driven by insecurity about her appearance.
Instead, she said she realized that changing the shape of her nose could enhance her overall facial features, which led her to consider the procedure carefully.
“Kaya matagal ko rin po siyang pinag-isipan at pinag-desisyunan po na 'yung magiging first surgery ko po ever is 'yung ilong ko,” she said.
Awra admitted that she was surprised by how quickly she saw the results after the surgery.
“Super amazed po ako kasi hindi po ako namaga or wala po akong — first week pa lang po nakita ko na po agad na medyo okay-okay na po siya,” she said.
“Pero in just two weeks po, and even now na one month na siya, maganda po 'yung resulta kaya super thankful po talaga ako na naging maayos po 'yung resulta,” she added.
Lookalikes
Awra also revealed that Spanish model Cindy Kimberly served as her inspiration for her rhinoplasty.
Because of her new look, Awra said she did not expect people to compare her to personalities, such as Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray and content creator Kendra Kramer.
The actress said the positive reactions to her transformation gave her an added boost in confidence and reassured her that she made the right decision.
When Boy asked how much other people's opinions matter to her, Awra said she does not rely heavily on outside validation.
For Awra, what matters more are the opinions of the people who genuinely know and care for her, particularly her family and close friends.
She emphasized that she chooses to listen to the people who have been part of her life and understand her beyond her public image.
RELATED: 'Face card: Updated': Awra Briguela undergoes nose job
