Andrea Brillantes recently sparked online discussions after a teaser of her bathtub scene with Jake Cuenca in FPJ’s Batang Quiapo was released, marking her first intimate scene on television.

Speaking to ABS-CBN News during the second anniversary of her makeup brand Lucky Beauty, Brillantes admitted she had reservations before filming the scene.

“It was difficult, behind the scenes. It was difficult for me being Blythe, but Andrea Brillantes, wala masyadong problema—it’s her job and it’s her work,” she said, referring to her real name.

Brillantes shared that she sought counsel multiple times before ultimately deciding to go through with it. “Ang daming doubt, dapat ko bang gawin ito? Is now the time for this? Ang daming questions, ilang beses ako nagpa-counsel. Sabi ko, ‘Lord please guide me.’ Nagawa ko siya and thankful ako sa mga reactions ng mga tao.”

Initially, she expected strong backlash from fans but was surprised by the understanding responses. “Mas nag-expect ako ng mga violent reactions mula sa mga tao, wala actually. Ang daming nakaintindi na it’s part of my work,” she said, adding, “It’s my job as an actress.”

Determined to establish herself as a versatile performer, she emphasized the importance of taking on challenging roles. “Kine-claim ko kasi ang pagiging versatile actress ko. I can’t claim my versatility if I cannot do roles like this.”

The scene, which features Brillantes in red lingerie and a mask while Cuenca lies in the bathtub, was handled with sensitivity, she noted. “Ako ay nagpapasalamat kay Kuya Jake. Nagpapasalamat ako sa buong staff, kay Direk. Minemake-sure nila na nasa safe space ako, na safe space ito and I don’t feel violated or exploited. I don’t feel offended in any way. Lagi akong sinasabihan ni Kuya Jake na, ‘Let me know if hindi ka comfy.’”

She admitted feeling slightly awkward at first, recalling that she had worked with Cuenca when she was just 14 years old. “Medyo awkward ng konti lang kasi ‘kuya-kuya’ ko siya… Tinawanan na lang namin pero kasi parehas kaming aktor.”

Aside from acting, Brillantes continues to balance her career with her role as CEO of Lucky Beauty. Managing both worlds hasn’t been easy, especially with the restrictions on using phones on set. “Bawal mag-phone sa set ng Batang Quiapo, I cannot not use my phone ‘cause nandun lahat ng trabaho ko, nandun yung Lucky Beauty. Ang hirap lang pag may pinagsasabay.”

Despite the challenges, she remains passionate about both endeavors. “Honestly, hindi talaga ako nahihirapan sa trabaho ko, kasi gusto ko talaga yung ginagawa ko,” she said.

Running a business has been a learning experience, but Brillantes is embracing every moment. “It’s fun ‘coz I really love makeup and I love what I do. And I love the people in my work, I love my partners. Pero it’s also hard, ‘coz I’m not just a CEO, I’m also an actress, I’m also the breadwinner, it’s a lot of things. Pero masaya ako.”