Growth is paramount, leading to an independence evolved with guts and glory. Many experience growth off-screen and off-camera: from the silent self-reflection during solitary walks, to the subtle maturation seen in intimate conversations with loved ones, and even in the unspoken lessons learned through pursuits like art. But not everyone emerges as a solo act. Few embody an independent force as profoundly as Kathryn Bernardo.

^{MEGA Editor-in-Chief Peewee Reyes-Isidro and Kathryn Bernardo}

During one of the days of her shoot in El Nido for her magazine comeback, Kathryn Bernardo recently sat down for an intimate chat with MEGA Editor-in-Chief Peewee Reyes-Isidro. On pink and orange rattan furniture, our April 2024 cover star divulged personal anecdotes and insights. She embraces change, asserts their independence, and thrives with the shifting tides of stardom.

Not a Passenger, but a Captain

Among the five issues she’s graced for MEGA— one of which boasted six covers—Bernardo holds a special place in her heart for the Making MEGA Iceland issue from September 2016. Describing it as “memorable and iconic”, she reminisced about the breathtaking shoot of Iceland, lensed by the acclaimed Mark Nicdao. “Sobrang memorable ‘yan,” she fondly recalled, highlighting how the experience left her frostbitten with memories. “Hindi ko ‘yon makakalimutan.”

^{MEGA September 2016 Issue}

^{The 2016 cover was shot in Iceland}

^{Kathryn Bernardo’s solo MEGA Cover}

Yet, she loved the representation of the current cover: about a girl stuck on an island after a shipwreck. “Sabi ko, ‘Oh my, God, that’s perfect’, because I associated myself as a ship,” she enthused. Although not the girl depicted, she empathizes with the ship, but far from being a wreck. “The ship has been through a lot of storms lately,” she shared. With a proud smile, however, she assures, “But then, the ship survived.” She opens a revelation, steering clear of the turbulent waters of uncertainty: “I’m just so happy because I used to be a passenger of that ship; now, I feel like I’m the captain of my ship.”

Embracing Local Designers

“It’s so nice because all of the pieces are local Filipino designers,” Kathryn expressed her admiration for local Filipino creativity, particularly in fashion. She commends the decision by MEGA to feature pieces exclusively from Filipino designers, emphasizing the need to champion our homegrown talent. On the issue, Bernardo wears Bonita Penaranda, Neric Beltran, Cherry Veric, Rob Ortega, Agua Brazilian, Herwin Carzoda, and Rey Calajate.
^{Kathryn Bernardo wears a dress by BONITA PENARANDA}
“I love supporting local brands and local designers,” she affirmed the significance of promoting Filipino craftsmanship on an international platform. “We’re promoting the Philippines; might as well wear the pieces from our very talented Filipino designers.” Nonetheless, they are irreplaceable.

Reflections on the Core of Her Being

Venturing into more profound terrain, Bernardo reflects on the concept of purpose, a notion she finds both intricate and intimate, complex and personal.  At 28, she contemplates the multifaceted roles she plays in life, particularly as a daughter to her mother. “I want to give my family the best life there is,” she shared earnestly, revealing her deep-seated desire to share her blessings and accomplishments with her loved ones.

Speaking with sincerity, Bernardo signifies her strong familial bonds and the intrinsic motivation to enrich the lives of those closest to her. Her perspective on purpose becomes more than an obligation, encompassing her sense of choice and devotion to her family. It’s a sentiment that encapsulates her grounded nature amidst the glitz of showbiz. “Because I want to share everything with my family,” she explained. “I want to share my milestones, all my successes and failures with my family kasi yan yung core ko.”
^{Kathryn Bernardo is now the captain of her own ship and she is stirring it in the direction she wants}
The April 2024 cover star’s candid revelations offer a glimpse into the heart and soul of a young woman matured in front of our eyes, portraying a multitude of characters on-screen, and embodying the vulnerable roles of her life. From her early days as a promising young talent to her current status as a revered actress, Bernardo’s trajectory symbolizes the confident stride of a self-assured woman in an industry defined by fleeting fame—marked by substance over superficiality, wit over whimsy, and talent over trendiness. Kathryn Bernardo becomes beauty personalized and personified, a character growth through a much-needed story arc, epitomizing the woman she is today: brimming with choices, overflowing with possibilities, full of self-love.