Andrea Brillantes is *officially* starring in the upcoming series Drag You and Me, where she’ll play the role of Betty, an LGBTQIA+ ally also known by her drag name “Valentine Royale.” While the Gen Z star has acted in several teleseryes before, what makes this one different is the fact that it’ll be her first show in years without a love team partner.

“[At first], nahirapan ako maging solo artist kasi simula [13 or 15] pa ako, meron na akong love team. Lagi [kong] kaibigan yung love team ko. Simula noong 15 ako, naging boyfriend ko rin yung ka-love team ko,” she says in a recent interview, revealing that she initially *struggled* to act without an onscreen partner.

“Iba kasi yung dynamics kapag in a relationship ka with your partner. Parang it’s not work eh, para kang may date araw-araw. Tas yung staff na kasama ko dun sa ‘Kadenang Ginto’ is kasama ko na sa lahat ng shows ko, 15 years old pataas.”

According to the actress, Drag You and Me is the first show in which she hasn’t worked with the cast and staff before. “It’s fun to be with new people. Nakaka-work ko ang mga legends and marami akong natututunan sa kanila. It’s a first, pero set na ako dito. I’m loving the solo era. I’m loving it,” she says.

“Mas madami kasi akong nagagawa ngayon, and bago siya. Iba yung gaan na meron kang kasamang new sa work. Iba yung power na nabibigay niya sayo, tsaka feel ko na mas independent ako. Masaya siya.” Aww! We’re so excited for you, Blythe!