Netizens react to Liza Soberano’s ‘This is Me’ vlog post
Netizens scrambled to get their two cents in on Liza Soberano’s latest YouTube vlog post “This is Me,” in which the 25-year-old actress opened up about wanting to take control of her career after years of “being told what to do, what to wear, what to say and what not to say” in order to protect a career that she “had no say in.”
In the vlog, Liza expressed how satisfying it is to finally be in control of her career.
“I’ve sacrificed my childhood, I’ve sacrificed my freedom, I’ve sacrificed my happiness to present Liza Soberano to the world and I think I’ve earned the right to finally be me, to finally be able to do things for me as Hope Soberano,” she said.
The actress’ full name is Hope Elizabeth Soberano, but she has gone by the name Liza Soberano throughout her career.
Liza was managed by ABS-CBN’s Star Magic for 11 years and was handled by writer/manager Ogie Diaz. Her “LizQuen” love team with actor Enrique Gil is one the most successful onscreen pairings in Philippine TV and Cinema. They starred in several movies and shows together such “Forevermore,” “Dolce Amore,” “Everyday I Love You” and “Alone Together.”
In June 2022, Liza signed James Reid’s record label, Careless Music, since June 2022.
Liza said she “loves” how James and his team “respected” her vision and intelligence as she did theirs.
She is aware that her decision to change management shocked many, but she explains that it was the first career choice she had made for herself.
“I struggled with how some people were disappointed and upset with my decision, and even started doubting myself. Many thought I had changed, but that wasn’t changed. It was in fact the first real choice I made for myself,” she said.
“I asked them what the plan was for me and they said I don’t know. You tell us. We’re here to support whatever your dreams are. That’s when I knew I had found my team,” the actress said.
“I had been approached by so many different management companies before, and it was the first time any of them had asked me what I wanted, what made me happy,” Liza continued.
The actress admitted that the COVID-pandemic has allowed her to pause and take stock of her professional life.
“The pandemic was the first time in my life where I was allowed to stop and be still. This forced me think: I didn’t have a childhood nor did I have the chance to grow and become an adult on my own terms,” she added.
“I had always been told what to do, what to wear, what to say and what not to say. I know this was for my own good. It was to protect me and my career, but it was a career that I had no say in. A career that in many ways wasn’t mine. I didn’t even choose the name ‘Liza.’ It was chosen for me,” Liza continued.
The actress clarified that she was not telling a story because of bitterness or regret and that she had her realizations during the pandemic, when she found herself at the crossroads of her life.
“In fact, it’s the opposite. It’s a story about growth and gratitude. At 24 years old, I was finally given the choice to decide my own path,” Liza said in her vlog.
Soberano continued that she has embarked on a new chapter where she has the final say about everything she engages in.
“I’ve embarked on a fresh new chapter, and I’m finally taking control of my life, pursuing dreams that I’ve always had to hold off. It’s exciting, terrifying, anxiety-filled, and confusing, but what I know for sure is that for the first time, I’m finally living my life for me,” she said.
Liza’s vlog post went immediately viral and sent netizens in a commenting frenzy. Many applauded the actress for speaking out and taking control of her life despite the backlash. Some blamed the country’s obsession with love teams and the industry’s relentless, money-driven desire to give what the fans want, notwithstanding it leaves talents feeling “boxed in.”
On the other hand, some netizens called Liza an ingrate for speaking out about how her previous management handled her career. They say the actress owes her success to being part of a loveteam that made movies in the romance genre and that she should be grateful for it. Others also say that Liza willingly accepted the projects without being arm-twisted about them.
