The Alibi actress Sofia Andres opened up about the pressure and perceptions surrounding women in the entertainment industry, particularly the idea that they are often made to compete against each other.
In an interview with Hot Takes, Sofia addressed how conflict and rivalry are often amplified in show business, not necessarily by the personalities involved, but by public perception and audience expectations.
For her, staying grounded in her own truth has become her anchor amid the noise.
“I think as long as I know my truth, I don’t have to really mind those things. I don’t really have to focus on it. In showbiz, I think that’s really really normal. They would always want an issue, that’s how they get entertained. Especially most of our audience love the drama.”
Sofia was asked whether she had experienced dealing with assumptions about having a feud with another actress; however, she did not confirm nor deny it. Nonetheless, she pointed out how social media can intensify assumptions, where even the simplest posts can be misinterpreted.
“Every time we post or every time we do something on social media, there will always be a meaning. We cannot control that. That's their own opinion. For me, I know my truth and it’s not really important for me if it’s not making sense. They don’t know these celebrities. They don’t know them personally so they can say whatever they want.”
She also expressed frustration over the persistent belief that genuine friendships cannot exist among celebrities, particularly among women.
“In how I see it, hindi nila papansinin yung mga ginawa mong maganda. They always focus on something negative. We don’t have to explain ourselves to people [who] don’t really know what’s happening in real life.
“It’s just tiring that they always think that way na ‘hindi sinusuportahan ng isang woman ang another woman’. I think we need to get more people or women to spread the word. Parang kulang yan,” she continued.
Reflecting on her personal journey, Sofia admitted that forming genuine friendships in showbiz has been rare.
“I would say it’s very rare. I mean, I’ve been through a lot, it’s very rare. That’s why I had a hard time in showbiz because I feel like I would open myself right away to people kasi I feel like we are all in the same situation, business, so we have to love each other, support each other. But no, it’s still a competition. At the end of the day, it’s still a competition. You have to raise the bar. In my head, ‘Oo nga ‘no? We can’t be on the same level.’”
When it comes to addressing issues, the actress shared that she has become more intentional about when to speak up and when to step back.
“I just clap back when some issues are not aligned with my values. When I don’t agree with [the] things that I read, I don’t tolerate. I stay quiet when everything is true. But when it’s not and it’s going viral and everything, that’s when I clapback.”
Despite these challenges, Sofia remains clear on what real support among women should look like beyond social media. For her, true support is rooted in consistency, sincerity, and real-life actions.
“I think the most important thing is to show them yung simple gestures. You’re being appreciative. [You give them] acts of service. I’m really going to fight for [them]. And be honest. You can’t be just friends with people [who are not].”
At the heart of it all, Sofia shares the biggest lesson she want her daughter, Zoe, to learn from her.
“Trust your instinct.”
With honesty and clarity, Sofia continues to navigate showbiz on her own terms, choosing truth, boundaries, and authenticity while challenging the narratives that often surround women in the industry.