For more than a decade, Liza Soberano has been one of the most recognizable faces in the Philippines. She’s an undeniable star who was inescapable, whether it was her movies, shows, or endorsements, during the mid-to-late 2010s. Even now, with her transition into acting in Hollywood, Soberano stays winning as her career continues to grow and develop.
But for all the success Soberano has experienced, one thing that remains the same is how she stands on business when it comes to her beliefs and values. When it could have been easy for the actress to just keep her opinions to herself, Soberano speaks up when she has to, especially over the past few years as she’s used her platform to spotlight just social causes. Despite her stature, which some expect requires silence, Soberano has been open to saying what’s on her mind. That outspokenness has unfortunately brought Soberano backlash. But in a generation that has learned how it’s not okay to accept toxic behavior, the actress is showing us that speaking up can be one of the bravest things you can do.
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Liza Soberano, the Outspoken Actress That You Are
When Liza Soberano announced in 2023 that she was moving to Los Angeles to pursue a career in Hollywood, she stated that she was doing so because she wanted to start a new chapter of her life and career after years of being in Philippine showbiz. “I’m finally taking control of my life, pursuing dreams that I’ve always had to hold off on,” she said at the time. Was it shocking? Admittedly yes. But Soberano, like anyone, is allowed to explore and try new things.
However, many took the announcement as a sign of disrespect, accusing Soberano of lacking “utang na loob” and of being ungrateful for her career in the Philippines. The announcement seemingly started a hate train against Soberano that continues to this day. But rather than getting defeated, Soberano instead pushed forward with her Hollywood path, which is now starting to blossom with her starring role in DreamWorks Animation’s Forgotten Island.
She also hasn’t stopped saying it like it is when it comes to the local entertainment industry and Filipino culture in general. On an appearance on the Dive Studios Podcast, Soberano pulled back the curtain on how love teams work, including how actors have to appear like they are interested in each other to keep up appearances. The interview led to further backlash from fans who felt their fantasy was shattered. But that still didn’t hinder Soberano, even during the press tour for Forgotten Island.
During a recent interview with Karen Davila, Soberano spoke about how Filipinos tend to pull other Filipinos down just for having goals and ambitions, a reference to how Filipinos have insulted and belittled Soberano for thinking that she can make it as an actress in Hollywood. “Here in the Philippines, I feel like when people have dreams, sometimes they’re held back,” she told Davila. In an interview with BuzzFeed Australia, Soberano and her co-star H.E.R. pointed out the all-too-real scenario of titos and titas fat- and skinny-shaming people and commenting on their bodies, while she said that “utang na loob” culture is one thing she thinks Filipinos should unlearn.
When Calling Out Toxic Traits Meets Toxic Filipinos
What Soberano has said are valid points, but also statements that rubbed some people the wrong way. Rather than saying anything objectively wrong, though, Soberano has attracted hate for speaking up about toxic Filipino culture from people who feel attacked or offended by it, most likely because they’ve benefited from those toxic traits themselves. She gets people mad, and honestly, as she should. Her words and actions go against the harmful mindsets that have been embedded in Filipino culture.
She pisses people off because it’s a direct contradiction to their narrative or idea of what they think a woman like her should be saying and doing. Society is unkind towards outspoken women, and Soberano is exactly that. If Soberano were a man, chances are the conversations would be different. And while it’s one thing for a woman to speak her mind, the fact that an A-list actress like Soberano is doing so is what makes it more impactful.
Unintentionally, Soberano is making Filipinos confront their own biases and beliefs, and for many, rather than doing the necessary introspection, they instead direct their anger towards Soberano. But despite it all, it’s admirable how she can and will call out the toxic sides of Filipino culture.
This is a woman who has been through a lot, some of it no child should ever experience, and she has the right to point out what’s wrong, just like many of her generation who do the same. We can only be better as a people when we first address what’s holding us back.
Soberano has unfortunately been facing the worst of these behaviors, having even been red-tagged by the military just for participating in an event hosted by a women’s party, but her bravery in pursuing her dreams and outspokenness in saying what’s on her mind is what we need right now. Silence will just continue to let these toxic traits fester and remain the norm rather than a relic of the past. So, let Liza Soberano serve as a reminder of why showing up and speaking up will always matter.
Featured Image: LIZA SOBERANO (via Instagram), Photo by Louise Daniel
Photos: LIZA SOBERANO (via Instagram)
Frequently Asked Questions
Liza Soberano faced backlash in 2023 after announcing her move to Los Angeles to pursue a Hollywood career, with critics accusing her of lacking “utang na loob” and being ungrateful for her career in the Philippines.
On the Dive Studios Podcast, Liza Soberano discussed how love teams work in Philippine showbiz, including how actors sometimes have to appear interested in each other to maintain fan-facing appearances.
Liza Soberano told Karen Davila that Filipinos often hold each other back when they have dreams and ambitions, referencing the criticism she faced for pursuing a Hollywood acting career.
Liza Soberano stars in DreamWorks Animation’s Forgotten Island as Raissa, a role that marks a growing point in her Hollywood career following her 2023 move to Los Angeles.
Liza Soberano has spoken out against “utang na loob” culture, along with body-shaming behaviors from older relatives, saying these are toxic traits she believes Filipinos should unlearn.
