Ryza Cenon shared that shaving off her hair for her upcoming movie Lilim was her personal choice.

In an interview with Bianca Gonzalez for the TFC show BRGY, the actress pointed out: "Hindi naman nire-require ng production so ako po 'yung nag-insist na magpapakalbo ako."

Ryza relayed that she decided to go bald as she thought that it would be more helpful for the production than having to wear prosthetics.

"Nabasa ko na ['yung script] and nakita ko rin sa look test namin 'yung bald cap na prosthetics, parang mas feeling ko mas makakatulong if totoong kalbo na lang," she said.

When asked if she informed her son Night before she shaved her head, Ryza relayed: "Nagpaalam din po ako sa kanya na sinabi ko sa kanya na, 'Magpapakalbo si mommy katulad ng hair mo pero mas less hair ako, 'yung walang hair talaga.' Tapos ang sabi lang niya, 'Okay go.'"

Ryza earned praises from people with alopecia and with cancer because of her confidence to shave off her hair. The actress feels grateful to play a role in championing them.

"Hindi ko in-expect talaga na may ganun, na ganun 'yung impact nung pagpapakalbo ko dahil isa lang naman 'yung purpose ko dahil sa role. Hindi ko naman akalain na another role pa pala akong gagampanan na ire-represent at silang lahat 'yun so kaya nakakatuwa," she said.

She pointed out that what defines the person is not one's physical appearance. "Ang importante kung ano 'yung nasa puso mo. Hindi naman siya nagde-define na kung kalbo ka loser ka na or nakakatawa ka... No, hindi iyon 'yun. For me 'yung kalooban mo 'yung nagde-define sa 'yo."

The actress relayed that she has been receiving messages from alopecia patients and cancer warriors after she revealed her bald look.

"Isa lang po 'yung main message nila na ngayon na parang lumakas 'yung loob nila na tanggalin ['yung wig], na hindi na lang mag-wig o itago siya kasi kung nakaya ko raw, kaya rin nila," she hihglighted.

In the same interview, Ryza discussed her journey as a mother. Her son Night turned 3 years old in October of last year.

READ: Ryza Cenon’s son Night turns 3

On how motherhood changed her, the actress relayed: "Nung single ako lahat ginagawa ko eh, nagha-hike ako, nag-wall climb ako. Ngayon hindi ko na lahat nagagawa 'yun dahil mas focused na ako sa kanya dahil super clingy niya."

The actress shared that one of the most memorable milestones that her son achieved recently was being able to learn how to read.

"'Yung marunong na siyang mag-read pero iga-guide mo pa rin pero marunong na siya 'yung mga basic," she shared.

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Ryza described herself as a "cool and strict" mom.

"Cool kasi 'yung mga kalokohan minsan kasama ako dun, nandun din ako eh sumasali ako sa kanya," she said. "Strict ako when it comes to values. Pagdating sa mga the way siya makipag-usap sa mga adults and then tinuruan ko rin siya mag-Tagalog."

"Iyon 'yung mga mother tongue niya kasi gusto ko ma-recognize niya 'yung wika natin na Tagalog kasi nasa Pilipinas siya so kailangan niyang mahalin ang wika natin na Tagalog kasi 'yung English naman pwede niyang matutunan sa school," she added.