MANILA — Actress Maxene Magalona was honored as one of the empowered and inspiring women in a photo exhibit taken by photographer Seven Barretto, celebrating beauty that shines from within. Her secret? Finding her authentic self and surrounding herself with the right people.

While she remained private about her relationship with rumored non-showbiz boyfriend Geoff Gonzalez, she describes him as her “best friend” and “one of the best people in the world.”

“My heart is very happy. I have been creating different projects and events with Geoff. I don’t want to make an official announcement because I would like to keep some things personal and private. It is sacred to me. But I share some things online, kayo na bahala. But I am very happy,” she said in an interview held during the Nuwhite “What Makes You Glow” Visual Expression Exhibit in Taguig City, Saturday.

Beyond romance, Magalona emphasized the importance of surrounding oneself with people who bring peace.

“I just wish people that kind of happiness. Not just romantic but with people who can make you feel safe. Spend time with people who bring you peace. It is so important to find people who see you and don’t try to change you,” she said.

Maxene Magalona shares lesson from playing It’s Showtime’s Hide and Sing: ‘I felt so disappointed in myself’

Magalona added she has been focusing on self-growth.

“When I was younger, I noticed I was living my life to please other people. I felt like I was not allowing myself just to be myself… Also, being the daughter of a legend is not easy. I tried so many things. I subconsciously became a perfectionist,” she said.

“But now I realized it is important to just be yourself. It is the best way to love yourself… For the past couple of years, I have been focusing on my healing and myself. Growing, healing. You cannot grow without leaving the old you. That is what I am doing. Stepping into my new and better version every day.”

Part of the actress’ journey now is empowering women to discover and embrace their true selves. On March 30, for instance, she will host a workshop titled “Bloom Your Soul,” designed to empower women.

Maxene Magalona on healing: ‘I love the person I am becoming’

“We wanted to create a session where women can feel safe, seen, heard, and valued. I feel we need more spaces like that in Manila… It makes me so happy, the classes, I create it with my younger self in mind. Mga tinuturo ko sana natutunan ko ng bata ako,” she explained.

“I was stranded in Bali for a year during the pandemic, so doon ako nag-train para maging teacher. I feel it is part of my purpose too, for students looking for guidance when it comes to healing,” she added.

While she still considers taking on more acting projects and hopes to again have a “kontrabida” role, she said it is not her current priority.

“I have been getting offers, pero di ko gusto ‘yung character and di swak sa schedule because I am also teaching yoga. What I accept is what is aligned with my values and who I am now,” she added.

Also part of the exhibit celebrating women are Marian Rivera, Mika Reins, Shamcey Supsup, Ava Daza, Bella Ysmael, Vanna Garcia, and Janeena Chan.

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