EXCLUSIVE: Alexa Ilacad talks about her advocacy for animals: ‘I found na ‘yon ang calling ko in life’

It’s no secret how Alexa Ilacad has always loved animals, proudly sharing pictures of her pets on social media and actively volunteering with animal welfare groups.

In an exclusive interview with PUSH ABS-CBN, Alexa opened up about how this advocacy is truly close to her heart.

“That's my advocacy. I support animal shelters and my goal in life is to be the voice of the voiceless. I support animal shelters, animal rescuers. It's been a passion of mine ever since I had my very own dog, my first dog, si Blush, kasi she really changed my life. She changed my life for the better. Then I had cats and I was like, ‘This is the best.’ I love them so much,” she expressed.

The actress also shared how this advocacy has opened her eyes to the realities faced by animals, especially stray ones.

“It also opened me to the harsh reality sa buhay ng mga stray animals, like how they are neglected, how they are so abused, not just in the Philippines, but in other countries as well. Because I understand na as people, siyempre, we gravitate towards helping people. Of course, people first. I understand that. But I'm part of the group na hindi ko makakalimutan yung animals. Na for me, sila yung priority ko din,” she shared.

Alexa added that this has become a personal life mission for her. “Naging life mission ko talaga na I wanna work hard, I wanna be so freaking rich, so that I can help all the animal shelters I can. Sila yung naging inspiration ko eh. Parang I want to be a better person because of them.”

She went on to say that her purpose became clear because of the animals that inspired her.

“I found na yun yung calling ko in life. Kasi sabi ko dati, ano ba ang purpose ko sa buhay na to? Bakit pa ako nandito? Tapos, and then I realized that in helping them, feeling ko nabubuo din ako as a person. Kaya later, after nito, may-rescue akong dog,” Alexa candidly said.