Time flew by so fast for KD Estrada that he has achieved so much within three years since joining Star Magic. He looks back on his journey in this Tatak Star Magic Celebrity Conversations episode hosted by Lauren Dyogi.

As the story goes, KD joined Star Magic’s Facebook recruitment. He received a call for a VTR and was the only boy who passed the auditions. He was then invited to join the artists’ trainee. KD, who initially acted in school plays, has always considered himself artistic. And watching the likes of Daniel Padilla and Joshua Garcia on TV opened his mind to showbiz as the perfect venue to express his artistry.

He enjoys what he does. But more than that, he’s happy with how showbiz brought him out of his shell. The KD before is shy and quiet, but the KD now is more confident. “When you meet me in person, hindi po ako gano’n ka-outgoing. I don’t really talk much. But when I’m given the task to perform or say what I have in mind, parang I portray myself in whatever is given to me."

He continued, “I didn’t feel that KD was good enough. That’s what I felt before. I didn’t feel confident with myself but, siyempre now po, since PBB na pinakita ko ‘yung sarili ko at nagustuhan ng mga tao ‘yun, I felt na, okay, maybe KD is not too bad after all.”

Pinoy Big Brother Kumunity Season 10 was a huge turning point in his professional and personal life. Finally, he was in a place bigger yet more challenging than his usual live streams at home and quick performances on the ASAP Natin ‘To stage, though it took a taxing process to completely leave his comfort zone.

Maintaining his mental health was particularly challenging inside Bahay Ni Kuya. He felt insecure about his looks, trapped within social media’s standards. But thanks to Kuya, he learned to embrace his qualities and be confident. He realized that self-love will open doors to bigger opportunities and genuine relationships with other people.

Also inside Big Brother’s house, KD found Alexa Ilacad. “We both give each other unconditional care and unconditional love. Kasi sometimes showbiz can be hard and hindi talaga maiiwasan ‘yung mga insecurities, but I guess me and Alexa, we’re there to reassure each other na, ‘You’re not what you think you are.’ Me and Alexa, we have similar thoughts, similar anxieties, but we’re there to give each other positive reaffirmations and assurance and care din,” he admitted that Alexa makes work easier. She is his support system, the one who checks up on him during lock-in tapings.

Direk Lauren, head of Star Magic, said he would always remind KD to build his character more than looks, and that there’s no reason to be insecure. With how things are going for KD, it’s clear that people accept and love him – flaws and all.

On his goals, he talked about exploring acting more, working with other directors, and trying different genres. KD, a yellow­-belter as a kid, wants to try action movies or teleseryes. Outside showbiz, he dreams of finishing his studies.

As for his advice to aspiring artists who can resonate with his personal stories, KD said, “You are you, you really don’t have to compare. I know social media affects your way of thinking. You tend to compare yourself with other people… but deep down inside, each and every one of us is unique. We don’t have to change that at all about us because if we try to make ourselves into another person, ano ‘yung character natin?”

To cap it off, Direk Lauren told KD that Star Magic has big aspirations for him. The management sees a bright future for KD, he just needs to be patient, learn more, and enjoy the journey.

“I just want to thank you, Direk, for reassuring me that I’m doing fine, I’m doing well, at may nakikita kayo sa akin na hindi ko pa nakikita. Sana po makita ko ‘yan in the future,” he expressed. “Star Magic has been here for thirty years. I just want to show that Star Magic has that quality of artists na they have talent, they have the looks. I want to live up to that… I want to carry the name of Star Magic with me.”

Watch KD’s interview with Direk Lauren by playing the video!