Former Goin' Bulilit star Mika dela Cruz opened up about her health struggles related to weight gain, and how she eventually succeeded in shedding the pounds after several failed attempts.
Mika posted a video on Instagram featuring clips from her heavier days to the present, showing her noticeably slimmer physique.
She went from 63 kilograms (138.6 pounds) down to 48 kilograms (105.6 pounds).
"Trust me, I’ve tried everything in my power to lose the weight my health conditions brought me," wrote Mika.
She continued: "Five years of back and forth, going to different people, working out for hours every day, spending so much on different diet programs and medical methods but still nothing worked for me."
DEALING WITH BODY SHAMING ONLINE
More than the physical challenges, Mika opened up about the harsh public reactions to her weight gain and how deeply they affected her mental and emotional well-being.
Elaborating, she wrote: "I had a hard time receiving all the bodyshaming to tell you the truth.
"It’s painful seeing my body being picked apart online and at times even in person because I knew that it was trying its hardest to get me through all the health struggles and systemic inflammation I had," lamented Mika.
"I started feeling hopeless, hating my appearance to the point of hiding myself.
"I gave up on my weight loss journey thinking it would never be possible for me anymore."
So what helped Mika cope?
"Eventually, I gave it to Jesus and I asked him to help me see myself the way that he did," wrote Mika.
She added, "I started inclining my ears to listen to what He thinks and says about me.
"Not what the world keeps on throwing at me. I learned to trust in his perfect timing for everything..."
There were also her loved ones who gave their unconditional support as she soldiered through her physical and emotional battles.
MIKA DELA CRUZ ON DOCTOR-RECOMMENDED WEIGHT-LOSS PROGRAM
Plus, Mika found a doctor who, she says, effectively helped her address her weight issues.
"He helped re-train the way that I ate and became the friendliest accountability buddy to me, my ate & my sister-in-law," referring to her doctor Roland Angeles.
She invited her followers to ask about her health journey by leaving their questions in the comments section of her post.
One netizen asked if she eats rice and if she uses "calorie-deficit method."
Mika replied: "Nopeee girl. First few months of the program no carbs so I had to retrain eating without craving for sugar & carbs..
"Then eventually nagshift to shirataki rice para lang din as a substitute kapag may sabaw ang ulam."
View this post on Instagram
ALEXA ILACAD REACTS, NETIZENS REJOICE
Mika’s post drew admiration from her fellow showbiz personalities, many of whom shared their support in the comments section.
Some of those who commended Mika include businessman and husband of actress Maja Salvador, Rambo Nuñez Ortega, actress Kate Valdez, and actress-host Ayra Mariano.
But one celebrity who left a comment on Mika's post caught the attention of netizens: Alexa Ilacad.
Alexa is the ex-girlfriend and former love team partner of Mika's husband, Nash Aguas.
Alexa, Mika, and Nash were all former stars of the children's gag show Goin' Bulilit.
"SLAYYY!!!! Great job!!" Alexa praised Mika.
Read: Nash Aguas, Mika dela Cruz tie the knot in Tagaytay
Mike replied to Alexa's comment, saying, "salamat alexaa huhu proud of our journeys!"
Netizens, meanwhile, could help but feel happy about the exchange of nice words between the two stars.
"omg????? yes yes," a netizen reacted.
"queen supporting queen," another follower of Mika commented.
A happy fan, meanwhile, remarked, "grabeeeeee i didn't know you 2 are friends pa rin. So healthy!"
It was in July last year when Alexa told PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) that she and Mika had rekindled their friendship after several years of not being in touch.
Eagle-eyed netizens noticed that the two had started following each other on Instagram—a positive sign that the former friends are once again on good terms.
Read: Alexa Ilacad, Mika dela Cruz follow each other on Instagram
"Recent lang din [kami nag follow-han]," said Alexa in an interview on July 4, 2024.
"Ayun nga, nagkaroon ng reconciliation again, [nag-usap kami].
"And ayun, everything is good."
Alexa continued: "I mean, time heals everything.
"Ito yung time namin, not forcing everything, but I'm just happy about how it feels."