Behind The Scenes At Our Cover Shoot With Andrea Brillantes

Andrea Brillantes is officially 18 today, and she's got a lot of things to celebrate and be grateful for.

Because of the pandemic, though, Andrea couldn't celebrate with a traditional 18th birthday party, and she's also not the type to throw one. She shared that she didn't really have anything grand planned for her special day, because she was actually scheduled to work. But had it not been for COVID-related travel restrictions, she would've wanted to celebrate in Hawaii. 

She tells Metro.Style, "Kasi po mahilig ako sa beach and actually wala ako masyadong alam sa Hawaii, pero ever since nu'ng bata pa talaga ako, gusto ko lang talagang makapunta doon. Lumaki akong nanonood ng Lilo & Stitch, hindi ko nga alam kung taga-Hawaii sila, pero diba island girl sila—aloha, aloha. So, gusto ko talaga doon, tapos magtra-travel lang ako, tsaka magsu-surf lang ako."

While that remains an item on her travel bucket list, Andrea will go on a much-needed and deserved birthday vacation in Siargao instead.

But to make her 18th birthday extra unforgettable, Metro and Star Magic head Direk Lauren Dyogi collaborated on a grand debut-themed photo shoot, to officially mark the coming-of-age of one of the brightest and biggest stars in the country today. The concept was further polished by fashion stylist and creative director Eldzs Mejia, who happens to be Andrea's go-to stylist. Photographer Doc Marlon Pecjo of The Big Shot Studio translated the vision into a beautiful editorial spread, featuring Andrea in 18 different outfits.

Metro and Metro.Style are training the spotlight on the stunning debutante of the year, the young star who made waves as Marga Bartolome in Kadenang Ginto and is all set to win the hearts of more viewers as Mira in the upcoming ABS-CBN teleserye Huwag Kang Mangamba. In the series, which is set to be released this March 22, she's joined by her fellow Gold Squad members Seth Fedelin, Francine Diaz, and Kyle Echarri.

Andrea first appeared on the cover of Metro as one of the new-generation artists of Star Magic back in May 2017, when the magazine marked its 28th anniversary and the talent agency its 25th anniversary. She was featured alongside local showbiz's young and most stellar actresses like Liza Soberano, Julia Barretto, Janella Salvador, Maris Racal, Loisa Andalio, Sofia Andres, Sue Ramirez, Alexa Ilacad, Kira Balinger, Ylona Garcia, and Kathryn Bernardo. 

Now, the woman of the hour is back on Metro for a solo cover feature, for her 18th birthday! 

Since Andrea couldn't throw a party due to the current circumstances, Metro organized one for her instead, with an all-out pictorial that's an absolute fashion spectacle. The Metro team had her rocking 18 looks and transformations, with outfits designed by some of the country's top fashion designers who are also among the most trusted names for special occasion-appropriate creations. She wore gowns and dresses by Michael Leyva, Mak Tumang, Francis Libiran, Mark Bumgarner, Vania Romoff, Patty Ang, Joe San Antonio, Debbie Co, Patricia Santos, Steph Tan, and Erika dela Cruz, as well as pieces from the Simone Rocha x H&M collection.

From glam to edgy, the looks showcase Andrea as a fashion and beauty muse who can go from sweet to fierce in an instant. With the varied styles of her outfits, makeup artist Anthea Bueno and hairstylist RJ dela Cruz made sure to have perfect beauty looks to match them, too!     

True to the concept of giving Andrea a one-for-the-books kind of "event" for her debut, we tapped the go-to names in the local events scene to pull off this shoot: Gideon Hermosa for the luxurious set design, NicePrint Photo for the special behind-the-scenes coverage, Palacio de Memoria for that fit-for-a-queen venue, and Hearts & Bells for the over-the-top cake and cupcake props.

As one of the highlights of this photo shoot a la debut party, we surprised Andrea by having her loveteam partner Seth Fedelin join her in some of the layouts as her escort. (Check Metro.Style again for more content with SethDrea.)

And what's a debut party without some inspiring words from the birthday girl? 

Andrea tells her younger self, "Maraming nagmamahal sa'yo kahit sabihin mo na wala. At gusto ko rin sabihin sa'yo na I'm very, very proud of you kasi ang tapang-tapang mo. At 'wag kang bumitaw sa pangarap mo at 'wag ka nang umiyak... Itapon mo na 'yang teddy bear na lagi mong binubugbog, kawawa na 'yang teddy bear mo. At gusto ko lang sabihin sa'yo na maganda ka bilang ikaw at ginawa ka ni Lord for a reason... I love you kahit hindi mo pa love ang sarili mo ngayon, ako I love you."

BTS photography and videography by NicePrint Photo

Cover photography by Doc Marlon Pecjo of The Big Shot Studio

Fashion styling by Eldzs Mejia

Sittings editors: Kat Cruz-Villanueva, Geolette Esguerra, and Chris Lopez

Makeup by Anthea Bueno

Hairstyling by RJ dela Cruz

Set design by The Event Studio by Gideon Hermosa

Styling assistants: Carl Alberto and Ara Madrigal

Shoot coordination by Grace Libero-Cruz, Judy Arias, and Cara Tirona

Shot on location at Palacio de Memoria

Special thanks to Star Magic, Lauren Dyogi, Thess Gubi, Edith Fariñas, Smile Abrenica, Becky Aguila, Kat Aguila, Charisse Tinio, Casa Luxia, Curentals, C&L Décor, Faund Manila, and Hearts & Bells Cakes