Bianca Umali on self-love: ‘It’s easier to live life kapag alam mo paano respetuhin sarili mo’

Bianca Umali learned about self-love the hard way.

In an episode of "Surprise Guest With Pia Arcangel," the Kapuso actress said that when she was starting her show business career, she hardly had enough time for herself, family, and friends because of work.

"I did not know how to find time for myself. I did not have time for my loved ones, none at all," Bianca told Pia on the podcast. But, growing up, the actress learned that pushing herself to work and having no time for leisure was not good.

"Na-realize ko how important myself is, how important my loved ones are, and kahit mahal na mahal ko kasi ang trabaho ko, wala akong mapagkunan ng inspirasyon kung wala akong pagmamahal sa sarili at sa mga taong nakapaligid sa akin," she said.

According to Bianca, self-love and self-care were foreign concepts to her. But, until recently, she realized how important these things were for her growth and career.

"I've always heard [self-love] dati pero hindi ko naintindihan ano ba talaga yun. But, as I grow old and as I go through life, I get to understand na ito pala siya and it's easier to live life kapag alam mo kung paano respetuhin ang sarili mo," said the 22-year-old actress.

In terms of using social media, Bianca admitted that she wasn't a huge fan because it's a platform where strangers had the capability to hurt one's feelings.

"Everyone can say anything about you [on social media.] It diminishes your self-confidence and self-respect, and you somehow get lost kung sino ba talaga yung gusto mong maging para sa sarili mo. [So], dumating ako doon sa point na I was afraid of social media," she said.

With the unrealistic standards set by other people on social media, the actress realized she needed to know herself first before sharing a piece of herself online.

Now in a better mindset and right headspace, Bianca said that she now used social media to inspire others and "lead by example."

Bianca is the latest recent guest on "Surprise Guest with Pia Arcangel," which premieres Wednesdays. – RC, GMA News