Bela Padilla talks about putting down roots in London

By: Alan Policarpio – 9 months ago

Bella Padilla

It's been almost two years since Bela Padilla decided to move to London. While the adjustment period was difficult at first, the actress is happy that she is finally finding her place, slowly but surely.

“I was like a seven-year-old, trying to relearn things. I didn't know where it was safe to walk at night, or things like that…but I started putting down roots, tagging along to my favorite things like libraries, gyms, and coffee shops.” “I determine my routine,” she told reporters at her final press conference as the newest endorser of beauty and wellness brand Dear Face.

It helps that Filipinos are found almost everywhere in the world. In her neighborhood alone, she has already seen three Filipino grocery stores.

“I'm always in Pinoy supermarkets, so much so that the owners actually know what I usually buy. The Filipinos there are so cool. Everyone has been so nice.

London is one of the most expensive cities in terms of cost of living. But fortunately, Bella said, she's always been mindful of how she spends her money.

“I worked hard every day. I didn't have time to spend my money. I didn't even have time to go to the mall and shop by myself, so I was able to save… I'm happy about that,” said Bela, who also has investments in food companies. “I don't put all my eggs in one basket. I still act and do films. These things support me.”

Finding space

One of the biggest driving forces behind Bela's decision was not to renew the ABS-CBN franchise. Amidst all these doubts, she thought it would be best to find a space where she could feel safe again. Because she has dual citizenship (Filipino and British), the UK was the most logical choice.

“I was touched…people were able to make a decision without meeting the people who changed their lives forever. I felt that if we couldn't be protected on a basic scale, we wouldn't feel safe. I wanted to find a place where I could be completely safe, where they wouldn't pull The rug is out from under you and they say, “Sorry, wala ka nang trabaho.”

These days, Bella only travels to the Philippines when there are new acting projects or product endorsements like Dear Face's collagen and probiotic drink. As someone dealing with PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) and hypothyroidism, Bella said her health has become one of her top priorities.

“I exercise every day, I eat clean, I don't smoke and I don't drink anymore. But I noticed that it became more difficult for me to lose weight. Turns out I have hypothyroidism… As we mature, we have to be more conscious about what we eat.” “I am careful about my diet, not only to look aesthetically good, but also to improve my quality of life,” she said.

“I was like a 7-year-old, trying to relearn things,” Padilla said.

The 32-year-old actress also stressed the importance of self-care.

“You have to take care of yourself so you can take care of others. This is essential. We Filipinos love to take care of our families and friends, but you can’t pour from an empty cup,” Bella said.

Bella, who also writes and directs films, will remain in the country to finish the script she has been developing with Adolph Alix Jr. And filming a movie with JC Santos. She was also offered to do TV series, but said she couldn't connect with the material.

“Nothing speaks to me yet… Because of the pandemic, we've lost a lot of time and loved ones. And I don't want to invest time in a project that won't help anyone, or that I can't learn from. I don't want to sound arrogant, but that's my thinking right now.”

Enjoy life

Is it difficult to balance living in the UK and working in the Philippines? Thanks to technology, her situation is under control.

“The pandemic has made me feel that the world is small, and that we don't have to be isolated in just one place. You can be based anywhere and work at full capacity somewhere else,” she noted.

Bella doesn't know how long she will stay in London. But for now, the important thing is that she is enjoying her life. “I enjoy what I do. I enjoy the company of the people around me,” Bella said. Even if there are challenges here and there, I try to overcome them in the best way possible. “I try to be positive amidst everything.”

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