Andrea Brillantes on her ideal man, dream proposal

What qualities does Andrea Brillantes look for in a future husband?

The “dream,” she said, is to be with a man with good “morals, values and character.” But it wouldn’t hurt, she joked, if he also happens to be Korean and named Kim Soo-hyun.

“Actually, it’s more of his role, Baek Hyun-woo (in the K-drama ‘Queen of Tears’). That he’s played by Kim Soo-hyun is a bonus,” she told reporters at her recent launch as the newest endorser of the Filipino-owned fine jewelry brand LVNA by Drake Dustin.

The 21-year-old actress is an unabashed fangirl of the South Korean star. In fact, she trooped to his recent Manila fan meeting in a bridal-inspired outfit—veil, bouquet and all. If she hadn’t misplaced her tickets on the day of the event, she could have actually put in more effort and prepared a wedding ring, too.

It all worked out in the end, though, with Andrea managing to snap a photo of Soo-hyun giving her a “finger heart” gesture. Still, nothing is official yet between them, she joked, because the actor has yet to “sign” [the imaginary marriage contract]. “Maybe next time,” she said, laughing.

“He said he will return soon, so iniisip ko kung ano magiging atake ko … if I would put on a wedding dress again,” Andrea said, laughing. “Maybe I should just pull out the ring and go, ‘Here, just take it!’”

But in all earnestness, her fangirling and love for Korean pop culture is one of Andrea’s stress relievers whenever work and personal life become a tad overwhelming. “Apart from church and my relationship with God, I also turn to K-dramas to entertain myself,” she said. “Of course, I’m happy with all the blessings coming in.”

When complimented that she looked “blooming” as of late, Andrea said it was because she had discovered a new oppa to fangirl over, Byeon Woo-seok from “Lovely Runner.” “I have a new crush! I had been trying to avoid the series because I knew I would be hooked and fall in love with the story and lead star.”

Andrea’s first diamond ring was a gift from LVNA chief executive officer Drake Dustin Ibay. And now that she has access to such luxury pieces, the actress quipped that her standards will only go higher. “If my future husband sees what I’m wearing, it may get him thinking that he needs to come up with something bigger,” she said in jest.

‘Not about money’

Turning serious, Andrea isn’t actually finicky when it comes to the size of an engagement or wedding ring. (Once she reaches that point, of course.) But getting a P299 ring—like that of a couple who went viral early this year—may be pushing it. And it’s not necessarily because of the cost, Andrea stressed, but what it implies about a man’s commitment to her.

“It’s not about money, but what it says about how much he’s willing to give and commit to the relationship. A wedding ring is a symbol of your commitment to each other,” said Andrea, who currently stars in the mystery-drama series “High Street.”

The proposal itself need not be grandiose, she added, as long as its well-thought of. “I just want something with my family and friends, something well-thought of. Kahit hindi bongga, as long as it captures who I am and not something done for the views,” she said.

Aside from her ambassadorship, the actress is an LVNA shareholder with P2.5 million worth of shares. A new collection inspired by her is also in the works. Andrea knows that show biz will not be there forever. That’s why she has been trying to learn more about investments and businesses as early as now.

“I was more involved in the creative side before, but after turning 21, something changed. Now, I love being an actress, but I don’t see myself being one for the rest of my life. I want to learn new things,” said Andrea, who was presented with a custom necklace to commemorate the contract signing event.

Andrea comes from a humble background. She entered show biz at the tender age of 7 and has since been the family breadwinner. As such the idea of spending money on jewelry couldn’t be farther from her mind. But now that she has a thriving career, as one of her generation’s most bankable stars, Andrea can spoil her loved ones if she wishes to.

“The first person I bought jewelry for was my lola. I also bought rings for my mom and elder sister last Valentine’s Day,” she said. “I’m so happy I was able to give my mother a ring, because she didn’t have a wedding ring as nice as that. She said that no man has been able to give her a diamond ring.”

The comfortable life she enjoys right now didn’t just fall on her lap. She worked hard for it. And it does come at a cost. “Yes, I will admit that things can be overwhelming. Physically, I get exhausted. But this is something I chose. This is my passion. I’m happy to live in the present,” the former child star said.

And if there’s one thing she has learned from being in the industry for 14 years, it’s to never give up.

“You will never know what will happen in the next two days, two months, two years. So, give it one more shot—always,” Andrea said, adding that keeping one’s feet on the ground is just as important. “I can say that I’m still the same me. I don’t think show biz has gotten the best of me. I try my best to be kind. I still dream of providing for my family.”