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Andrea Brillantes may have dazzled in the newly unveiled 2026 Tanduay Calendar, but the actress revealed that the journey leading up to the shoot was far from smooth. A month before the pictorial, she was unexpectedly confined in the hospital after contracting COVID-19.

Despite the setback, Brillantes said she is genuinely pleased with how the photos turned out, sharing that she focused on staying healthy rather than pushing her body beyond its limits.

In an interview at the calendar launch held in Quezon City on Friday, November 14, she recalled the adjustments she had to make during her recovery.

“I was too weak, so I just stayed disciplined with meal plans. 'Di ko rin sinagad sarili ko because I did not want to rush that I had to look a certain way or specific body shape. Love ko naman body ko, unahin ko health ko. Gusto ko din maging body-positive,” she said.

She also took the moment to remind the public that COVID-19 continues to be present. “Hanggang ngayon meron pa din COVID. Gusto ko lang sabihin may COVID pa rin, ingat pa rin lagi,” she added.

Brillantes said she took an active role in shaping the creative direction of every layout, making sure each concept reflected a distinct mood and era.

Among all the themes, one stood out as her top choice: the striking shot of her lying on a bed of roses, inspired by the iconic imagery from the film American Beauty.

Recalling how the idea came to life, she shared, “When I saw the scene, 'Wow! I want that.' Noong nalatag na pinush ko and nilaban ko talaga. Mas mapatingin tao kasi pulang pula, roses. Mapapaisip ka ano ba talaga theme,” she said.

She added that the overall concept of the calendar revolves around different eras, retro, Victorian, and more, which challenged her to aim for a timeless look rather than something that might resemble a costume. “Theme ng calendar is mga era talaga, retro, Victorian. Ayoko magmukha first na post ko, costume. Pinush ko roses para meron ako isang classic.“

The actress emphasized that the rose layout was her way of securing one standout, evergreen visual in the entire collection.

Andrea also shared that she was directly involved in planning the concept for her grand unveiling. The bold performance she delivered during the launch, her rendition of Shania Twain's “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” was something she personally pushed for.

She explained that the song has held a special meaning for her since she first heard it as a teenager. “I discovered the song when I was 13, and I imagined what it feels to be a woman. Naisip ko sana magka moment ako ganoon. And when I they presented na, naisip ko ito bagay kung saan ako. 'Yung damit, petals, dress, everything,” she noted.

Brillantes said the entire sequence, from the wardrobe to the staging, was designed to capture that long-envisioned moment of empowerment and transformation.

Andrea described the calendar project as a milestone that signals a bold new chapter in her career.

“I wouldn't say bagong Blythe. It is still me. Just braver. Mas brave na ako ngayon. I am really grateful sa lahat ng nangyari,” she added, reflecting on her personal growth and newfound confidence.

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