Mikee Quintos bares feeling insecure: "Parang hindi ko deserve 'yong binibigay nilang love and attention."
Mikee, who will be releasing her new single “Just Enough,” opens up about battling self-doubt and how being a fan made her see her celebrity status in a different light.
At 23, Mikee Quintos is one of the most recognizable young talents in showbiz today.
From her role as Lira in the unforgettable Encantadia to the spirited Chef Apple Valencia in the hit romantic-fantasy series The Lost Recipe to the adorable Elsa Dela Cruz in Pepito Manaloto: Ang Unang Kuwento, Mikee has become one of the Kapuso network's brightest stars adored by many.
But beneath the adulation was nagging insecurity that clouded Mikee's view of herself and the industry that embraced her wholeheartedly.
“I signed with GMA around 2015. So ever since, 'yong growth ko as an artist, 'yong transition from being a normal person to eventually makikilala ka ng mga tao, at first nahirapan akong tanggapin 'yon,” Mikee confided to GMANetwork.com in an interview.
It was a classic case of impostor syndrome, with Mikee being riddled with self-doubt despite her talents and potential as an artist.
Being very young didn't help either as Mikee found herself having to deal with the highs and lows of show business known for its glamorous yet ruthless nature. As they say, in show business, you're only as good as your last performance.
“Nagkaroon ako ng crisis. Naramdaman ko na parang hindi ko deserved 'yong binibigay nilang love and attention. I had this really big insecurity that it's hard for me to take compliments,” Mikee vividly recalled.
Mikee countered that feeling by pushing herself to work more to prove herself worthy of the trust and adoration of the fans.
“Whatever it was that I was doing at that point in my life, I felt like it wasn't enough,” Mikee pondered.
She added, “I wanted to do more, to make things better. 'Ganyan, they're giving this love, Mikee, kailangan mo mag-work harder para ibalik 'yan sa kanila, para maramdaman nilang grateful ka.' Ganun 'yong laging nasa isip ko.”
Mikee's views though changed during the pandemic after she discovered and fell in love with the popular South Korean pop group, BTS.
Suddenly, Mikee found herself being the fan and not the other way around.
“Listening to their songs, 'yong message nila to love yourself. That's how they got me, that's how I became a fan,” she smiled.
In hindsight, it made her think of her own fans and their unconditional support despite her imperfections.
“Because of that experience, mas naintindihan ko na 'yong mga fans ko ngayon. That realization made me love my fans more. Mas na-appreciate ko sila at dun nagbunga 'tong project na 'to.”
The project that Mikee was referring to is her new song titled, “Just Enough.”
Described by Mikee as a “love letter” to her fans, the song - produced by GMA Playlist - also epitomizes the actress-singer's newfound confidence.
“I'm so grateful to them [GMA Playlist] kasi sila 'yong nag-trust sa akin and vice versa. We trusted each other” said Mikee about her relationship with GMA Music's new sub-label.
“Of course there is pressure, bilang ikaw 'yong unang artist [by the label to release a single]. Pero 'yon din 'yong pressure na nagpalakas ng loob ko and nag-push sa akin to decide na game na, I think it's about time.”
Mikee continued, “Ilang years akong naging kabado na mag-release ng kanta na sa akin or kantang ako 'yong nasa title as singer. Parang nakakakaba 'yon for me.”
Again, Mikee credited the people behind GMA Playlist for giving her the motivation to take that leap of faith.
“Kasi ganun naman lahat ng tao 'di ba? Kapag sobrang pinangarap nila buong life nila 'yong isang bagay, 'pag nangyari na, medyo you think about every little details. You want everything to be perfect kasi ang tagal mo siyang pinangarap,” reasoned Mikee.
“'Yong team ng GMA Playlist ang nag-push sa akin na lumabas ang maging matapang finally. So ito na, nangyayari na siya,” Mikee smiled, looking very happy and excited.
“Just Enough” is available for pre-order on iTunes until September 23.
To order, simply download and open the iTunes app. Create your own Apple ID then search “Just Enough” by Mikee.
Click the pre-order amount button next to the song to complete your order.
“Just Enough” will be launched officially on September 24.
In the meantime, be in awe of Mikee even more by checking out this gallery.
