Zephanie turns emotional as she looks back on struggles in showbiz

Zephanie turned emotional as she looked back on her journey in the entertainment industry.

In her GMA Integrated News interview with Nelson Canlas," which aired on “24 Oras," Wednesday, the “Born to Shine” star shared how faith and perseverance carried her through years of rejection and self-doubt.

"Maraming hindi nakikita 'yung tao na pinagdadaanan natin sa industry, so I'm just so happy na my story is not written by me, but God,” Zephanie said.

Per Zephanie, her struggles began at a young age, recalling how she encountered multiple rejections as early as 12 years old. 

At one point, the discouragement became overwhelming, leading her to question whether she truly belonged in the industry.

“Dumating din po sa point na I was really asking myself, para pa ba 'to sa akin? Talaga bang, am I meant to be a singer or sa industry na 'to? Baka hindi talaga,” she shared.

The young artist even considered giving up completely, telling her parents that she no longer saw a purpose in continuing. 

However, her family stood by her side, encouraging her to keep trying despite the setbacks.

“Umabot po ako sa point na ayoko na, I even told my parents na I just know wanna focus on my studies. Sila 'yung pumilit sa akin na mag-audition. But I guess, ‘yun talaga, minsan kung kailangan pasuko ka na, doon ma-ch-challenge, doon matetest 'yung faith mo. Talaga na, how much do you really love your dream? How much do you believe in yourself and that you can do it?” she added.

One of the most unforgettable moments for Zephanie was the day of a crucial audition for a competition she joined. 

“‘Yung mismong day ng audition ko, dun sa competition I joined, nasa room ako nun, umiiyak ako kasi nag-away na kami ng mommy ko kasi sabi niya, ano ba, gusto mo ba talagang kumanta o hindi?” the Kapuso artist recalled.

“Parang teleserye na po 'yung feeling ‘non. And then, I couldn't answer her, so my dad talked to me. Sabi niya, try lang natin one last time.”

Zephanie recalled reaching a breaking point in her journey, saying she once offered a final prayer and told herself she would give up her dream if nothing worked out, even considering focusing instead on sports or academics.

“If wala talaga, I'm done with this dream. Parang tapos na. Either magiging athlete na lang ako or sa school. But then, may ibang plans po si Lord, so I'm still here. And I know it's for a purpose,” she explained.

Zephanie also shared that her role as Jenny in the upcoming series reflects many of the life challenges she personally experienced.

“Mahirap po siya in a way na talagang babalik 'yung memories nang na-reject ka, nung nag-fail ka. But honestly those are the things that I’ve been wanting to share to people na hindi lang lahat success, hindi lang lahat happy,” she said.

“Meron talagang mga part ng journey mo na you'll experience those things, and it's ok. Kasi parang at the end of the day its really about not giving up and rising up from sa pagkadapa mo,” she added.

Today, the young star continues to dream bigger, grateful for how far she has come. She credits her growth to surrendering everything to God and holding on to her faith.

“I guess I'm glad you never gave up and that you believed, you trusted God. It's more of really surrendering to God everything. I'm just really happy kasi it's not easy. I’m just proud of the little Zephanie na hindi siya nagbago na never pa rin siya gumi-give up kung ano 'yung nasa puso niya.” 

Zephanie will star in the GMA Afternoon Prime series “Born to Shine” with Michael Sager, which marks their reunion project.

Michael and Zephanie previously worked together in the Kapuso series “Luv is: Caught in His Arms.” 

“Born to Shine” will premiere starting March 23 on GMA Afternoon Prime. —Jade Veronique Yap/CDC, GMA Integrated News