Kylie Padilla: 'Kahit Nanay Ka Na, You Have to Take Care of Yourself'

After giving birth to her firstborn Alas Joaquin, Kylie Padilla has gained a new perspective about being a mother and an actress.

In an exclusive interview with GMANetwork.com, Kylie talked about her realizations during her one-year maternity break.

“Siguro I took advantage of what it really means to have the opportunity to be a performer." 

"I grew into it, e, so I don’t know what it really means that people look up to you, people watch you. Ngayon mas naa-appreciate ko na. Pag may work na ako, I see the difference now.

"[Dati iniisip ko] 'gusto ko na umuwi, pagod na ako.

"[Ngayon], it’s more like, 'Okay the people here are more tired than I am. Kailangan galingan natin para makauwi na rin sila.'

"Parang more on ganun na kasi ngayon naiintindihan ko na yung aspect na may mga anak din sila, di ba. it’s more about them na," says the Kapuso actress.

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Kylie, the daughter of actor Robin Padilla, joined show business in 2008. She is known for projects such as Joaquin Bordado, Tween Hearts, The Good Daughter, Buena Familia, and, most recently, Encantadia where she played the role of Amihan. She is currently working on her TV comeback via GMA-7's The Cure.

The Kapuso actress is engaged to actor Aljur Abrenica, baby Alas’s father.

Kylie had also said that moving forward,  making decisions regarding her projects and roles she will portray will be easier because she’ll be doing it for her baby Alas. 

"Ayaw ko naman i-restrict masyado pero sana yung mga roles na tatanggapin ko ngayon is yun nga, pag napanood ni Alas, magiging proud siya na this is the ideal of a woman. You have to learn how to see that they’re strong."

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Getting back into shape 
In an Instagram post last June 20, Kylie Padilla revealed a much leaner physique with a photo showing her wearing a body-hugging top. She captioned it, "My more productive days as mama. And yes I lost the baby weight but i want you to know i was happy either way.

"Fat or skinny, I was and am happy."

Earlier this year, Kylie went back to doing her fitness routine, particularly Muay Thai, along with her constant gym and running partner, Aljur. 

In an interview with GMA News TV's Balitanghali, she said, "Naniniwala kasi ako na kahit na naging nanay ka na, you have to take care of yourself pa rin, you have to feel beautiful pa rin."

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"May jogging, may boxing, yung bahay namin maraming floors, so akyat baba lang ako doon."

On March 9, her Instagram post described her training, "Masakit lahat, buong katawan ko.

"Araw-araw, paggising hanggang pagtulog training lng ang nasa isip namin.

"Ang kulang lng sa 'kin nun, yung fighters mentality. Wala akong pinaglalaban.

"Ngayon, meron na."

Kylie also began planning her meals with the help of a healthy food delivery service. This, along with exercise, comprise her 18-week #RoadToFitness, which she shares on Instagram.

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