Kaila Estrada: From model to acclaimed actress in four years

Kaila Estrada, daughter of actors John Estrada and Janice de Belen, has quickly risen from her modeling beginnings to become a recognized and respected actress in just four short years.  Her journey, marked by powerful performances and complex characters, demonstrates a talent that continues to grow and captivate audiences.

Born Mikaela Ariana de Belen Estrada on March 16, 1996, Kaila is the third of four children.  She also has half-siblings from both her parents.  After exploring modeling, Kaila signed with Star Magic in 2021, marking her entry into the world of acting.

Her debut role in the 2021 ABS-CBN drama series Viral Scandal as Raven Ramones was a challenging one, requiring her to portray a complex character battling alcoholism and family issues. Kaila’s performance impressed viewers and critics alike, with many praising her “crisp delivery of lines” and her ability to embody both the fierceness and fragility of Raven. She even revealed in an interview with Metro Style that she had to audition twice for the role, demonstrating her dedication and willingness to improve.

The years following Viral Scandal saw Kaila taking on diverse roles that further showcased her range. She appeared in the hybrid narrative-reality show The Chosen One on PIE channel and delivered a poignant performance as DJ Karen Bordador in the Maalaala Mo Kaya episode “Beauty Behind Bars,” which won the National Winner for Best Single Drama or Telemovie/Anthology at the Asian Academy Creative Awards. She also starred in a three-part Maalaala Mo Kaya finale, Scarlet Women, tackling the sensitive topic of human trafficking.

In 2023, Kaila’s presence on screen intensified. She starred in the second season of Love Bites and played a supporting role in the Amazon Prime Video comedy-drama Fit Check: Confessions of an Ukay Queen, which became a popular show on the platform. Her role as Atty. Sylvia Lualhati in Linlang further solidified her reputation for portraying complex, multi-dimensional characters. Sylvia’s struggles with her abusive husband resonated with viewers, and Kaila’s performance, particularly her confrontation scene with Kim Chiu, became a viral sensation.

Adding to her impressive 2023, Kaila also starred in Can’t Buy Me Love as Bettina Tiu. The character’s explosive plot twist in the finale revealed her as the long-sought killer, giving Kaila the opportunity to deliver a powerful and emotional performance that earned her widespread praise.

Kaila’s journey from model to acclaimed actress is a testament to her talent, hard work and dedication.  In just four years, she has built an impressive repertoire of roles, each showcasing a different facet of her abilities.  Her current role as hacker Max Alvero in Incognito promises to be another exciting chapter in her burgeoning career. With each new project, Kaila Estrada continues to prove herself as a force to be reckoned with in the Philippine entertainment industry.