Beauty

Liza Soberano Is Owning Her Evolution Like a Pro

From shaping her career on her own terms to embracing salon-grade straight hair, Liza shows how reinvention becomes more powerful when it’s done with intention.

Created with CREAM SILK

People imagine reinvention as one pivotal moment, stepping into a new version of yourself that’s someone better and stronger in every shape or form. But in reality, reinvention happens slowly. It’s carved from a series of choices made outside of your comfort zone. Still, there’s beauty in this process of becoming, because while it may sometimes look unpretty, it hones a level of self-trust that lets you own your evolution.

Liza Soberano on the Preview.ph Cover
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LIZA SOBERANO for Cream Silk x Preview October 2026. Photo: BJ Pascual

That’s been the life for actress Liza “Hope” Soberano since she began her journey navigating the global stage. In an interview with the actress, she tells us about her past year: moving back to the United States, building her career, and learning how to show up for herself—whether that meant taking control of the projects she wishes to pursue, or even down to maintaining sleek, straight hair that becomes part of her power.

Becoming Captain of the Ship

Starting over is tough, especially when you've already achieved the kind of success most people spend years of their careers chasing. When Liza moved back to the States, what she left behind was her status as one of the Philippines’ beloved stars. According to Liza, her move meant starting her career from scratch.

Liza Soberano with her arms crossed
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Liza Soberano. Photo: BJ Pascual

"Nobody knew me there… [As a Filipino and an Asian artist,] there were a lot of things that I had to [learn and unlearn]," she explains.

Aside from the practical difficulties of relocating, she had to adjust to a much larger and more competitive entertainment industry. What surprised her most was discovering that the rules she had grown accustomed to no longer applied.

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Liza Soberano

"I spent most of my formative years here in the Philippines, so it was a big shift. It felt like the whole world was crashing in on me, to be honest. I had a lot of self-doubt," she admits.

Previously, in the Philippines, she worked with managers and teams that helped design her career paths and opportunities. In Los Angeles, the rules were different. Her team waited for her to direct them and tell them where to go. Not knowing this, Liza shares that her LA team initially interpreted her hesitation as a lack of passion. Finally realizing that she was meant to lead her team changed everything.

Liza Soberano sitting on a chair
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Liza Soberano. Photo: BJ Pascual

Since then, Liza has approached her career with a new level of ownership. "I'm not afraid to say when I feel like something is good for me or isn't, [and] still maintain respect towards everyone that I work with. I've learned to take on the projects that really excite me," the actress shares.

That journey reached a significant milestone with Forgotten Island, a major upcoming animated feature film from DreamWorks.

For Liza, the project represents something personal. As her first lead role in a big-budget global studio production, the project validated the ambitions that motivated her to take a chance on herself in the first place.

Liza Soberano side profile
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Liza Soberano. Photo: BJ Pascual

"It's a Filipino animation film," she says. "So it ties into who I am as a person. My roots."

The opportunity feels full-circle. She gets to represent Filipinos on a global stage while continuing to push herself creatively. For Liza, it's proof that dreaming beyond others' expectations of you, and even the expectations you sometimes place on yourself, can lead somewhere extraordinary.

Liza Soberano sitting on a chair with her arm on her thigh
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Liza Soberano. Photo: BJ Pascual

She points out,

Being Locked In

Armed with a newfound clarity and dedication of someone finally calling the shots in her own life, Liza is approaching 2026 with a promise:

Liza Soberano holding the Preview magazine
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Liza Soberano. Photo: BJ Pascual

"[That means] knowing exactly what you want and going for it no matter what other people think or despite the negative talk in your [mind]," the actress reflects.

Her resolution includes letting go of insecurities that block her from moving in the right direction for herself, no matter how big or small it may seem. One of these insecurities is her feelings about her naturally fine hair, which doesn't hold a style easily.

Liza Soberano with a hand combing her hair
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Liza Soberano. Photo: BJ Pascual

As an independent artist working in Los Angeles, Liza typically handles her own hair and makeup, opting for a glam team only when a major event calls for it. Her secret to staying camera-ready on casual days? The Cream Silk Pro Straight Lock Range, which helps keep her hair controlled and flawlessly straight with consistent use. Thanks to its infusion of Kera-Press Actives, it helps lock in straight hair like a pro and deliver a sleek, polished look with regular use. It's the salon-inspired range by Cream Silk that helps deliver salon-grade results when used regularly.

Liza's newfound self-reliance made her the ideal fit for her new role as the latest face of Cream Silk. It also turned out to be another full-circle moment. "When I was at my peak here in Manila, I just felt unstoppable.”

Liza Soberano with her right hand on her head
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Liza Soberano. Photo: BJ Pascual

She continues,

The actress also points out how meaningful the timing of the partnership was. This collaboration stands for a shared commitment to uncompromising choices, ensuring every decision aligns with your vision for yourself.

"With the Cream Silk [Pro Straight Lock Range], I can do all my prep beforehand and do it myself," Liza says. "It does the heavy lifting, which helps boost my confidence."

Cream Silk Pro Straight Lock Range stacked together
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Cream Silk Pro Straight Lock Range. Photo: Yel Dela Paz

In an industry as cutthroat as the one Liza's taking on, every single detail counts. From her overall look and acting choices down to her ultimate confidence booster—yes, even her hair—these small elements can make or break her next big thing. But when you lock in and take total ownership of your choices, the way Liza does, making your wildest dreams happen isn't a matter of if, but when.

Taking control

Reinvention rarely happens all at once. More often, it unfolds through a series of decisions: taking a chance on yourself, trusting your instincts, and taking control of your own path forward and your own person, even if that means reclaiming confidence with smooth, sleek hair.

Liza Soberano doing the asian squat
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Liza Soberano. Photo: BJ Pascual

Take it from Liza, whose days are now being shaped by those choices. Now, she's learned that control starts with knowing what matters to you and committing to it. And that's how you build confidence, from your career right down to your hair.

Cream Silk Pro Straight Lock Range

Learn more about Cream Silk’s Pro Straight Lock Range. Follow the brand on Facebook and Instagram.

PRODUCED BY SUMMIT X

Photographer: BJ Pascual (
@bjpascual)

Product Photographer: Yel Dela Paz (@yeldelapaz)

Assisted by: Rojan Maguyon (@rojanmaguyon) & Emelito Lansangan

Summit X Art Directors: Bea Malonzo (@biyaaa) and Miguel Ong (@ongmiguel)

Summit X Creative Director: Katrin Cruz (@kjscrz)

Creative Strategist: Kristine May Dela Cruz (@iamkristinedc)

Summit X Editor-in-Chief: Jamie Sanchez (@jamiexs)

Story: Fenichi Lozada (@nichilzd)

Social Media: Jamie Sanchez (@jamiexs), Nicole Gueco (@nicolegueco) and Cake Evangelista (@heycakey)

Production Manager: Mary Paul Therese Agpalo (@agpalotherese)

Executive Producer: Abigail Olaco (
@abichronicles)

Video Producer: Ariza Adoptante

Videographers: Teddy Garcia (@teddygarciajr) , Richford Unciano (@ritzpord), and Greeko Joy Junio (@dragon_grex)

Video Editors: Jaymar Talabon (@_mxrrr.vt) and Bianca Estanislao (@banky.xoxo)

Colorist: Martin Zapanta (@martinzapanta)

Accounts: CJ Arceta (@cjarceta)

Implementor: Mary Stephanie Flores (@msteflores)

Studio: Siren Studios (@siren_studiosph)

Prod Design: AdSet Production (@adestprod)

Liza Soberano’s Glam Team:
Makeup: Mickey See (
@mickeysee)

Hair: Renz Pangilinan (@renzpangilinan)

Stylist: Perry Tabora (@perrytabora) and Raf Villas (@rafvillas)

This article was created by Summit X in partnership with CREAM SILK.

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