When it comes to advocacies, Alexa Ilacad holds one that’s near and dear to her heart—animal welfare.
From her TV guestings down to the personal Instagram accounts of her beloved pets, the Gen Z actress’ affinity for her fur babies has long been public knowledge. But in an interview for Preview’s In Focus July 2023 feature, the Pira-Pirasong Paraiso star revealed that her connection with her four-legged friends ran deep, as she credited her eight-year-old Maltese named Blush as an integral part of her mental health healing process.
READ: Alexa Ilacad on Her Pets, Animal Welfare Advocacy, and Her Dreams of Opening an Animal Shelter
“Prior to her, I've never really experienced a long-term relationship with animals,” she explained. “But having her just opened this whole new dimension of love.”
The actress, who has been vocal about her struggles with a condition called body dysmorphia, detailed how Blush showed a different side of unconditional love amid tougher times. “I look in her eyes, and I know that I am loved immediately, infinitely, without a single percent of judgment,” she said.
“I just know that to them, I am their world. And how could I not see that for myself? How could I not love myself that way as well?”
In turn, Alexa discussed how animal welfare has become one of her top advocacies. Among her aspirations includes opening an animal shelter of her own.
“It's my dream. It is the reason I work, it’s the reason [why] I want to be rich,” she confessed. “[If I can’t open] my own shelter, [it’s to at least] donate generously to animal shelters.”
In years past, the young star has had a generous track record in lending a helping hand to local animal shelters. During one of her birthdays, Alexa celebrated alongside the non-profit Pawssion Project, where she encouraged friends and fans to donate to their cause in lieu of gifts. According to the organization, they received P85,000 in cash that day!
“Bills are high when animals are sick, and it is so hard to deal with that. I wanted to help them as much as I can because sadly, they are not really prioritized by many,” she told Preview.
“With them being voiceless, [there was just a] point where I knew I had to be their voice, and to help as much as I could,” Alexa continued. “I have so much love and respect for people who make it their life's mission to help animals. And in my own small ways, I want to make it mine, too.”
We’re right there with you, Alexa!
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