When in doubt, Leap

Liza Soberano opens up about her hopes and anxieties as she goes back in front of the camera-and finds out what it's like to be behind it

- BAM ABELLON

Liza Soberano utters these words smiling—while cooling down from our photo shoot that could counter a moderate workout routine. Throughout the whole day, she exuded a vibe of levity and vulnerability mixed in one woman, who is more thoughtful, more accurate in her words than we’ve ever seen her. It’s a vibe that we greeted with glee, of course, knowing what she has been through the past couple of months.

“Risks come with every meaningful thing that we have in our lives, whether it be in our career, our love life, our family life,” she continues. “I would rather take big risks on something I truly believe in instead of staying in my comfort zone.”

We can attest to this. The Liza we meet today does not scare easily. (And yes, you can still call her Liza: “My real name’s Hope. Everybody calls me Hope, and I don’t mind that. But professionally, I still go by Liza.”)

Liza is perfectly fine with imperfections and inconveniences. She knows where she wants to go. She goes where she thinks she is needed. This whole new Liza shines through during our shoot day, one hot Sunday afternoon. Hang from a steel bar ten feet off the ground? Sure. Fall on a trampoline and ricochet off it? “Sounds fun.” Look deadly gorgeous and serene while being surrounded by snakes? “Yeah. I had pet snakes before.” At one time, after what probably was the 50th jumping shot—with her torso facing the right side and her head facing the camera, she stops moving. “Are you okay?” We ask. “Yes.” She laughs. “I just need to take a break.” She took two sips of water, and she went at it again.