MANILA, Philippines — Angelica Panganiban said she has learned to embrace and appreciate her body more after enduring three surgeries and childbirth, saying she no longer feels the need to return to her pre-pregnancy figure.
In a podcast interview with Alyssa Valdez, the actress reflected on how becoming a mother to her daughter, Amila Sabine, changed the way she views herself physically and emotionally.
“After giving birth, mas lalo kong minahal ang katawan ko sa kung anong capacity niya at kung anong capabilities niya,” Panganiban shared, adding that while some people are able to regain their former physique through an athletic lifestyle, she has chosen to embrace her body’s current form instead.
The actress underwent three surgeries in 2024 after being diagnosed with avascular necrosis, a condition in which bone tissue dies because of insufficient blood supply. She first had a seven-hour hip core decompression surgery in July 2024, followed by a hip replacement procedure three months later.
Looking back at those experiences, Panganiban said she became more amazed by the strength of a woman’s body.
“It’s not a secret that I went through three surgeries, so doon ako na-surprise kung ano ‘yung kayang gawin ng katawan ko—ng katawan ng isang babae,” she said.
She added that her current body symbolizes survival, resilience, and motherhood, making her appreciate it even more than before.
“Mas gugustuhin ko kung ano katawan ko ngayon. Mas i-embrace ko siya dahil ito ang pinagdaanan niya. I-a-admire mo kung ano ‘yung pinagdaanan niya dahil ang strong niya,” she said.
Panganiban also reflected on her battle with her condition, which she described as one of the biggest struggles of her life.
“At 36 or 37, nagkaroon ako ng bone death. For two years, nahirapan ako, nag-struggle akong labanan ‘yung disease ko. And then, nag-survive ako,” she shared.
The actress recently appeared in the The Silent Noise and the UnMarry alongside Zanjoe Marudo.
She also earned a Best Lead Actor (Female) nomination at the 2026 Global OTT Awards for her performance in “The Silent Noise.”
