There are many versions of us throughout our lives. The teenager you once were isn’t the same person you are in your twenties. The beliefs you swore by when you were younger? The ideas you once firmly held might shift, evolve, or even disappear, shaped by the circumstances that mold you, the experiences that shake or strengthen you, and the people who walk alongside you for a season or for life.
We are constantly evolving. With each phase, we learn more about ourselves, the world we live in, the choices we make, and the impact we leave on others and society.
And this growth isn’t exclusive to people living everyday lives. It’s the same for the actors we admire on screen. While it’s easy to assume we know them through their projects, characters, and the media buzz around them, they, too, are growing, just like us. Behind the scenes, they’re changing too. They’re learning, stumbling, rising, and trying to figure things out, just like the rest of us.
In this feature, we’re introduced to a new version of Francine Diaz and Seth Fedelin. The My Future You love team — now starring once again in the newly launched Sins of the Father— opens up about growing up in front of the camera, navigating fame and the pressures of the entertainment industry, staying grounded, and what the next chapter looks like for them.
‘Showbiz Is Not for the Weak’: Francine Diaz on Growth, Grit, and Grace
With expressive eyes that can break hearts and a presence that quietly commands attention, Francine Diaz is not new to the spotlight. From her breakthrough role as Cassie Mondragon in Kadenang Ginto to her layered portrayal of Chiara in Dirty Linen, Francine has cemented her place as one of the most compelling young actresses of her generation.
But what many don’t see behind the accolades and glitz is the woman she’s becoming.
“I’m beginning to get to know myself in my 20s,” she shares. “I would say Francine Diaz now is learning to be more, wiser, disciplined, strict sa sarili niya, and mas may paninindigan sa mga paniniwala niya.” (I would say Francine Diaz now is learning to become more mature, wiser, more disciplined, stricter with herself, and more firm in standing by her beliefs.)
Her voice is calm but assertive and grounded. She admits, like anyone else, that growth doesn’t come easily. “May mga mistakes tayo sa process natin in becoming a better person. Mas dapat i-embrace natin ang mga flaws na ‘yan kaysa sa i-echapwera natin ‘yong sarili natin. People make mistakes.” (We make mistakes in our process of becoming better people. We should embrace those flaws instead of pushing ourselves away because of them.) It’s a philosophy of self-compassion that many young people, constantly under pressure to perform or appear perfect, need to hear.
In many ways, Francine’s characters have helped shape her real-life growth. She explains how she finds pieces of herself in the roles she plays. “Kapag nagbibigay ng script o pag nagjo-jot down ako ng personality ng isang character, laging merong similarity sa akin. Doon ako nagsisimula.” (Whenever I receive a script or jot down a character’s personality, there’s always something similar to me in them. That’s where I begin.)
It’s a deeply personal and intuitive way of acting, one that’s served her well. But she doesn’t take all the credit. “Blessed din ako with the directors na nakaka-work namin,” she says gratefully. “Kasi lage talaga silang tumutulong and very collaborative.” She expresses deep gratitude for those who help her internalize her roles and truly understand the depth of each character. “I guess mas nakukuha ko ‘yong pagiging wise sa pagbabasa ng characters na pino-portray ko from the directors na nakatrabaho ko.” (I guess I’ve become wiser at reading the characters I portray, thanks to the directors I’ve worked with.)
With all her learnings so far, Francine hopes to explore more of her craft and learn more about what she can do. “Gusto ko talagang maging girl version ni Scarface. Something like that—‘yong sobrang angas niya. Talagang ‘the world is yours,’” she laughs. She also dreams of playing more intense, psychologically challenging roles, like a psycho killer or a character in a story with mind-blowing plot twists.
But like many public figures, Francine hasn’t been spared from criticism, especially online. While she embraces constructive feedback that helps her grow, she draws a clear line between critique and hate. “Nakaka-hurt siya, kasi tao lang din kami,” (It hurts, because we’re only human too,) she says candidly. Despite giving her best in every project and aiming to inspire others, she knows there will always be people ready to tear her down. Still, she remains grounded. “Showbiz is not for the weak,” she admits. And over the years, the industry has shaped her into someone who knows how to stand up for herself, make tough choices, and stay true to her values.
Francine acknowledges she’s still a work in progress. That’s why she values advice from trusted friends and family, those who genuinely want her to grow, not just as an actress, but as a person. “May mga gusto rin tumulong sa’yo to make you a better person or to help you be a better actress.” (There will always be people who try to ruin that—whatever you do to keep your mind and heart at peace.)
She’s also learned to protect her peace. Whenever the noise gets too loud, Francine detoxes from social media and turns to hobbies that keep her centered. She’s tried baking, cooking, and even caring for plants—and is now fascinated by the “language of flowers.” “If may free time, gagawin ko ‘yong mga gusto kong gawin. Like every Sunday, I go sa church, family ko. Or like, kung walang taping ng Saturday, we go out,” (If I have free time, I do the things I enjoy. Like every Sunday, I go to church with my family. Or if there’s no taping on a Saturday, we go out,) she shares. She also enjoys the calmness of alone time—cleaning her room, watching movies, reading, and writing. Simple joys. Soulful moments.
After nearly 15 years in the entertainment world, Francine reflects on the ups and downs of her journey. And for anyone thinking about entering the industry, she has this piece of advice: “Dapat love mo talaga ‘yong gagawin mo. It should start from the heart. Hindi naman kasi porket nag-artista ka, famous ka na, ‘di ba? Because it takes a lot of rejection, dedication, and compassion. Walang madali sa mundo. I think nagiging madali lang ang isang bagay kasi it makes us happy.”
“You really have to love what you’re doing. It should come from the heart. Just because you become an actor doesn’t mean you’re automatically famous, right? Because it takes a lot of rejection, dedication, and compassion. Nothing in this world comes easy. I think something only feels easy when it makes us happy.”
Her biggest reminder? “Prioritize your happiness.” Especially in an industry where mental pressure can get overwhelming. “May mga tao talagang sisira nun—whatever you do para ma-at peace ‘yong mind mo, ‘yong puso mo.” (There will always be people who try to ruin that—whatever you do to keep your mind and heart at peace.) That’s why instead of running away from pain, Francine chooses to feel it. “Dinadamdam ko nalang lahat ng emotions ko. And then, kapag hindi ko na siya kayang i-bottle up, I cry. Alone in my room.” (I just let myself feel all my emotions. And when I can’t bottle them up anymore, I cry—alone in my room.) She has a rule: she only cries in front of people on set, during scenes. “So, iniipon ko lahat ng problema ko para sa mga eksena, one take lang ako.” (So I bottle up all my problems for the scenes—so I can deliver it in one take.)
She also turns to meditation, such as five quiet minutes in the morning, mindful breathing, and the simple joy of just being at peace with herself. Because above everything else, her biggest goal isn’t just to win awards or land the next big role—it’s to live life with meaning, love, and a calm spirit.
Becoming a Man: Seth Fedelin on Adulthood, Purpose, and Staying True
From his Pinoy Big Brother: Otso days to becoming one of the country’s most recognizable young actors, Seth Fedelin has journeyed far—and quietly, steadily matured in the process.
Now in his early 20s, he’s grown into a man with dreams that extend beyond the camera. “Mahilig talaga ako sa musika,” (I really love music,) he says. He writes songs, jams with friends, and plays the guitar. But Seth isn’t one to broadcast his life on social media. He’s kept his circle small and his lifestyle simple. His downtime? Camping, motorbiking, cooking, bonding with his dogs (cheekily named after liquors!), and hanging out with longtime friends.
What grounds Seth the most, though, is his love for family. Best known for his roles in Kadenang Ginto and Dirty Linen, Seth pours his heart into every project. “Parang karakter ko, mabait na anak,” (Just like my character, I’m a good son,) he says, smiling. Family is everything to him. “Hindi natin obligasyon ang magulang natin, pero dapat natin silang mahalin. At ang pagmamahal na ‘yon, ipinapakita ko sa action ko.” (We’re not obligated to our parents, but we should love them. And I show that love through my actions.) He began his journey for them, and he wants to end it with them.
Seth understands that to thrive in the entertainment world, you need more than talent. You need heart. You have to feel, observe, and learn where the character is coming from. And his advice for young dreamers? Don’t chase clout. “Sa mga nagpaplano at gustong sumikat, magtrending, mapansin, sana huwag ninyong kalimutan ang moral ninyo kasi mahalaga ‘yon.”
To those planning and aiming to get famous, to trend, to get noticed—I hope you don’t forget your morals, because they matter.
He knows fame is fleeting, but integrity lasts. “Ipakita mo sa mga tao na may makukuha silang maganda sa’yo. Inspire others,” (Show people that there’s something good they can take from you. Inspire others,) he says. And to do that, you need to know your strengths—and weaknesses. “Kailangan mong planuhin ang gusto mong puntahan. Stage by stage. Kasi ako, alam ko ang gusto ko. Ang gusto ko kasi umarte. Doon ko gagalingan.” (You need to plan where you want to go—stage by stage. As for me, I know what I want. I want to act. That’s where I’ll give it my all.)
One of the most important lessons he’s learned? Be wise with money. “Mag-enjoy ka pero pag-isipan mo ‘yong galaw mo. Maging wise ka sa pera mo. Kailangan alam mo ang needs atsaka wants mo.” (Enjoy life, but be mindful of your actions. Be wise with your money. You need to know the difference between your needs and your wants.) Seth takes pride in being able to buy a house and car for his parents—and for himself. “Masarap gumising sa umaga na wala kang iniisip. Walang maniningil sa’yo sa bahay.” (It’s a great feeling to wake up with a clear mind, knowing no one’s knocking at your door to collect payment.)
At a young age, Seth has gone through many experiences that have shaped his mature outlook on life. As his career continues to evolve, he hopes to explore more of his potential—perhaps even venturing into hosting shows similar to those on the Discovery Channel or National Geographic. “Kasi gusto ko talaga ng adventure. Kaya kong matulog sa gubat. Lahat ng gamit ko sa sasakyan, pang-camping talaga,” (Because I really love adventure. I can sleep in the forest. All the gear in my car is for camping,) he shares with a smile.
The Next Chapter: Together, Growing
In a world that’s obsessed with overnight fame and fast success, Francine and Seth remind us of something deeper: true growth is slow, intentional, and personal. Their journey reminds us that growth is messy but beautiful, and the best version of yourself is always just one chapter away.
As they step into their next chapters, both individually and as a love team, they carry with them the lessons of yesterday and the hope for tomorrow. They remind us that fame is fleeting, but character stays. That setbacks don’t define you, but how you rise does.
And most importantly, that it’s okay to rewrite your story as many times as you need. Whether you’re an artist, a student, or simply someone figuring out life, Francine and Seth are proof that it’s never too early—or too late—to choose growth, healing, and authenticity.
Because in the end, the next chapter is always yours to write.
Creative Direction & Photographed by Em Baun
Shot on location: The Villa Studios
Francine Diaz:
Makeup: Mark Qua
Hair: Jia Enciso Catu
Styling: Drew Lacia
Seth Fedelin:
Hair & Makeup: Kevin Christian Camantigue
Styling: Jro Alarcio
Special Acknowledgement: Star Magic Philippines
Video: Mary Jane Manglicmot
Shoot assisted by: Junko Bartolo, Nami Padilla, Kassandra Baria, Ayi Gamutan, Gorg Elbert Flores, Bon Giovani Pineda
Overall Coordination: Angel Altura | Niccole Mendoza
