Princess Punzalan may hugot; dati pinagsisilbihan, ngayon siya na ang nagsisilbi sa iba

• Princess, once the most feared villain on Philippine television, reflects on her humbling transition from being served by staff in Manila to serving patients as a nurse in California
• The veteran actress shares the grueling reality of her dual life as a healthcare professional at a major medical center and a hands-on mother with no household help
• The death of her mother, legendary broadcaster Helen, served as the primary inspiration for Princess to pursue nursing, aiming to better understand and explain medical conditions to families
• Now a registered nurse for over a decade, Princess advocates for cultural sensitivity and resilience, warning fellow Filipinos about the challenges of racism and diverse personalities in the US

For decades, Princess was a name that commanded attention in the Philippines, often associated with powerful characters who were served and feared.

However, in a candid reflection on her life abroad, the iconic star revealed that her world has completely flipped since relocating to the United States.

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Speaking in a deeply personal interview with veteran journalist Luchi, Princess opened up about the stark contrast between her life as a top-tier celebrity in the Philippines and her current reality as a registered nurse at the Los Angeles Medical Center.

"Sa Pilipinas, pinagsisilbihan ako. Pagdating dito, ako ang nagsisilbi," she remarked, highlighting the profound shift in her daily existence.

The 57-year-old actress, who moved to the US nearly 20 years ago to support her husband Jason, described a lifestyle devoid of the luxuries she once knew.

Without a driver or domestic help, Princess balances a high-stress medical career with the demands of motherhood.

Her days begin before dawn and often end after sunset, filled with chores like cooking, laundry, and school runs—tasks she manages independently.

The decision to enter the medical field was not born of a childhood dream but from a place of personal loss.

Princess recounted the helplessness she felt when her mother, the beloved Helen, was battling lymphoma in the early 90s.

"Ang naging problema ko, hindi ko naiintindihan kung ano ang nangyayari sa nanay ko. Hindi ko maikuwento sa mga kapatid ko, sa mga kamag-anak ko, sa mga kaibigan ano bang nangyayari sa nanay ko dahil hindi ko naiintindihan din," she shared.

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This lack of clarity inspired her to become a nurse, turning her pain into an advocacy to help families navigate the complexities of a loved one’s illness.

Despite the "gory" and demanding nature of her job—which includes witnessing intense medical emergencies—Princess finds a different kind of fulfillment in service.

She advises those wishing to follow her path to prepare for a "thick skin," noting that nursing in America requires not only technical skill but also the resilience to face cultural differences and systemic challenges like racism.

While she has occasionally returned to acting for international projects, Princess remains steadfast in her calling as a nurse, proving that the woman who once played the ultimate villain has found her greatest role in the quiet, selfless service of others.

A celebrated figure in Philippine cinema, Princess is best remembered for her legendary portrayal of the antagonist Selina in the classic series Mula sa Puso. As the daughter of media icon Helen, she carries a rich artistic legacy. Now based in the United States, she has successfully transitioned from the screen to the medical field, working as a registered nurse while raising her family.

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Last year, through a social media update, Princess offered a rare glimpse into her daily life and professional evolution as a registered nurse in the United States. The veteran star characterized the nursing profession as a spiritual vocation, demanding immense emotional strength, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to patient care. She expressed profound gratitude for the personal growth she has experienced, noting that the ability to touch lives in a clinical setting is deeply rewarding. While she has found success in medicine, she remains an indelible figure in Philippine pop culture, celebrated for her mastery of complex characters in film and television.

Previously, she made a courageous revelation. Princess shared a difficult chapter from her youth, recalling the fear and isolation she felt during a crisis when she was just fifteen. The actress spoke candidly about the lack of support she faced as a teenager, which led to a life-altering decision that she carried with her for many years. During her first marriage at nineteen, she experienced significant reproductive challenges, spending nearly half a decade unsuccessfully attempting to conceive. Despite these struggles, Princess eventually found peace and fulfillment in her current marriage through the journey of adoption, finally embracing the joys of motherhood.

Source: KAMI.com.gh