Mikaela Ariana de Belen Estrada (born March 16, 1996), better known as Kaila Estrada, is a Filipino actress and model. After several stints in modelling, she signed with Star Magic in 2021 and made her acting debut in the ABS-CBN drama series Viral Scandal. Her most breakthrough roles are the characters of Sylvia Lualhati in Linlang and Bettina Tiu in Can't Buy Me Love.
Early life
Mikaela Ariana de Belen Estrada was born in March 16, 1996.[1] She is the third of four children of actors John Estrada and Janice de Belen.[2] Her siblings include Inah, Moira and Yuan. She has two half-siblings each of her parents, Iggy "Luigi" Boy Muhlach (from her mother with Aga Muhlach) and Samantha Anechka (from her father with his current wife Priscilla Meirelles).
Career
Modelling (2013-2020)
At age 17, Estrada began modelling in 2013 as a ramp model for fashion designer Randy Ortiz.[3] The following year, she signed with Mercator Models and Talent Management.[4] In 2018, she took part in #SMYouthDenim fashion show in SM Makati as an ambassadress for SM Youth.[5]
Acting debut and breakthrough (2021-present)
Following her contract signing with Star Magic, Estrada ventured into acting and made her first screen appearance in the mystery drama Viral Scandal (2021) as Raven Ramones. In an exclusive interview with Metro Style, she revealed that she auditioned for the role twice as the production felt she was a bit stiff the first time she auditioned.[6] Her performance was met with praises from the viewers and critics alike, noting her "crisp delivery of lines".[7] The following year, she appeared in the hybrid narrative-reality show The Chosen One broadcast on PIE channel.[8] In March 2022, she starred in an episode of drama anthology Maalaala Mo Kaya as Karen Bordador, a former radio DJ and Pinoy Big Brother Kumunity Season 10 Celebrity Edition alumna.[9] The episode was named the National Winner for "Best Single Drama or Telemovie/Anthology" at the Asian Academy Creative Awards.[10] Later in 2022, she starred in a three-part special episode of Maalaala Mo Kaya as Abby.[11] The following year, Estrada starred alongside Joao Constancia and Chie Filomeno in the second season of Love Bites streaming on ABS-CBN Entertainment's official YouTube channel.[12] In July 2023, she played a supporting role in the comedy-drama Fit Check: Confessions of an Ukay Queen on Amazon Prime Video. Upon release, the series was one of the most watched TV shows on the platform throughout its run.[13]
Estrada was prominently featured in two hit drama series, Linlang and Can't Buy Me Love.[14] Her portrayal of Sylvia Lualhati in Linlang received widespread acclaim and earned a nomination at the ContentAsia Awards 2024 for Best Supporting Actress in a TV Programme/Series.[15][16][17] Viewers were also surprised for the revelations of her character Bettina Tiu in the romantic drama series Can't Buy Me Love.[18][19]