Isabelle Daza greets me in The Regent Hong Kong with a natural grace that immediately puts one at ease, her presence as inviting as the city’s iconic skyline. There’s a warmth to the Filipina star that transcends celebrity – an authenticity that makes her just as alluring when sharing stories over coffee as she is on camera.
Fresh from filming an international series, she radiates the excitement of new beginnings. “My first show outside the Philippines,” she shares, eyes sparkling. Though she playfully describes her role as “extra lang” (just an extra), her pride in being part of such a global production is evident. “The cast is incredible – talented people from Los Angeles, Tokyo, Toronto – all coming together to create something special.”
Though what makes Isabelle stand apart isn’t merely her on-screen appeal, but the intentionality she brings to every aspect of her life. In an age of curated perfection, she remains refreshingly genuine: a devoted mother, passionate advocate, and creative spirit who proves the most compelling roles are those lived, not merely performed.
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Shoes: Melissa x Marc Jacobs
Jewellery: APM Monaco
Sunglasses: Gentle Monster via Puyi Optical
Skincare: Rebecca Sylvester
Isabelle’s perspective on Hong Kong carries the nuance of someone who has learned to call two places home. “When you compare Hong Kong to Manila,” she muses, “there are similarities but also very stark differences. Hong Kong is more dynamic – you have Art Basel, the Rugby Sevens, all these world-class events. But Manila will always be home to me. I wouldn’t choose one over the other; they’re just different experiences.”
What truly won her over were the practical joys Hong Kong offers. “I love that in 15 minutes I can be at the beach or hiking in the mountains. The safety is a huge plus – my kids can walk around, and I don’t worry.” She still marvels at the city’s efficiency: “Everything moves so fast here. At first, the pace shocked me, but now I appreciate it – even our WiFi gets fixed so quickly!” She laughs, then adds, “And the public transport! The MTR, buses, trams – it’s safe, affordable, and honestly, just fun to use.”
Jewellery: Swarovski
Sunglasses: Gentle Monster via Puyi Optical
Shoes: Roger Vivier
Hong Kong’s vibrancy doesn’t just inspire her creatively – it also fuels her activism. Follow her Instagram, and you’ll find her championing domestic workers’ rights with the same passion she brings to her on-screen roles. Between glossy campaign posts, she shares glimpses of her efforts: hosting financial literacy workshops in Central and organising practical giveaways like plane tickets and laptops to support domestic helpers during their rare days off. Her advocacy emerged organically from her everyday life. “I just fell into it naturally,” she explains. “I’ve always been close to the domestic helpers in my family and those who work with us. We spend time together, they share their stories and struggles, and I listen.”
As she speaks about their sacrifices, her usual sparkle softens into quiet determination. “Hearing what they go through, I knew I had to lend my voice,” she says. “These incredible women leave their own families behind to provide for them – it’s truly remarkable.” Her voice carries a tone of reverence as she adds, “I actually look up to them.” This commitment to uplifting others has become an integral part of her Hong Kong journey, further grounding her connection to the city.
Jewellery: Swarovski & APM Monaco
Chocolate: Karam
But ask her about her most meaningful role, and the answer comes without hesitation: “Being a mom.” The mother of three softens as she reflects on the joys of raising children in Hong Kong. “Seeing my children grow every day fills my heart in ways I can’t explain,” she says, fully aware of how cheesy it might sound – but meaning every word. “Taking them to school isn’t just a duty – it’s my privilege.”
She bristles at the phrase “just a stay-at-home mom.” “It’s the hardest unpaid job in the world,” she asserts. “Without us holding things together, how would our partners work? How would our children thrive?” The modern balancing act resonates deeply with her. “Can you do it all? Honestly, no. When I’m excelling at motherhood, my career takes a backseat. When work is thriving, I miss bedtimes. And that’s okay – it’s about being present in whatever role you’re in at that moment.”
She acknowledges her unique advantages with gratitude. “I’m lucky – our helpers allow me to work sometimes, and I can even bring my kids to set occasionally,” she admits. “But every woman’s situation is different. What matters is that we stop judging ourselves and each other.”
Jewellery: Swarovski
Isabelle’s perspective on balancing the many facets of her life has been shaped by the chapters she’s lived. “In your twenties, it’s all about looking cool and feeling like you’ve made it,” she reflects with a knowing laugh. “Then your thirties hit – mortgages, school fees, real responsibilities. Suddenly, what matters shifts.” Leaning forward, her voice warms with conviction. “You start valuing the people who lift you up, the work that fulfills you, rather than chasing superficial validation.”
This clarity became her compass. “I used to say yes to every opportunity, afraid I’d miss out,” she admits. “But then I realised: without knowing your North Star, every path distracts you.” Now, she measures projects against a simple mission: “Does this inspire someone to be their best self – not a copy of me?” When fans confess they want to emulate her, she gently redirects them: “Be you. That’s where your power lies.”
Jewellery: Maie Jewelry
Her advice to young people feeling pulled in all directions? “Depth over breadth. I’d rather excel at one thing than dabble in twenty.” She pauses, letting the wisdom of experience settle. “Life will constantly whisper, ‘Try this, chase that.’ But when you know your purpose – whether it’s raising kind humans or creating meaningful work – the noise fades. That’s when you truly flourish.”
Hong Kong may have given her new platforms, but Isabelle Daza’s true legacy is being written in the spaces between – in the helpers’ rights she champions, the values she instills in her children, and the courage of choosing depth in a world obsessed with surface.
Special Thanks: High Society Skin Clinic, Rebecca Sylvester & Karam
Catherine Pun
A Hong Kong native with Filipino-Chinese roots, Catherine infuses every part of her life with zest, whether she’s belting out karaoke tunes or exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations. Her downtime often includes unwinding with Netflix and indulging in a 10-step skincare routine. As the Editorial Director of Friday Club., Catherine brings her wealth of experience from major publishing houses, where she refined her craft and even authored a book. Her sharp editorial insight makes her a dynamic force, always on the lookout for the next compelling narrative.
