The Artist Spotlight Series: Xyza Cada

The actress and advocate talks about The Season, Filipino representation, and building community through storytelling.

Around the world, people have become increasingly enraptured by and curious about Filipino culture—one that is growing in its ‘soft power’ era. And one of these individuals, who is out to promote the idea that Filipino talent is more than it seems on television and film, is Hong Kong-based Filipino actress and advocate Xyza Cada.

Cada is now starring in the biggest role of her career yet on HULU and VUI’s most anticipated series of the year, The Season. Set in Hong Kong, the series, which was executive produced by the same team behind Crazy Rich Asians, explores the lives of Hong Kong’s socialites, the Hext Family, who find themselves caught up in betrayal, power, and high-stakes conflicts during what was supposed to be a lovely summer getaway on a yacht.

Cada finds herself starring alongside Crazy Rich Asians star Chris Pang, who plays Andrew Fung, Justin Chien (The Brothers Sun), Toby Stephens ( Percy Jackson and the Olympians), and Jessie Mei Li (Shadow and Bone). But prior to her role as Gloria on the series, Cada had already been committed to telling stories such as ‘We Don’t Dance For Nothing and Still Human ‘; both films reflected the realities of the Filipino diaspora abroad.

If you ask her, she will tell you that she was born to be an actress.

Coming from a family full of artists who love to perform, that statement does ring true. This is why, for Cada, becoming an actor never felt like a distant dream. Family gatherings often became informal talent shows, and creativity was encouraged from an early age.

Her passion eventually led to independent films and community-centered projects, many of which explored the experiences of overseas Filipinos. So for Saiza, acting has never simply been about performing—it has always been about building connections.

Cada sat down with ELETOM to discuss her role and her hopes for Filipino representation worldwide.

Congratulations on joining The Season. It’s one of the most anticipated international series right now, and many people are excited to see more Filipino representation on screen. Before we talk about the show, can you tell us how your journey as an actress began?

XYZA: I came from a large, musically inclined family, so I grew up surrounded by entertainment. At family gatherings, there was always music, and we would turn those moments into talent shows. My mother is a music teacher, and my father is a musician, so I had constant exposure to the performing arts. Looking back, I think that environment really shaped my passion for acting.

Was there a particular actor or actress who inspired you?

XYZA: I’ve always wanted to represent myself rather than become somebody else. I usually draw inspiration from my own experiences. But if I had to name someone, it would be Jaclyn Jose. I admired her versatility and ability to portray complex emotions so naturally. I love independent films because they allow more freedom and depth in character development.

You’ve worked on projects like Still Human and We Don’t Dance for Nothing. Some of those roles were very personal for you. How do you approach stories that are close to your own experiences?

XYZA: We Don’t Dance for Nothing was particularly emotional. There was a scene where I had to describe what it feels like to give birth, and it felt incredibly real because I was drawing from my own experience as a mother. I didn’t feel like I was acting. It felt like I was simply sharing a part of myself.

You’ve also portrayed difficult subjects, including domestic violence. How do you prepare for emotionally intense roles?

XYZA: Research is very important. I talk to people, watch documentaries, and try to understand the emotional reality of what survivors experience. I want to portray those stories respectfully and authentically. When I’m preparing for a role, I spend a lot of time internalizing the character before I arrive on set.

There were scenes that were so intense they affected everyone around me. Afterward, it would take time to return to myself because the emotions felt very real.

How do you separate yourself from those characters after filming?

XYZA: I remind myself that the character’s experiences are not my own. Sometimes I’ll make jokes or do something lighthearted with the cast and crew to shift the energy. It’s important to reconnect with reality after spending time in a difficult emotional space.

Many of your projects explore Filipino experiences abroad. How important is authentic representation to you?

XYZA: It’s extremely important. There are so many Filipino stories that deserve to be told. We’re everywhere in the world, and our experiences are diverse. I want to portray characters that people can relate to, and I want those stories to feel truthful.

I’ve turned down projects before because I didn’t agree with how Filipinos were being represented. If I feel something isn’t authentic, I’m willing to speak up.

Have you ever had to challenge stereotypes or inaccurate portrayals during production?

XYZA: If I see something that doesn’t feel authentic to Filipino culture or the way we speak, I’ll say something. Earlier in my career, I wasn’t always comfortable doing that, but now I feel a responsibility to speak up. If nobody says anything, then who is going to protect the community?

Let’s talk about The Season. What attracted you to the project?

XYZA: The emotional depth of the story. It’s not just a drama. It deals with love, loyalty, family, and the kinds of struggles that many people face in everyday life. I think audiences will connect with it on a very personal level.

What was the audition process like?

XYZA: It was funny because I originally auditioned for Gloria, a character who was supposed to be around 50 years old. I didn’t think I’d get the role because I looked younger than what they envisioned. Later I found out they adjusted the character’s age range after seeing my audition.

Honestly, I didn’t fully believe I had gotten the role until I was standing on set on my first day.

What can you tell us about Gloria?

XYZA: She isn’t perfect. She’s deeply human. She’s someone who loves her family, goes to church, works hard, and always tries to do the right thing—but she’s also carrying burdens and secrets.

One thing I love about Gloria is that she’s portrayed as a professional who runs the household. She’s not just another stereotypical domestic worker. She has authority, dignity, and complexity.

What was it like working with such an international cast?

XYZA: Amazing. We had people from the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Korea, Russia, and the Philippines. Everyone was welcoming and supportive.

A lot of our scenes were filmed on a boat during Hong Kong’s summer, so we spent long days together. We’d share snacks, explore the city, go to museums, eat dim sum, and just spend time getting to know one another. That’s really where our bond developed.

You’ve spoken openly about the differences between local and international productions. What stood out to you about working on The Season?

XYZA: I felt respected. I felt included. That’s something I’ll never forget.

As a Filipino actor in Hong Kong, I can’t always expect that level of treatment. On The Season, I was treated as part of the team. It was a reminder that everyone deserves to be treated with professionalism and dignity regardless of where they come from.

You’re also active in community work and advocacy. Why is that important to you?

XYZA: I grew up watching my mother help the Filipino community in Hong Kong, so that spirit of service has always been part of my life.

I support organizations like Bethune House and the International Justice Mission whenever I can. Sometimes that means helping with events, finding sponsors, or assisting with community projects. I want to use whatever platform I have to help others.

What changes would you like to see within the Filipino community abroad?

XYZA: More unity.

In Hong Kong, there are different groups within the Filipino community—domestic workers, permanent residents, professionals, expatriates. Sometimes those divisions create barriers.

I’ve always hoped we could simply see one another as Filipinos. We may have different backgrounds, but we’re still one community.

Finally, what’s next for you? Do you dream of working internationally or even in Hollywood one day?

XYZA: Absolutely. I’m very ambitious, and Hollywood is definitely a dream. But more than a specific role, I’m interested in stories that challenge me and allow me to connect with people.

Whether the opportunity is in Hong Kong, the Philippines, Hollywood, or somewhere else in the world, I’m open to it. I love acting, and I want to keep growing as an artist.

What would you like audiences to take away from your work?

XYZA: I hope they see Filipino stories told with honesty and dignity. I hope they feel represented. And I hope they leave inspired.

For more on XYZA, follow her on Instagram here and watch The Season on Hulu