Kazel Kinouchi has been lighting up the screens with her role as Zoey Tanyag on Abot Kamay na Pangarap. She shines in the hit GMA show alongside co-stars Jillian Ward and Carmina Villaroel—giving grief as the sassy and sophisticated kontrabida daughter of Doc RJ (Richard Yap) and Moira (Pinky Amador).

It’s a one-of-a-kind breakout role for Kazel, who signed up with Sparkle GMA Artist Center then got cast in the highly watched TV show in 2022. It seems to have been the right move as she’s been earning online raves for her villainous character.

But the clamor Kazel receives for her role as Zoey is certainly not something the actress expected—especially since she first broke into showbiz as a housemate on ABS-CBN’s Pinoy Big Brother Teen Clash in 2010. It was a season that led to other breakthroughs in showbiz, most notably James Reid, who eventually won that edition.

Dave Graciadas

Real Talk

Just like the surprise hype she’s been getting, PBB also wasn’t something Kazel had planned. “It wasn’t actually my idea. It was my mom’s. Ever since I was a kid, she would bring me to these VTRs. That was her dream—for me to be in showbiz. So when there came a chance na mag-PBB audition, she asked me to go,” Kazel tells Cosmopolitan Philippines.

It seems that the stars aligned for Kazel to be part of the hit reality show, as the audition was right across her school in Taft. In fact, she didn’t even expect to get accepted—because she actually arrived late to the audition.

“It’s funny ’cause I wasn’t supposed to be in that audition kasi the last call was 5 p.m.
And I got there at 5:15. And then I had to beg the guard by the gates. I said, ‘I came from class. Can you please let me in?'” Time may not have been on her side that day, but things worked themselves out.

Dave Graciadas

Kazel is wearing the Beyond Bare Seamless Bra by ecora, a blue pinstripe button-up by H&M, and loose-fit jeans by H&M

After her stint on the reality show, naturally, the offers to become a full-fledged artista started coming in. She started starring on shows such as Good Vibes, Paraiso, and the much-loved Be Careful With My Heart.

Yet, even as she was able to join popular TV programs, the actress remained undecided as to whether showbiz was really for her. “After my first show—after PBB—I went back to school. And after a while, there were a few shows offered to me. And then slowly, I was back in showbiz. But I really had no concrete plans,” she shares.

Dave Graciadas

“Kasi I’m the type of person—especially before, when I was young—I was just happy-go-lucky, go with the flow. I’m not gonna force things. If showbiz isn’t for me, then it’s not.” She reveals, “That’s why there was a time when I was not active in showbiz.”

Kazel is candid about her beginnings in the industry, especially when she was still finding her footing. “It was a love-hate relationship,” she admits.

Dave Graciadas

“When I’m in a show, I don’t like it ’cause of the working hours. I don’t like waiting so long. ‘Cause when you’re young, you’re like that—you want to do so many things. And, as I’ve said before, showbiz was not really my main priority.” It’s understandable—you want to do a lot of things, but work days seem to last forever .

Still, it’s Kazel’s passion that keeps her going. “But when I don’t have a show, like when I’m not active, I miss acting. ‘Cause I really love the craft. It’s just that there’s so much into it more than acting,” she shares, admitting that she’s not too crazy about the people-pleasing aspect of being in the industry.

Yet, now, it seems that Kazel has had a second wind in showbiz since joining GMA, having risen as one of its stars to look out for—simply by being herself.

“This is my first show in GMA. So I auditioned for a different role before this role,
which is more mature, and I didn’t get it. So, thankfully, I got this role na more serious, more me. I’m really maarte,” she laughs.

Dave Graciadas

When it comes to roles, Kazel looks for something she can either personally align herself with or get her out of her comfort zone in acting. “It has to be a little bit parallel, or somehow I can relate to. Or if it’s a role that I want to take on, like a challenge. Of course, in the future, I want to take on more serious roles or more challenging roles. But those are the things that I take on account if it’s really relatable to me or if it’s challenging,” she shares.

“I still love being a kontrabida, of course,” she says. “But I think because our show has been going [on] for almost two years na, it’s tiring also to be the kontrabida on set all the time.” Taking on a character onscreen also affects her offscreen. “Like when you have to be mataray—to be fighting and shouting all the time—it’s not easy. Kasi you absorb the negative energy. So, when I go home, I have to cleanse myself,” she adds.

Dave Graciadas

No Filter Needed

Recently, Kazel has also taken on another role that allows her authenticity to shine—this time as a celebrity live seller on TikTok.

Kazel admits that she wasn’t into TikTok or social media that much before, but she appreciates how the platform has allowed her to show a different side of herself. “When I post something different on social media, they would comment, ‘Oh, Zoe’s different in real life pala.’ And then, ‘Oh, she’s mabait,'” she shares, adding that it allows people to separate herself from the character.

Dave Graciadas

Kazel is wearing the Comfort Curve Seamless Bodysuit Brief by ecora, and a tank top by Calvin Klein

“People might see me as masungit [and] mataray, but I really have a good heart. My friends know that I have a good heart. I have a big, big heart. I have so much love to give,” she shares. And true enough, people get to see a different side of her, allowing her to connect with her fans and followers through her live-selling sessions.

Dave Graciadas

Kazel initially wasn’t looking to get into live selling, but it was a friend from her show who asked her to try it. “Before talaga, hindi ko inisip yung sarili ko to sell. I’m not good at selling. I’m usually the one buying,” she says.

Yet, truly believing in the products she peddles online—and being responsible for people’s budol purchases—has helped her authenticity shine through. No gimmicks, no put-on personality. It’s what convinces her followers to add budol buys to cart.

Dave Graciadas

As for Kazel, she shares that her best recent budol buy is with ecora, the women’s underwear brand that’s been making waves online for its sleek and comfortable fit. Their seamless pieces don’t compromise on style even when they’re comfortable AF.

“I love ecora so much. My best budol buy is with ecora. I’m a fan of the Power Lift Bra—that’s my newest favorite. I’ve been a fan ’cause I don’t like wearing wired bras anymore. I think every woman needs lifting as at some point, our babies start to sag,” she shares.

Dave Graciadas

Such is her love for ecora that she’s been chosen as its first-ever brand ambassador.

“I feel honored and excited to be working with a brand I believe in. Kasi now I have a wider audience wherein I can share my passion about this brand. And being a brand ambassador, I can contribute to the growth of the brand. Because I really believe in our brand, our products, [and] our values,” she shares.

Dave Graciadas

Kazel naturally fits into the brand—especially with her authenticity and her preference not to compromise between comfort and aesthetics. “I think it’s a no-brainer for me. You should have both aesthetics and comfort. Because comfort—it ensures physical comfort, relaxation,” she says.

“On the other hand, the aesthetics contribute to your well-being, to your mental health. So, I think both have to go together,” she shares. She’s right, too. We all know it’s a big self-esteem boost when you know you look good.

Dave Graciadas

It looks like everything is falling into place for this star on the rise, with much to look forward to.

And now that she’s established her acting chops, she’s looking forward to more career surprises. “I want to do action roles,” Kazel shares, adding that it would be an unexpected role for her to take on for a change.