Tanduay, recognized as the world’s top-selling rum, unveiled actress Andrea Brillantes as its 2026 Calendar Girl during a glamorous event at The Elements at Eton Centris. The launch, themed “Iconic Era,” highlighted the brand’s pivot toward celebrating individuality, confidence, and authenticity, mirroring Brillantes’ own journey of self-discovery.
For decades, the Tanduay Calendar Girl has been a cultural touchstone, showcasing the evolving identity of the Filipina. The 2026 edition, however, redefines tradition by spotlighting empowerment through self-awareness rather than conventional allure.
A Surreal Honor
Brillantes, 21, admitted feeling stunned by the milestone. “When I found out, I was honestly shocked. Like, ha? Talaga ba?” she laughed during her speech. “Growing up, I’d always see the Tanduay Calendar Girls as strong, confident, iconic women. To be one now feels surreal. It’s a huge honor.”
The “Iconic Era” calendar, shot across multiple creative concepts, required rigorous preparation. “It took discipline—physically and mentally,” she shared. “I followed meal plans, studied each theme with the team, and pushed to showcase different sides of myself in every shot.” The resulting visuals blend introspective portraits with bold fashion statements, chronicling her evolution from teen star to empowered woman.
Embracing Authenticity
Brillantes emphasized that the role transcends aesthetics. “Being a Tanduay Calendar Girl is about being real. You embrace flaws, strengths—everything. Whether I’m soft, fierce, or playful, that’s all me,” she said. Her candidness reflects Tanduay’s 170-year legacy of championing resilience and reinvention.
Now stepping into adulthood, the actress highlighted her growth: “People watched me grow up, and now they see me as a woman. I’m intentional about my career, protecting my peace, and trusting my gut. Hindi na siya about proving anything—it’s celebrating how far I’ve come.”
A Shared Evolution
Tanduay’s choice of Brillantes aligns with its global ascent as an award-winning brand rooted in Filipino heritage. “I’ve made mistakes, learned, and now choose wisely—projects, people, where I invest energy,” she noted. “Staying authentic is key. I grow, change, but stay true to myself.”
As the event closed, projections of the “Iconic Era” calendar underscored a unified message: Tanduay and Brillantes are embracing transformation while staying anchored to their core. For both, the future lies in authenticity—one iconic step at a time.
