Nadine Lustre reflected on being dubbed “President Nadine” by netizens and admitted that the moniker has become a “double-edged sword” for her over the years.
In an interview on the Dogshow Divas, Nadine shared that while she appreciates what the nickname represents, it also comes with certain expectations.
"I think 'yung pagtawag sa akin ng mga tao na ‘president’, in some way para siyang ano eh, double-edged sword," she pointed out.
She explained that, on one hand, she feels flattered knowing that people value what she has to say and look up to her.
"Parang in some way, it's a good thing kasi it kind of gives me an assurance or at least like parang para siyang praise, ganun, na people take what I say seriously or that they look up to me... na para sa akin ano naman, at least it flatters me na may weight 'yung sinasabi ko," she remarked.
At the same time, Nadine admitted that what initially started as a lighthearted internet joke eventually came with a sense of responsibility.
"But at the same time, parang instead of it just being a meme or something na fun that came out of the internet, parang nagkaroon siya ng baggage, ng responsibilities, na parang 'pag may issues, people actually expect me to say something about any issue," she stated.
While she still finds the “President Nadine” label amusing, the actress acknowledged that she now feels the weight of the expectations that come with it.
"Parang mas may weight siya kasi parang mas nag-expect 'yung mga tao from me. Parang naging ganun siya," she said.
The “President Nadine” nickname reportedly began circulating online in 2017, with fans using the moniker as a playful way of expressing their admiration for the actress.
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In a 2022 interview with Bianca Gonzalez on Cinema One, Nadine admitted that she was initially puzzled by the nickname and did not immediately understand why netizens were calling her “President.”
“Before, I really didn’t understand it," she recounted. "Now, honestly it makes me feel loved."
The actress went on to share that she eventually came to appreciate the moniker as a reflection of the trust and respect people have for her and her opinions.
“Because every time people say that or every time people call me that, it’s a sort of acknowledgement that I’m someone people look up to, or someone that people listen to, that my voice is heard,” she stated.