Francine Diaz Opens Up About How Her Quietness Is Often Misunderstood As Being "Maldita"

There will always be days when we're simply too exhausted to have the energy to talk, and Francine Diaz seems to know this feeling all too well. But according to her, the problem is that her quietness can sometimes be misunderstood.

"Siguro hanggang ngayon 'yun pa rin kasi lagi akong nami-misinterpret for being quiet, na maldita, na hindi ako nakiki-mingle, especially when I'm exhausted from, siguro, the pressure and doing too much work," she said in an interview with ABS-CBN News, explaining that her quietness is often mistaken for having an attitude.

With most of her work requiring her to socialize and be in the public eye, the actress quickly added that she's also trying to work through this part of her personality. "Pero hanggang ngayon, I'm trying to find the balance between pagiging tahimik and 'yung ingay o 'yung kulit. Parang I'm finding 'yung silver lining, kung saan ba 'yung tamang timpla," she said.

Francine shared that part of this process has also been learning how to accept feedback and criticism in a healthier way. "I'm trying to teach myself na 'wag i-pressure 'yung sarili ko sa perception ng mga tao. May mga criticisms na professional nilang sabihin na minsan napapaisip ako na, 'Oo nga no. Siguro I should be more like this and like that.' Or 'pag bumati ako, baka pwede kong maidagdag or bawasan," she said.

She's also learned to tell the difference between feedback that comes from a good place and comments that are simply meant to tear her down. "Pero now, I'm teaching myself din to find the difference between constructive criticism and 'yung bashing."

As she continues figuring out that balance, Francine believes it can also help her build better relationships with the people she works with.

"Ayoko rin naman na parang maiilang sila when kasama nila ako kasi ganyan din 'yung nafi-feel ko. So, I think mas ganon. Kasi ayoko rin naman na ma-misinterpret nila ako, and at the same time, I want to be present naman with everyone na I'm surrounded with," she explained.

Throughout her career, Francine has also seen some of her friendships with fellow celebrities change over time. In 2024, Jayda Avanzado, who was once one of her close friends, revealed that they had been on no-speaking terms for some time.

Francine also previously addressed her rumored fallout with Andrea Brillantes, who was previously in a relationship with Seth Fedelin, Francine's eventual love-team partner. Francine said they had since moved past the issue, adding that they remain civil.

Francine and Seth eventually made their love team official in the 2023 drama series Dirty Linen. They went on to star in She Who Must Not Be Named in April 2026 and are set to lead the upcoming vertical microdrama A Cake to Remember, premiering on August 28.

As Francine continues navigating her career in the public eye, her comments suggest that keeping relationships professional doesn't necessarily mean staying close—it can simply mean being civil and present with the people around her.