SB19 member Stell Ajero recently addressed rumors about undergoing cosmetic surgery, highlighting the importance of self-love and confidence in a candid interview.

The P-pop supergroup SB19, consisting of Stell, Pablo, Justin, Ken, and Josh, has faced significant scrutiny regarding their appearances since their early days. Stell, in particular, has been the subject of harsh comments from bashers who noticed changes in his looks due to cosmetic enhancements.

During an episode of GMA Network’s weekly magazine show ‘Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho,’ veteran journalist and TV host Jessica Soho directly asked Stell about the rumors.

“Pasensya na, Stell ha… pinaayos daw yung ilong mo?” Soho inquired.

Stell responded candidly, stating, “Well, this time, sa panahon po ngayon, wala naman po kasing masama when it comes to enhancing yourself. Hashtag self-love. Kung du’n ka magiging masaya, du’n ka magiging confident, ano naman? Tsaka ang mahalaga, kung may budget ka, ipagawa mo na.”

In a separate interview, Stell admitted feeling insecure when SB19 was just starting out.

“Kasi before, parang, na-experience ko ito, parang gusto ko i-improve yung sarili ko. Pero nandu’n yung maliit na bagay na iniisip mo na baka ma-judge ako, parang ganu’n. Like yung, kahit yung simple step o yung first step na magpunta sa derma para magpapa-facial, parang dati natatakot ako,” Stell explained.

He further elaborated on how fear of judgment and concerns about maintaining the cost of cosmetic enhancements initially held him back.

“So dati pa lang, iniisip ko iyan, parang hindi ko kaya. So yung gusto kong gawing first step for myself, hindi ko masimulan dahil sa mga iniisip ko at dahil sa iniisip kong sasabihin ng ibang tao sa akin,” he said.

Stell highlighted the significance of taking small steps towards self-improvement, which he now feels proud of.

“Tapos, starting from that small step, kahit may konting improvement, improvement pa rin siya na nakaka-proud. Kasi before, hindi ko siya magawa for myself. Pero ngayon, knowing na may mga tao and big company na talaga sinusuportahan kami, parang sabi ko, ang saya sa pakiramdam. Kasi yung step na gusto kong gawin before, nagiging possible na siya ngayon,” Stell concluded.

Stell’s openness about his journey towards self-confidence and acceptance serves as an inspiration for many, showing that personal happiness and confidence are worth pursuing, regardless of societal judgment.