Kathryn Bernardo unveils her Madame Tussauds wax figure: 'It's our milestone'

PhilSTAR L!fe had the chance to get a first look at Bernardo's "Kath-twin" during her unveiling at the Glorietta Palm Drive Activity Center on July 9.

The wax double recreates her stunning look from the 2023 Outstanding Asian Star Awards in Seoul, South Korea, wearing the same white gown crafted by Filipino designer Martin Bautista.

The two-piece attire combines a sleek cropped top and a long white skirt that shows off her waist, with a bit of silver fringe at the front to add some fun sparkle. The look is further elevated by a flowing cape that wraps around her neck and drapes all the way down behind her.

Bernardo also went with a sweet bun, cute wispy bangs, and a glowing makeup vibe that makes the whole outfit pop.

Madame Tussauds highlighted that this milestone was chosen as the inspiration for Bernardo's wax likeness as it commemorates "one of her defining moments as she represented the Philippines on an international stage."

"It is an ode to her growing international recognition and the pride she continues to bring to Filipino audiences, making it a fitting tribute as she claims the platform set for her by Madame Tussauds Hong Kong," they said.

Meeting her “Kath-twin”

During the unveiling, Bernardo could not help but gush at how well Madame Tussauds made her wax figure. She shared that it was actually her mom, Min, who got the message that the wax museum wanted to add her to their family.

"She sent a deck, and I'm like, 'Oh, Madame Tussauds. I used to go to Madame Tussauds.' Then, as I browsed through the deck, I'm like, 'What? Me? Why me?' That was my reaction," she recalled.

"It didn't sink in. The team [was] discussing kung ano 'yung magiging look, ano 'yung gusto nating hair and make-up, pero hindi pa rin nagsink-in. Until I did the measurement, I spent half of my day there. I met the team from the U.K. They matched everything so meticulously and doon lang siya nagsink-in," she continued.

When asked about her reaction when she first saw the finished product, the local star joked that the resemblance was so perfect it almost looked "scary."

"Nung nakita ko kanina, nakakatakot. But not in a bad way, I got scared because we look alike. Sabi ko talaga, 'Oh, my gosh. Ganun pala 'yung feeling seeing myself in flesh right there in front of me. It's crazy," she said.

Bernardo believed that the wax museum's branch in Hong Kong is the "perfect place" to put her figure, as it would allow Filipinos living there to feel closer to home.

"They don't get to go home, so at least, we can bring a piece of the Philippines there. And I hope I'll be able to bring smiles sa mga hindi nakakauwi nating kababayan, and of course, all the tourists who'll visit there," she said.

Beyond the personal honor, Bernardo said the milestone also belongs to the fans who have supported her throughout her career.

"It wasn't an easy ride. People get to see just the Kathryn on camera, but in order for this to be possible, the fans made it possible. It was a lot of hard work, a lot of challenges, so maganda siyang gift for the fans," she said.

"This is not my milestone. It's our milestone, because this wouldn't be possible if not for them," he said.

Who she wants to have a wax figure next

Bernardo joins the small group of Filipino personalities with their Madame Tussauds wax figures, including Manny Pacquiao, Pia Wurtzbach, Catriona Gray, Anne Curtis, and Lea Salonga.

With more Filipino personalities getting their own wax figures at the museum, Bernardo hopes that the next star on the list is the late Fernando Poe Jr.

"He represents the Filipinos. I feel like I grew up watching FPJ," she told L!fe.

"He's not just an actor, he's also a producer, a director, and so many things. He deserves to be there kasi he is the king of Philippine cinema. So bago pa kami lahat dito, meron ng 'Da King.'"

Bernardo's wax figure will be on display at Madame Tussauds Hong Kong starting July 17.