What does it take to go from near-constant rejection to becoming the lead actress in rom-coms — in an industry where Filipina faces are still rare?

In this inspiring and deeply real episode, Filipina-American actress and comedian Nikki McKenzie joins Filipina on the Rise to share her story of perseverance, identity, and choosing joy in the face of “almosts.” Nikki opens up about the emotional toll of rejection in the acting world, how she found confidence in her voice and culture, and what it meant to finally land a role that was literally rewritten for her as a Filipina lead.

This conversation is a masterclass in trusting divine timing, letting go of outcomes, and staying true to who you are — even in industries that try to shape you otherwise.

Whether you're chasing a dream, reinventing yourself, or simply want to feel seen — this one is for you.

💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:

What it's really like to break into Hollywood as a Filipina actressThe emotional journey of handling rejection and redefining successWhy representation in romantic films matters more than we realizeHow Nikki built her career by showing up as her true selfLessons on identity, belonging, and letting go of being “picked”What it means when a role gets rewritten for you

🎬 About Nikki McKenzie:

Nikki McKenzie is a Filipina-American actress and comedian known for her blend of comedic charisma and emotional depth. She’s starred in heartfelt TV romances like The Wedding Contest and A Vineyard Christmas, making her one of the few Filipina leads in mainstream romantic film. Her upcoming indie rom-com, A Fantastic Relationship, tells the story of a couple who pretends to be back together at a dinner party — and showcases her signature charm in a refreshingly real story about family, love, and self-respect.

🔗 Connect with Nikki McKenzie

(Insert her correct links once confirmed)

IG / @nikkitabanana17 IMDb / Nikki Mckenzie Coming soon: A Fantastic Relationship (streaming platform TBA)

✨ Connect with Filipina on the Rise

WEB / www.filipinaontherise.com IG / @filipinaontherise YOUTUBE / @filipinaontherise PODCAST / Apple Podcasts

✨ If this episode resonated with you, share it on Instagram and tag us @filipinaontherise — we love seeing how these stories are lighting you up. And don’t forget to rate & review the show — your support helps amplify Filipina voices and bring more empowering stories to the forefront.

Until next time, stay rising. 🌿