Cita Astals Speaks Out: The Truth Behind the Viral “Beggar” Photo and Her Real Condition

In recent days, social media and entertainment news sites have been abuzz with speculation about the current condition of former actress and Manila City Councilor Cita Astals. The online frenzy was sparked by a now-viral photo of a woman—believed by many to be Cita—appearing disheveled and wandering the streets like a homeless person. The image has since ignited a wave of concern, judgment, and rumors, with many claiming that the once-prominent figure has fallen into poverty and even lost touch with reality.

However, in an exclusive interview with veteran broadcaster Julius Babao, Cita Astals has finally broken her silence—confirming some details while firmly debunking others. Her candid revelations not only address the viral photo but also shed light on her mental health journey and the emotional toll of public scrutiny.

The Photo That Started It All

The image that went viral shows a woman walking alone in what appears to be an urban area, dressed modestly and slightly hunched, giving the impression of someone who might be homeless. Although the woman’s face is not fully visible, many netizens quickly assumed it was Cita Astals, based on body type and gait.

Online users wasted no time crafting narratives. Some claimed that Astals had become a street dweller following the end of her entertainment and political careers. Others went so far as to suggest that she was mentally unstable, alleging that she had been seen talking to herself in public spaces.

As the rumors gained momentum, a number of vloggers and content creators jumped on the story, further fueling speculation without verification. Many used emotionally charged headlines like “Cita Astals, Now a Beggar?” or “What Happened to the Iconic Actress?”—raking in views while contributing to the growing concern and misinformation.

Cita Astals Breaks Her Silence

Speaking to Julius Babao in a recent televised interview, Cita Astals confirmed that she is, in fact, the woman in the viral image. However, she vehemently denied that she is a beggar or homeless.

“That photo was taken way back in 2009,” she clarified. “I was on my way to the Manila City Hall at the time. It’s not even recent, contrary to what some vloggers are claiming.”

She expressed disappointment at how quickly people jumped to conclusions without fact-checking. “I don’t even live in Manila anymore,” she added. “Why would I be wandering the streets there like a vagrant?”

Astals also addressed the claims that she is struggling financially. “I am not poor. I can still live a decent and normal life,” she asserted. “Just because someone dresses simply or is seen walking alone doesn’t mean they’ve lost everything.”

Acknowledging Her Mental Health Struggles

While denying that she is destitute or homeless, Cita Astals did open up about her mental health—something that she says is not talked about enough, especially among public figures.

She revealed that her sister once brought her in for a psychiatric check-up, and she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. However, she admitted feeling skeptical about the diagnosis.

“I think the doctors didn’t know what else to label me with, so they said it was bipolar disorder,” she explained. “I was released after two months, but that period was one of the lowest points of my life and definitely triggered a phase of depression.”

She acknowledged that this experience affected her deeply, contributing to the perception that she may be mentally unstable. But she made it clear that while she has faced mental health challenges, she is not “crazy” or out of control.

“I’m still the same person—just someone who’s been through a lot,” she said.

A Plea to the Media and the Public

Astals expressed frustration with the way media outlets and vloggers handled the situation. She lamented the fact that no one reached out to her directly for confirmation or comment before publishing stories and videos.

“Not a single person from the media called me to ask if I was okay,” she said. “They just went ahead and wrote all sorts of things, and that hurt me. That’s why I’m speaking now—so people can hear the truth from me.”

She also urged the public to be more compassionate and cautious when judging others based on appearances or viral content. “You don’t know what people are going through. One photo doesn’t tell the full story,” she reminded viewers.

Looking Back on Her Career

Before the recent wave of rumors and controversies, Cita Astals was known for her contributions to both the arts and politics. She initially began her career in ballet and transitioned into acting after several auditions. Her bold personality and expressive acting style made her a household name in Philippine showbiz, especially during the 1980s and 1990s.

Later, she took on a more civic role, serving as a city councilor in Manila, where she focused on community issues and public service. Her departure from public office marked a quieter phase in her life, but she remained respected in both political and artistic circles.

Moving Forward

Despite the ordeal, Cita Astals is determined to reclaim her narrative. “I may not be in the spotlight anymore, but I’m still here—still alive, still fighting,” she said with quiet determination.

She also expressed hope that this experience might lead to better awareness about mental health and responsible journalism. “We need to do better as a society—be kinder, be smarter, and stop jumping to conclusions just because of what we see online.”

As for what comes next, Astals says she is taking things one day at a time. “I’ve lived a full life. I’ve had highs and lows. This is just another chapter,” she said.

For now, Cita Astals wants the public to know: she is not a beggar, not lost, and certainly not defeated.