The Philippines’ first skin-transformation reality series, ‘Kutis Reveal,’ will follow 12 Filipinos with diverse skin conditions as they undergo months of dermatological treatment, with celebrity dermatologist Dr. Kei George Rebolledo revealing that their conditions and personal stories were the key factors in choosing the hopefuls.
Actors McCoy De Leon and Charlie Dizon were also present to grace the launch of the show as official brand ambassadors for Kutis by Kei, the skin clinic founded by Dr. Kei.
During the press conference for the 13-episode series, Dr. Kei shared that he had only two main criteria when selecting participants: the severity of their skin conditions and the impact of their personal stories.
“Number one, dapat yung skin disease is yung kumbaga—of course, this is a TV show—pagka nag-transform, may impact,” Rebolledo said. (Number one, the skin disease should have a noticeable impact when the person undergoes a transformation because, of course, this is a TV show.)
He explained that the participants needed skin conditions that would benefit from dermatological intervention and demonstrate meaningful progress on screen. His second criterion was the strength of their personal stories.
Among those selected were overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), survivors of domestic abuse and violence, and cancer survivors, reflecting the different circumstances that can shape a person’s journey with their skin.
Television producer John Paulo Manat, who joined Rebolledo and executive producer Ivy Ataya during the press conference, revealed that the selection process was equally challenging for the production team.
According to Manat, approximately 200 auditions were received, with hopefuls either nominating themselves or being nominated by someone else. The team made an effort to speak with each auditionee before deciding on the final 12.
“It was so grueling kasi and also hard talaga siya,” Manat said. (It was really grueling and difficult.)
Beyond finding individuals whose transformations would translate well on television, the team wanted the 12 hopefuls to represent different circumstances and communities. Manat explained that each participant could serve as a representative of others facing similar experiences, allowing viewers to find inspiration in their journeys.
For instance, a cancer survivor’s story could resonate with other cancer survivors who might be looking for hope amid their own struggles.
Manat also emphasized the importance of presenting the participants’ experiences with dignity rather than making them feel exploited because of their circumstances.
“I really do feel na parang, you know, hindi sila exploited because of their situation,” he said. (I really feel that they are not being exploited because of their situation.)
What ultimately connected the 12 hopefuls was their willingness to look forward to a better future despite the challenges they had faced.
“The commonalities of these 12 hopefuls are they’re very looking forward for the silver lining,” Manat shared.
He noted that the participants hoped their skin conditions could finally be managed and no longer stand in the way of living better lives.
For Rebolledo, the goal goes beyond improving the participants’ skin. Their progress also gives them an opportunity to regain the confidence to face other people and move forward with their lives.
“It’s not just the skin issues that Doc Kei actually healed. It’s really their confidence,” Manat explained.
Inside ‘Kutis Reveal’
These stories form the heart of ‘Kutis Reveal,’ a 13-episode reality series hosted by Rebolledo that follows 12 Filipinos with diverse skin conditions through five months of dermatological treatment, healing, and personal transformation.
Billed as the Philippines’ first skin-transformation reality series of its kind, the program documents the participants’ journeys from casting and medical consultations to their treatments and final transformations. Rather than focusing solely on before-and-after results, it also follows their experiences throughout the process.
The participants come from different backgrounds, including a cancer survivor, a nurse, a breadwinner working in logistics, an aspiring actress, an LGBT advocate, and a student. Their skin concerns include melasma, acne scars, psoriasis, scarring, and pigmentation.
Their treatments feature dermatological procedures and technologies, including LDM by Elogio, Rejuran, Blaumann Laser, Sylfirm X, administered through CurJet and Lenisna. The treatments are tailored to each participant’s individual skin condition and needs.
Through the series, Rebolledo hopes to promote a better understanding of visible skin conditions and the experiences of people living with them.
“No one should feel that they have to hide simply because they don’t feel beautiful,” he said. “We want them to see that they can take back their confidence and, ultimately, take control of their own story.”
Rebolledo founded Kutis by Kei in 2020, initially operating from a home-based clinic during the COVID-19 pandemic. The brand has since expanded to multiple branches across Metro Manila, with a focus on making professional skin care more accessible and providing science-based patient education.
‘Kutis Reveal’ is executive produced by Ivy Ataya, TV produced by Manat, and directed by Angela Jed Placino.
The series premieres on Saturday, October 17, at 10 a.m. on Bilyonaryo News Channel (Channel 31), with new episodes airing every Saturday thereafter.
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