Body positivity
Beauty queen-actress Mariel de Leon shots down body shaming faster than one can say, sorry, 'fat.'
Beauty queen-actress Mariel de Leon shoots down body shaming faster than one can say, sorry, 'fat.'
Beauty queen-actress Mariel de Leon finds it “annoying” that some people comment on body measurement either as greeting or to make small talk.
“I think people should do that less. You never know how that person feels (about the subject) even if you are close,” she said in an interview with
Bulletin Entertainment. “People should be more considerate of what the person is going through and how sensitive they are.”
Mariel, who admits she is not “thin” by popular standard, promotes body positivity or being confident in your own skin. That is, regardless of your size or shape or color or race, you just love yourself.
She recalled being one of the “biggest girls” in the Bb. Pilipinas 2017 pageant. Still, she managed to clinch the Bb. Pilipinas-International crown.
“To be honest, it took time for me to accept myself. I became a victim of body shaming, bullying and it did affect me before. I know how it feels to be insulted. Here in the Philippines, there’s still this idea that for a woman or man to be beautiful, he or she must have ‘abs’ or be thin,” said she, who takes inspiration from American “plus-sized” model Ashley Graham.
Mariel further explained, “Then I realized that I should be proud of myself no matter what measurements I have. I want people to realize that it’s not about the numbers or how you look, it’s about putting your health and happiness first. Of course, there’s no magic formula to it. Loving yourself is an everyday struggle, so you just need to learn how to block out the negativity and take care of yourself.”
Being the outspoken woman she is, Mariel feels fulfillment every time she inspires people with her advocacy. She revealed getting lots of messages on social media, thanking and recognizing her cause amidst all the body shaming.
“I think it’s very important for them especially that I’m a beauty queen. People are used to the idea of a beauty queen being very skinny but here I am, confident of myself,” she said, adding she already stopped thinking about her vital statistics.
To set the record straight, does it mean people will never hear Mariel going on a diet?
“No,” she shot back. “But it’s not because I want to please people. I’m going do it for health purposes. I do admit when I gain more weight my back hurts so I have to be in a certain weight
lang. I’m happy with myself but at the same time I also need to be conscious of my health.”
Bring it on!
Just recently, Mariel surprised Filipinos by marking another “milestone,” making a debut cover appearance on a sexy magazine.
The daughter of actors Christopher de Leon and Sandy Andolong was tapped by FHM magazine in an online feature called FHM Muse – “a monthly series that puts the spotlight on your favorite female celebrities – all of them alluring, intelligent, and beaming with personality.”
Talking about the experience, Mariel said she made sure the photos will be classy.
What was her parents’ reaction, we asked.
“Before I asked my parents, I made sure that my manager talked to them (FHM) that I can’t show too much. Even though I show my side, it’s not too revealing and I have still some sort of clothing on,” she explained.
“So when I got the copy, I was thinking, ‘Should I show this to my nanay?’ At first, I didn’t want to but when I showed it to them, they were very happy because it actually looked nice.”
Mariel considers it a proud moment not only for her, but for other girls who are not skinny.
“It goes to show that people are getting progressive thinkers and that they accept different types of body now. I’m proud of myself because I really try to inspire people to change the way they think about body shaming,” she said.
Being on the cover of a sexy magazine does not mean she is ready to do sexy scenes on TV or in film in the future, Mariel pointed out.
“I’m just taking every opportunity coming my way, and it just so happened that the magazine came. But it’s not like I’m going down that route. In every decision that I made with my career, I always consult my parents. If it’s not okay with them or they are not comfortable with it, then I will not do it,” she said.
Go, girl
Meanwhile, Mariel is confident Bb. Pilipinas-Universe 2018 titleholder Catriona Gray will do great in the upcoming Miss Universe pageant. “I know she can make it. I’ve seen other countries’ representatives and yes they are all beautiful but what makes Catriona stand out is her drive and confidence. She’s been preparing for this competition for how many years and I see how much she likes to bring home the crown. I’m here to support and I’m really praying for her success,” was how she puts it. Asked to give advice to aspiring beauty queens, Mariel said they just need to be true to their selves. “Before you join (a pageant), you should work on yourself first, be confident. A lot of people are going to whisper (negative things) into your ears, a lot of people will try to pull you in different direction. Never pressure yourself. Find time to relax and follow your dreams. Don’t give up no matter what other people say.”
Here in the Philippines, there’s still this idea that for a woman or man to be beautiful, he or she must have ‘abs’ or be thin.