Dana David
Daniela Angeline Dioquino David embraces life with love and optimism. Her eyes speak of hopes and dreams inspired by her surroundings. And hers is an unmistakable beauty that stems from the depths of her soul and her grateful heart.
The 5’8” Dana, as she is fondly called, appreciates the opportunities presented in her life that allow her to discover her individuality and uniqueness. A Grade 11 student at Miriam College, Dana is not just laser-focused on her academics, but she also strives to be at her best as a member of her school’s track and field team.
“Being part of a team, in general, is an opportunity to grow and learn new things,” says the 16-year-old stunner. “Learn by figuring out if the sport is for you. Learn by meeting new people who will soon become part of your life. Everything comes and goes but the more I make decisions wherein I know I will grow, the more I discover what I am capable of.”
When she was 10 years old, this statuesque beauty joined a Trumpets workshop under model coach Patty Betita. This workshop, which she joined again when she was 13 years old, ignited Dana’s fashion fancy. Together with other kids, Dana had the opportunity to model different clothing brands like Zara, Gap and Cinderella on a runway show. At 14, she was cast for her first TV commercial for Cinderella brands. For now, Dana is focused on her studies but she sometimes unleashes the model in her by joining fashion shows in school.
The daughter of Reggie David, a senior pilot at Philippine Airlines, and Shan Dioquino David, a businesswoman, Dana enjoys the time she spends with her parents and three older brothers — be it eating out, watching movies or traveling. As the youngest in the family, Dana also values her parents’ nuggets of wisdom that guide her in her everyday life.
“I learned from our church (Christ’s Commission Fellowship or CCF) that ‘bad company corrupts good morals.’ My mom echoes that to me in her own way, reminding me not to be influenced by others easily. She instills in me respect for others,” Dana shares. “The best lesson from Dad is to be humble all the time. I learned from him that first impressions always count. He also teaches us the value of saving money. My parents hope that my siblings and I grow up with good values and morals.”
Dana takes to heart the invaluable lessons from her parents coupled with her faith. “I believe true happiness comes from God. If you get closer to Him, everything will follow. When you pursue Jesus, everything else follows,” says Dana, a member of the youth group in CCF. “I am grateful for what I have now and that my needs are constantly being provided with the grace of God. I’m thankful that I have my family.”
There is a whole world ahead of Dana and she is about to conquer it with staunch faith and unwavering support from her loved ones. With this, her beauty is highlighted even more by her silent confidence and positivity through the people close to her heart. And with a steady stride, Dana is inching her way to a life full of promise.
“I can apply what I do in track and field (like running and its discipline) in my everyday life and in reaching my goals. Running — it sounds easy but when you’re in the process, it gets harder and harder. It is true in life and reaching for your goals as well. But as long as you strive to be the best, you will see in the end that your hard work did not go to waste,” she concludes.