Philippine Daily Inquirer

This Spanish-Filipina wants to be a beauty queen—but only if she could be herself

Ines Diaz is a natural in front of a camera—just don’t put her on a pedestal

- By Anton Segismundo Student correspond­ent, University of the Philippine­s Los Baños —CONTRIBUTE­D

Having worked with and befriended models, I would often hear them talk about their dreams and aspiration­s.

Some of them want to “go big” and become beauty queens, setting their hearts on becoming the next Miss This and That.

Others aim to land roles in big commercial­s and eventually get into show biz.

Meeting Ines Diaz was a refreshing experience: She claims she doesn’t want to be famous at all.

Before I had the chance to speak with her, I observed how she was in front of the camera. I could tell she was a pro as posing seemed like second nature to her. Her movement was fluid and poised.

I found out later that this was her first time modeling.

Chill

Born in the Philippine­s ( though not raised here) the 21-year-old Spanish-Filipino woman is taking up Communicat­ion, minor in Philosophy at Saint Louis University in Madrid.

Her hobbies include vinyl mixing, art appreciati­on and music appreciati­on.

She favors “chill” outfits, such as classic T-shirts and jeans. She likes black but is also trying to experiment with colorful outfits.

The most unique thing about her? She doesn’t want to be a model and she doesn’t want to be famous at all.

Diaz’s mother, Yvette Bautista, was a famous model herself in the ’80s. It was she who inspired her daughter to try out modeling. She brought Diaz to the Philippine­s to test the waters.

Diaz has been accepted in multiple castings and has also modeled for photo shoots. For her, this shoot with To be You is her biggest one yet.

Diaz’s mother really wants her to pursue modeling because she can see her daughter’s potential for success.

Her daughter, however, is reluctant. “I only want to become a beauty queen if I can be myself,” she said. Diaz thinks the responsibi­lity of becoming somebody else’s role model feels like a huge burden.

However, she said she is game for modeling clothes and doing photo shoots—so long as she is not put on a pedestal. After all, she just wants to be herself.

Nothing wrong with that.

 ??  ?? Floral top, American Eagle Outfitters; army jacket, Bench
Floral top, American Eagle Outfitters; army jacket, Bench
 ??  ?? “I am not Japanese” statement tee, Bench
“I am not Japanese” statement tee, Bench
 ??  ?? Embroidere­d long-sleeve shirt, Bench; distressed denim shorts, American Eagle Outfitters
Embroidere­d long-sleeve shirt, Bench; distressed denim shorts, American Eagle Outfitters
 ??  ?? Embroidere­d chambray shirt, embroidere­d denim pants, Bench PHOTOGRAPH­Y GLETTE-YZAKMURING STYLING LUIS CARLO SANJUAN MAKEUPAND HAIRSTYLE THERESA PADIN SHOTONLOCA­TION SOFITEL PHILIPPINE PLAZA MANILA SPECIAL THANKS TOYASMINEH­IDALGO
Embroidere­d chambray shirt, embroidere­d denim pants, Bench PHOTOGRAPH­Y GLETTE-YZAKMURING STYLING LUIS CARLO SANJUAN MAKEUPAND HAIRSTYLE THERESA PADIN SHOTONLOCA­TION SOFITEL PHILIPPINE PLAZA MANILA SPECIAL THANKS TOYASMINEH­IDALGO
 ??  ?? Rose statement long-sleeve tee, distressed embroidere­d denim pants, Bench
Rose statement long-sleeve tee, distressed embroidere­d denim pants, Bench

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