BIANCA VALERIO

THIS MODEL’S MIRACLE

If I don’t have to work, I refuse to wear any make-up. I’ve accepted that I don’t wake up looking like Bianca Valerio, the persona. I don’t want to be a slave to “looking good via make-up.” To brave looking au naturel is very freeing and I feel it sets a good example to others as well.

How long does it usually take you to get ready?

If I don’t have to work, ten minutes. Other than sunscreen, I don’t wear any make-up at all to give my skin a break. But if I need to work looking made-up, about an hour.

What make-up mistakes do you see normal females usually commit?

The second part of The FREEMAN’S Q&A with model/host and now book author Bianca Valerio...

What is the difference to being pretty and being beautiful?

To be considered pretty for me is physicality – something that is based on the judgments of other people. However, to be considered beautiful is more than skin-deep and other than being praised by others, it’s a state of mind that only we can appreciate and understand; something that no one can take away from us. Is another book in the works soon? Oh dear! Di pa kaya ng powers ko! It had to be one of the most emotionally-draining experiences of my life. So it’ll be awhile, I think!

Are you one of those who’d never be caught without make-up in public, or are you totally comfortable going au naturel at times? Only one: Wearing the wrong shade of foundation! Filipinas think that if they wear a lighter shade of foundation, this makes them look whiter/fairer, which is considered to be beautiful. Instead it looks unnatural, obvious and makes their skin look grey. The objective is to look like you’re not even wearing make-up at all unless you’re willing to wear that shade of foundation from head to toe.

Who are the people you’d love to do makeovers on?

Without batting an eyelash, REAL PEOPLE. I’ve always believed everyone, no matter who they may be, they all deserve their chance to shine. That’s why they are the main subjects of my book, both male and female.

In which field — modeling, hosting, make-up, coaching, etc. — do you find the most fulfillment?

Hands-down, it’s definitely hosting. TV hosting is a lot of fun but live hosting in particular is what I love. There’s no room for error; anything and everything wrong can happen so it’s my job as the host to make sure that everything “appears” to run smoothly so the audience is entertained from start to end. It’s certainly an adrenaline rush so one must always be quick on their feet to think one step ahead of everyone else should anything happen. More importantly, hosting live means I get to connect with people on a very personal level. It’s my job to keep them happy and entertained so if I can do that, it makes the job truly fulfilling.

What do you for fun outside of work?

If my schedule permits, traveling for me is the best way to get away from it all. But on a regular, since my work is all about PR, entertaining, large crowds, etc, I indulge in time alone doing absolutely nothing - which is so hard to do. My mind works a million miles a minute with all the things I do. So if I can find a way to just not think or do anything while lying in bed, that truly is such bliss.

What were your previous insecurities, and how did you overcome them?

When I started modeling, I was always told I was so fat – a whale because I had a beauty queen’s body which was curvy. So for years I hated having curves until I realized that people paid good money to have hips and a tiny waist. I embraced my curves, realizing that I will never be a waif. I focused on what I had, rather than what I didn’t. I didn’t want to feel like I wasn’t good enough anymore just because I wasn’t thin enough to be a hanger. So I focused on getting jobs that required or appreciated my body. I’ve never felt more womanly ever since.

Does it sometimes become a burden for you to always be at your best and never have an ugly day since as a make-up artist/beauty columnist/ model, people expect you to be pictureperfect at all times?

I will never feel burdened for doing something I never thought possible. We all have jobs where we need to rise early or do certain things that can be inconvenient. Looking “perfect” can be daunting at times but our love and passion for the work always outweighs everything else. I am not perfect and thank goodness for that. That’s what the book is really all about: Working with what we have to transform ourselves into beautiful swans, inside and out. It’s not magic. It’s a process but the point is, it CAN be done.

What made you go blonde, and how did the drastic change in hair color affect you?

Interesting question! I actually do a chapter opening that discusses how going blonde had become such a controversial topic of Love It or Hate It. Let’s just say, there’s more to it than meets the eye.

As a kid or back in high school, did you see yourself being in the industry you’re now in?

Never in my wildest dreams. I just wanted to survive another day.

I read your tweet that Cebu will never be the same for you after you experienced hosting the Queen 2011 pageant and the recent Sinulog. Can you elaborate?

Oh my goodness, Cebuanos are one of the most hospitable, warm people I’ve ever come to know! The zest and pride they have for embracing the beauty of the Filipino gay community with Queen is so inspiring. I’d never been more proud to host any event, really. Then the fun Sinulog brings while celebrating religious culture can compete with that of Mardigras or Carnivale!

What other projects shall we be expecting from you this year?

I’ll be releasing my second collection for my hosiery/stockings line, Leg Love Couture at SM Accessories this year. Also, with the surprising success of my Make-up Artist Edition line with Colour Collection Cosmetics under Tupperware Brands, which was supposed to be limited edition, I’ll be coming out with a new collection again soon with new shades and products at great prices! I’m currently working on other projects so I’m keeping my fingers crossed! For now, I’ve been visiting various schools in the country giving Personality Development workshops, which I love to do. I’d love to visit Cebu schools if the opportunity rises!