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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.
Photography Glette-Yzak Muring
Styling Luis Carlo San Juan
Makeup and Hairstyle Theresa Padin
Shot on location Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila
Special thanks to Yasmine Hidalgo
