Ann Colis plays with mystery by design. I pointed out how she doesn’t bother with a lot of words for her Instagram posts.
“I’m a private person because I’m a public figure,” says the Binibining Pilipinas Globe 2015. “I don’t put everything out there. I’m also a sensitive person. And being on social media could really alter how you think and how you move. So as much as possible, I have certain protection around myself. I really love my privacy and cultivating my soul.”
She also muses over how a million eyeballs looking at everyone else can blur your vision. “Even if you’re not that type of person, you tend to compare yourself to others on social media. That’s why you have to protect yourself. Don’t get me wrong; there are positive things about social media.”
It’s not that Ann is shy or the snob–a word always thrown at beauty queens– but it’s also about creating the best version of yourself behind closed doors. The result is a rich trove once you let people in. In this rare chance, we got candid with Ann. We didn’t mind getting lost in her world. She welcomed Lifestyle Inquirer for our July digital cover, so we didn’t hold back in getting to know everything we could.
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For the record
Have you seen your Wikipedia page? Is the information there correct?
I checked it, like right now, before we did the call. So far, it’s okay. But I’m 1992 [Laughs]. How I wish I’m 1993.
It’s also not so updated because they said that I was modeling in the US. I did, for some time, and then I decided to move to London. I prefer Europe now when it comes to modeling. I feel like I resonate more with Europe.
How so?
It’s also the lifestyle, and I feel like I’m more connected to the people there. I was in LA for three years, and after I decided to move to Europe to try it. It’s diverse there, and what I love about casting in London, it’s like an actual shoot already.
What agencies are you working with? I’m asking because it’s not on your Wikipedia page.
Yes, it’s not! I’m assigned with BMA Models in London, and then in Portugal, I’m assigned with Blast and Brandfire.
If this were a job interview, how would you introduce yourself?
It’s so funny because I’ve never done a job interview [Laughs]. Probably, “Hi, I’m Ann Colis, I’m a former beauty queen.” But I would find it a bit awkward.
Still, I would say that I traveled, and then I am a model internationally. I’m the type of person who loves to learn. It feels like learning is…there’s a magic in learning. Whenever something is given to me, even if it’s a script or anything requiring my work, I make sure that I’m giving it my 100 percent. If I don’t know it, then I learn it. Because at the end of the day, it’s my work, and I’m very dedicated to it. My work is my resume for everything.
That’s a good intro! What did you learn from being a beauty queen that you live by?
I mean, it’s all about perspective. Two people can look at the same thing but then have two different opinions.
You have to have that open mind, put emotions away, and look at it logically. And that’s how sometimes I decide. It enables me to change my experience. Changing your perspective changes your experience.
Now that’s a good quote.
It helps me understand people. Sometimes, when you’re like a leader or a beauty queen, you have to set an example. I can’t just hear something and do it. I have to gather facts or information. And that’s how I lay it all on the table. And then, when I go into my zen mode, that’s the time that I decide my take on things.
“Dream more”
How did you enter the beauty queen world?
I was a struggling model while I was a student at UST. There would be fashion shows in school, and so I got in one for a certain brand. When I went to the agency to pick up my check, that’s when I was scouted.
When I was training, I was in the same batch as Pia Wurtzbach and Kylie Verzosa. My life changed drastically when I won Miss Globe. And even how I perceive things in life.
What was your childhood like?
My childhood is simple. We’re just an average family. But the thing is my parents, as much as they can, gave us what we wanted.
With our experience back then with our house that was so simple, I could dream big, you know? Dream more. I want to be that person who will fix our house and cater to my parents’ needs and my brothers and sisters.
Silver screen
We heard that you might be in the film about Andres Bonifacio that’s currently in the works?
Yes, we’re in talks for an important role. We are still finalizing it, so I can’t really disclose the character yet.
What made you get into acting?
One deciding factor came to me when I was at a Vivienne Westwood casting; I think I was with models who were 17 to 18 years old. And then I was like, “What am I doing?” It was good timing that this offer to be in movies popped up, and there are great plans for my career. It’s promising.
I also love films. And why not be part of it, right? I’m so grateful that I have this opportunity, and it’s something that I need to cultivate, and it’s something that I could carry for life. I can see myself still acting 30 years from now.
What’s your approach to learning more about acting?
I got the Master Class with Natalie Portman and Helen Mirren. I have to cultivate my knowledge when it comes to acting because modeling and acting are different. Obviously, modeling—it’s performing arts, but you’re not talking. But then in acting, you have to speak, and all that stuff. I also watch a lot of Julia Roberts’ films.
What’s one thing you love about films?
I love how it’s empowering. It’s like a message to the world that this is what I know, and this is what I’m fighting for. I have so much respect for that. It takes so much courage to actually use your art to send a message.
What are your favorite movies?
My favorite movie? There’s a lot, actually. I like Pretty Woman, The Shawshank Redemption, Atomic Blonde, and Meet Joe Black.
Confidence in clothing
Describe your everyday outfit. What qualities do you look for in a garment?
I’m just simple. I always go for white, black, or denim. And then I just accentuate it with a jacket. I go for sneakers. If I’m at events, I’ll wear heels.
Do you prefer sneakers or heels?
I definitely prefer sneakers. I’m a sneaker person for sure.
What is the perfect going-out outfit for you?
It depends on my mood. It depends where I’m going, too, so sometimes I go for the edgy look. I also love silk. It makes me feel sexy. It gives me a different experience. When it comes to fashion, unless it’s a silk dress, I love the imperfection.
Do you collect jackets?
Sometimes, I’m not aware that I’m actually buying a lot. I love a good jacket. It makes me feel cool, and it gives a certain character to your look. It makes you feel confident.
The best style advice you’ve learned on your own?
If you’re comfortable with what you’re wearing, you can strut the runway. Whatever it is. It doesn’t matter if it has a brand or it’s just so simple, but once you are comfortable and you feel it, then you’re sharing your experience with it.
“Do what you want.”
What is your ultimate beauty rule?
Smile and smile often.
What is the most important step in your beauty routine?
I always have to put moisturizer because you have to be hydrated.
When it comes to makeup, what’s one thing you’ll never do without?
Lipstick, because sometimes I use it as well to pop a little bit of blush. I love the Givenchy Rouge Interdit Lipstick.
What is a beauty rule you’ll always believe in?
Do what you want. You owe your individuality to put something on that you really like. It should depend on how you want to be you.
Beauty is not just about a beautiful face; it’s about having a good heart. It may be a little weird, but if you’re beautiful and don’t have much of a personality, it takes away from the beauty.
What is your approach to fitness and food?
As long as I’m working out, I can eat whatever I want with certain moderation. I’ll eat chocolate cookies at night for as long as I make sure that I work out. I really don’t deprive myself. I’m a smoothie person too. I love avocados, spinach, and probiotic milk. I do believe that you’ll immediately see the effects of what you eat.
What are your workouts like?
I have a trainer who does a program where I do something different every day.
The secret to good tacos
Best food discovery that you’ve made?
A lot, because I love food. I’m from Pampanga, so I love to eat and cook. I recently tried pastel de nata from Portugal. It’s the best.
What’s your signature dish?
When I was in Portugal and London, I cooked adobo. I love beef salpicao, and then I added on with greens because I’m particular about plating. I’m also good with my tacos.
What is your secret?
Love and passion? [Laughs] Honestly, I feel cooking is an act of service, and that’s my love language. Cooking isn’t just the responsibility of feeding people. It also has to be how you want to share something with people.
The best beach you’ve been to?
Comporta, Portugal. It’s like an infinite horizon; the water is a turquoise blue. The sand is the color of caffe latte, and the shore is super long. You’ll feel like the ocean is your world. That’s where I want to go horseback riding.
Place you want to retire in?
I was thinking of Spain. Or maybe Lisbon, Portugal. I want somewhere near the beach. I want somewhere I can work on my photography too. Who knows where life will lead you? You have to be open to it.
Photography Doc Marlon
Makeup Anne Castaño
Stylist Jerome Lorico
Wardrobe Lorico
Clothing The Eight/8 Soho
