Valerie Bariou Bondoc: Modern woman

MANILA, Philippines - Valerie Bariou Bondoc is a modern woman. Wife, mother, model, actress and jewelry designer are just some of the many hats this young woman wears. “I like to try everything,” gushes the gorgeous Valerie.

As a model, Valerie is blessed with projects that have helped her become a popular face to the public. Her first projects included a snap shot for a magazine and a TV commercial for a big telecommunications company. “I always wanted to model,” says the half-French, half-Filipino beauty. She went on to model internationally in Europe and other parts of Asia.

Valerie’s portfolio even extends to the movies. She experienced acting through the musical Emir, where she was fortunate to work with renowned director Chito Roño. “Onemig (her husband) warned me he (Roño) was a pretty strict director. I was pressured but certainly honored to work with him. I made sure I read my script well.” She also did a movie with American actor Dean Cain and played the role of a glam secretary.

But the biggest role for Valerie is being a mother and wife. Married to former actor Onemig Bondoc, Valerie initially didn’t know her then beau was from the entertainment industry. “He would never admit that those who would say ‘Hi’ to him were not his friends but fans. He was very down-to-earth and was not being arrogant or boastful about it. He once brought me to Greenhills and people started shouting his name. In the beginning, I got scared,” she recounts in between giggles. Her husband, who is happily retired from showbiz, is now attending to the family business as well as spending time with their four-year-old daughter Armelle.

Valerie says Armelle is very playful. She admits her little girl is showing signs of following in her parents’ footsteps. She has already done a commercial for Haribon Foundation as well as spreads for parenting magazines. “She is super entertaining, loves to experiment and always loves to say ‘I love you’,” Valerie adds.

As a model, looking good is a must. For Valerie, the basics are important. “One must get enough sleep and water. It is a must to moisturize,” she reveals. She also adds that sunscreen is indispensable. Visiting her dermatologist is a priority for Valerie.

So it is a good thing that makeup brand Ever Bilena works for Valerie’s skin. She swears by Ever Bilena’s lipsticks and lipglosses as well as the press powder to keep her face fresh.  “For me, the lipsticks are the company’s best product,” she declares. The Ever Bilena Extreme Lipstick is formulated with natural sunscreen and Vitamin E that moisturizes while protecting your lips from the harmful rays of the sun. Lips appear rich and more radiant making you look attractive.

Valerie shares some secrets with aspiring models: “You have to be professional. You have to be down-to-earth.”

Photography by John Darilag • Associate styling by Mark Salecina • Hair and makeup by THOTY PRIMAVERA for Ever Bilena • Cosmetics by EVER BILENA