What Bela Padilla has in store for creatives

MANILA, Philippines — Bela Padilla, the actress, has forayed into screenwriting, directing and producing. The local tinseltown and fans look forward to her new endeavors. That’s why this paper asked Bela about what’s in the pipeline during the “My Diamond Tied with Love” event, featuring her as among the guests, and also attended by other print and digital media.

“Parang I’m kind of on a break right now,” said she. “I’m building something. I can’t really talk about it yet. I’m still fixing it. But it’s for creatives. I would love to invite writers who need help, who need guidance. So, it’s more like a workshop or a school for writers. So, I’ll announce more when I have more details.”

At the unveiling of the brand’s Christmas collection, the multi-faceted artist got to share her thoughts when purchasing a jewelry piece.

“Again, I don’t like super flashy pieces,” shared she. “I do like pieces that I can wear, like, from day to night. I need pieces that are more on the go. I also dive a lot. I free-dive a lot.”

With that, she needs pieces that are secure, either with screws or double locks. She cited the ones such a bracelet she has which she can wear all year round.

“So, yeah, parang pieces that kind of live with me na and grow with me. I like simple pieces more. Nothing too loud, nothing too much. I like more subtle jewelry,” said she.

As for the role of jewelry as an accessory in playing a character, she shared, “There are always parang a few items that we add to make the character more real. So, if I could get a necklace with, like, an initial of whichever character I’m playing, then we’ll do that if there’s time. There are some pieces that I have not worn that I can repurpose or, like, reuse.”

“Pag yung character (whose name) starts, like, say, with the letter s, I have na necklaces for that. Because I seem to get characters that have that initial as her first name palagi. So, yeah, I have items that I keep on using na for certain characters,” added she.

Away from the klieg lights, Bela also graces events such as the one for My Diamond’s newest collection, which, according to its publicity team, “pairs the soft sentiment of a holiday bow with the lasting strength of gold and diamond honeycomb designs.”

“Inspired by the natural geometry of a hive, each creation in the collection honors the deep connections, personal milestones and cherished memories that define this magical time of year,” it added. “At the heart of the collection is The Winter Hive, a meaningful tribute to home, family and personal growth. Just as a hive offers shelter and strength, these pieces celebrate the comfort of being together with the people who matter most, while also honoring the individual journey.”

The collection is composed of necklaces, earrings, bracelets and bangles and rings.

With her enthusiasm for the arts, is there a possibility for her to try her hand at designing jewelry?

“I’ve tried a few times. I’ve taken classes. There are classes here around the Philippines. We have really good silversmiths that teach classes,” answered she, who recently made a ring made of silver while in Bacolod and gave it to a colleague.

She added that jewelry designing is something she has always been interested in ever since growing up. Her dad lived in Bangkok, Thailand, a place where there’s plenty of classes on it, and materials such as gold are accessible.

To see and appreciate the brand’s Christmas collection, visit its stores such as the one at SM Aura.