Bianca Valerio: This model's miracle (part 1)

CEBU, Philippines - It’s hard to tell now, but sought-after model/host Bianca Valerio once endured severe bullying and suffered depression for years to the point of suicide. Her transformation into the gorgeous, bubbly and highly-successful career woman that she is today wasn’t quick and easy. "Miraculous," was how she described it.

Lucky thing Bianca learned from someone named Oprah to "turn pain into wisdom." This was exactly what she did in her latest venture as a book author of the world’s first self-help and make-up instructional book in one, Face to Face: The Healing Power of Make-up.Apart from tips and a step-by-step make-up process, it also features 22 stories of men and women, with each of their own transformations from abuse, diseases and hardships to the strong, confident and even powerful individuals they have become. Included are models Divine Lee, Isabel Roces, Georgina Wilson, actress Iza Calzado, the colorful Tessa Prieto-Valdes, and Bianca herself.

The hard-bound tome is available in all National Bookstore and Powerbooks branches nationwide for P795. All royalties to the author from book sales will be donated to the Philippine National Red Cross.

By profession, Bianca is all these and more: Model (member of the Professional Models Association of the Philippines ), events/TV host (F.A.S.H.: Fashion and Style Hub on the Lifestyle Network), make-up artist (graduated from the Make-Up Designory in Los Angeles, California), online columnist (www.cosmo.ph), personality development coach (The Launch Pad Workshop Series) and beauty product designer. In between juggling all of the above, this so-called "Jane of all Trades" detailed in this The FREEMAN Q&A, among other things, how her book came to be and why she’s paying it forward…

What made you decide to plunge into book writing?

This is my first time and admittedly a very bold move on my part since I don’t consider myself a "writer" per se. I have a weekly column in Cosmo.PH (official site of Cosmopolitan Magazine Philippines) but I feel being a columnist would not necessarily quantify one to be a writer. However, I always wanted to write a book since I was in high school but didn’t know exactly what about. It was only in recent years that I realized I wanted it to be about make-up and self-help. I wanted it to be the first of its kind in the world. But more importantly, a tribute to everyone to feel that no matter who they may be, they have a chance to shine.

How long did it take for you to work on the book?

I was told by my publisher, National Bookstore that a book of this kind normally takes a year or so to complete. Miraculously, it took my team and I (photographer Ria Regino, art director John Lozano, fashion stylist Rex Atienza and hairstylist Eddiemar Cabiltes) a grueling three months to finish it.

Who are the people that would do well to purchase this?

It’s an inspiring, feel-good read. So anyone can benefit from it because each subject shares their individual stories that represent different walks of life, backgrounds, personal issues like divorce/separation; surviving illness; triumph over weight loss; finding fulfillment even if you didn’t exactly live the life you thought you would; being the so-called Plain Jane; homosexuality, severe birthmark and more. It truly is so much more than just a beauty book – that’s just one aspect. It’s also a self-help and somewhat of an autobiography. Both men and women can take so much from this book.

Describe the feeling after seeing and holding in your hands for the first time the hard copy of "Face to Face"…

I still recall the feeling like it was just yesterday. I was in disbelief. It was such a surreal moment and I remember saying to myself silently, "God, you truly are so good! Thank you…thank you, this is for you…" Then I cried and laughed from being overjoyed!

Can you expound on your book’s sub-title "The Healing Power of Make-up", especially for those who have the notion that this is all about superficiality?

Something as simple as a blow-dry or haircut, it makes us look good. When we look good, we feel good. When we feel good, we become more effective at the various areas in our lives. Positive energy radiates from us simply because we feel like we can conquer the world. Make-Up/Grooming may be superficial but it is a vessel: An instrument to help usher our spirits into a deeper appreciation of ourselves when we look at the mirror.

What’s been some of the feedback from those who’ve read it so far?

I am so blessed that it’s been well-reviewed and received. Everyone is always in such disbelief as to how regular everyday people can look amazing as they do in the book with the various transformations. Everyone also is so surprised as to how brave I was in sharing my troubled past. Nor did they expect that I am the same person as the one I described from my past. It really is a miracle and proof that hope is everywhere. We just need to want it bad enough to live a happier life despite all the pain and trauma.

How did your collaboration with Philippine National Red Cross to donate 100% of your book royalties come about? Are there other charities/advocacies close to your heart aside from Red Cross?

All my life, my mom, Mimi Valerio and my sister, Nikki have devoted their lives to charity from Catholic Women’s Club to starting the famous 20-year-old running St. James Bazaar, Friends of Cultural Concerns, to name a few. So it’s always been in our family to have an advocacy. My uncle, Manny Gonzales is the president of the Muntinlupa Chapter of PNRC, who has been a dear family friend. I know I had always wanted to lend my support to a charity so when he approached me to host their fundraisers, I later offered to donate all my royalties to their chapter. Definitely, Anti-Bullying and Abuse are my main advocacies. I’m a survivor of much trauma from childhood and I feel it’s my responsibility to use my voice for those who have none. God has given me so, so much and this book is one big way of paying it forward in thanksgiving.  (TO BE CONTINUED) (FREEMAN)