Bella Padilla of grace and grit

CEBU, Philippines - She’s one of those that showbiz followers either like or dislike. To her admirers, she is intelligent, well-bred, funny and articulate.

To non-believers, Bela Padilla will remain the girl who got noticed for getting entangled in a war with GMA7’s irrefutably biggest female star Marian Rivera. And recently, as that fair-skinned model pummeled with backlash after some people deemed her FHM Philippines magazine cover was racist. Much as she hates it, the half-Brit actress can’t seem to elude being top of the tabloid heap, and even on the brief radar of the international press, for all the negative reasons.

But Bela’s camp has been determined to prove that there are more commendable facets to the 21-year-old. For one, there’s how her innately composed personality manifests in the manner she handles intrigues and insults hurled her way. In this age of Twitter where celebrities have given in to the urge of answering back critics with equally razor-sharp comebacks, Bela has been admirable for her restraint.

A good example would be when former star of some bold films Rica Peralejo tweeted her, in relation to her FHM cover, to seek people who can advise and open her eyes whether an offer is right or wrong. For some, it must have been a huge temptation to remind Rica of her past career or just ignore the unsolicited remark, but Bela replied back with a short but polite “Yup, will keep that in mind. Thanks!”

The bookworm, writer and aspiring beauty queen – currently visible in the GMA7 afternoon block via the drama Hiram na Puso – dishes out, among others, on lessons learned and how she keeps her head above the fray.

Is joining a beauty pageant still one of your goals?

Yes, but I think I have to put it aside for now because it’s not really my top priority. I think I’m enjoying acting so much right now and I don’t want to think of other things yet. Maybe in two or three years.

In explaining your first FHM cover, you often mention it was about stepping out of your inhibitions and fears. What are they?

I think those inhibitions and fears came with age and experience. You know when you’re young, there are certain things that you can’t do and you don’t have that level of confidence yet. So I think it is basically just my age because it’s not like there are people who are stopping me from my dreams or anything. My family is very supportive of me. And it was probably also what I was able to offer. I felt I wasn’t that ready before, unlike now.

What did you learn from that “racist” magazine cover controversy?

I learned a lot about respect. I learned that you have to show care and compassion for other people because if you don’t, it’s going to be harder for you to go through life. You have to learn how to care for other people. I guess that’s why I apologized right away because I felt other people were offended. I did exactly what I thought was right.

What has been the most hurtful criticism you’ve come across so far?

Maybe the one that hurt me most was someone saying I’m not smart, something to that effect. Because more than beauty, I value more what’s inside. That is my personality and I know that this is the intelligence that I have. So whatever level that is, I respect yours, so you should respect mine. And it’s not nice anymore when it is already personal.

The way you handle issues and respond to negative tweets, you are obviously not a confrontational person and deal with things calmly. What will make you really lose your cool then, if ever?

I’ve never seen myself go to that point. Actually, ever since I got into showbiz, I’ve been through a lot already but no one has pushed me to that point yet. So I don’t know, and I hope I don’t come across it because I just want to stay like this.

Your uncle Robin has admitted that he has yet to fully accept Rustom’s transformation to BB Gandanghari. How about you, what are your personal feelings or thoughts about BB?

Up to now, I still call him ‘Tito’ sometimes. I think it’s just a habit that’s not going to fade away quickly because all of us were used to him being Tito Rustom. I think it will just take time. And Tito Robin and Tito Rustom were closer than Tito Rustom and I are. So there’s a deeper level of acceptance there. I respect Tito Rustom. I love both of them very dearly. I’m just hoping that everything works out, and I know it will.

Your character in ‘Hiram’ is unloved by her mother. In real life, how is your relationship with your mom and how has she been of influence to you?

My mom and I are a package deal, we’re together everywhere. You’ll never see me without my mom anywhere, especially during my tapings and pictorials. We’re just inseparable. So it’s very far from the character I play that’s why I’m really challenged with my role in Hiram Na Puso because I can’t pull any emotions from my mom. My mom has been giving me so much love, everything I needed actually. My dad is always abroad, so there are times when my mom had to stand up as my dad. Our relationship is very strong.

The boy you like in ‘Hiram,’ played by Mark Herras, doesn’t reciprocate your feelings. In real life also, do you always get the guy you like? And what kind of guy attracts you?

I’ve never been in that situation. I’ve had only one boyfriend and since I’ve been through one relationship so far, I’ve yet to be in that situation. And I hope I won’t. My type of guy is tall, dark, handsome, and Pinoy.

 magazine cover was racist. Much as she hates it, the half-Brit actress can’t seem to elude being top of the tabloid heap, and even on the brief radar of the international press, for all the negative reasons. (FREEMAN)