Keep on ‘punching,’ Michelle!

Although she stands 5’6" ("with heels ha") and possesses a statuesque figure, Michelle Bayle thinks that if she were to engage in a catfight with Judy Ann Santos, she would lose, even if the Soap Opera Queen is smaller than she is. "Bida kasi siya, eh!" Michelle quips.

But there is no doubt that Michelle, who plays the girlfriend of Piolo Pascual (rumored boyfriend of Judy Ann) in Bakit Di Totohanin? under Star Cinema, would startle her opponent with a few surprise uppercuts.

Having been in show business for one year and a half, Michelle has been punching her way to stardom by singing, dancing, acting and even modeling (for yehey.com). Yes, she’s received quite a few jabs herself but according to her, "I learn from my mistakes. I don’t wallow in sorrow ‘pag may masamang mangyari sa akin. I just pray for guidance and listen to my mom’s advice.

Michelle was discovered by ABS-CBN Talent Center’s David Fabros in Canada when she won the Star Teens Canada-Toronto pageant. She was invited by David to come home to the Philippines to train and try show business. Not that she needs much polishing. After all, Michelle has sort of tasted the limelight in Canada where she kicked and cartwheeled as a cheerleader for the national Canadian Football League and for the Toronto Argonauts for the Sports Network. Before that, Michelle was a manager of a retail store, a fashion consultant and a barista.

But she has always dreamt of getting into showtown. In her free time, she would join workshops. So when the opportunity offered by David came along, she left her family, a good job and a crying boyfriend behind to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming an entertainer. Good thing that Lady Luck is now smiling at her and she is starting to get the good breaks.

So far, Michelle has done the rounds of ABS-CBN shows such as Tabing Ilog, Pwedeng-Pwede, Katapat, Okatokat, and Star Studio. She also gyrates every Wednesday in Magandang Tanghali Bayan with Star Circle 9 member Cherrie Lou. Her terpsichorean moves are also showcased at Keep on Dancing where she’s a regular guest. Michelle has also done several mini-concerts in Batangas, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu and Baguio. She recently had a show with Troy Montero at Talk About Bar and Restaurant in Mindanao Avenue and is about to sign up with Viva Records. Also, Talent Center is banking on her, along with Justin Cuyugan, Drinie Aguilar and Angela Velez as among their most promising talents for the year.

Michelle thinks she’s still far from achieving the stardom status that she has been dreaming of back in Canada. But she remains undaunted and plans to "just take one step at a time. If I work really hard enough, I know that I’ll be able to achieve all my goals."

But don’t expect her to shed off her clothes anytime to achieve instant money and fame. Michelle is very happy with the image that Talent Center has asked her to project: sexy but no vulgar or crass. "It’s very me," Michelle says of her image. "I may wear tight-fitting clothes, pero hindi ko yata kaya ang pag-bold. I’m not comfortable with that."

But isn’t that what everyone says in the beginning? Let’s see how different Michelle Bayle is!

Props items

Props celebrates life and style by introducing a casual clothing collection that shows of today’s fashion attitude of kids, ‘tweens, teens and adults.

This season, Props presents uncomplicated and carefree fashion pieces. They’ve got everything from the basics to the latest designs for boys and girls.

Props offers a variety of blouses (haltered, overlapped, or wrapped), tank tops (peek-a-boo, laced or piped) and skirts. Muscle T-shirts, stitched tank tops, zip polos are available for men.

Props is available at the ABS-CBN Studio Store with outlets in Isetann Cinerama Complex Recto, SM City Cebu, SM City Bacoor, Gaisano Country Mall Cebu and Gaisano City Mall Cagayan de Oro City. ABS-CBN Studio Store products are also available through ABS-CBN Direct Sales Service Centers in Quezon City, Las Piñas, Mandaluyong, Cabanatuan, Angeles City, Mandaue, Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro, Laguna and Cavite City. (For inquiries, call 415-2272 locals 3601-3629, or email consumer/[email protected])