Out of famous parents’ shadow

MANILA, Philippines - Dominique Barretto Cojuangco has been shielded from the public eye for most of her teenage years. As the daughter of actress Gretchen Barretto and business magnate Tonyboy Cojuangco, people were naturally curious about her. People are wont to ask: How different and similar is she from her mother, touted as having one of the most beautiful faces in showbiz? Will she someday follow in her footsteps and enter showbiz? Or be like her dad and concentrate on the family business?

Last year, on Dominique’s 18th birthday, she had a grand debut, introduced to the public as a woman of her own, a daughter coming out of her parents’ shadow. After finishing high school from a British school, Dominique headed to London to study fashion design.

As a sign that we will be seeing more of her — Dominique was recently signed up as a brand ambassador of Bench’s newest whitening product — the Bench Body Whitening Lotion with Nanobright technology, along with two other showbiz royalties Addie Manzano, daughter of Edu Manzano, and Sam Rodriguez, daughter of the late ’80s actor Miguel Rodriguez.

Dominique and Sam were present at the media launch while Addie was absent due to a prior commitment.

In an interview with The STAR, Dominique gushed about her life in London as a student and how she’s finding out a lot about herself, now that she’s living alone.

“I’ve been taking the London tube in going to school and I love it. I love walking around London and doing stuff by myself. I’m learning how to truly be independent and on my own. In Manila, my life is different; our chauffeur takes me around where I want to go. In London, I walk and explore the streets. I like the vibe of London, it’s the best city next to Manila, of course,” Dominique said.

At school, she shared that she’s taught to experiment with designs. She loves that her teachers teach her to be self-reliant and to develop her own ideas. Dom, as she is fondly called, enjoys being hands-on with her works. Her scissors are her best friend and she’s learning how to drape and sew a skirt or a dress on her own.

“It gives me motivation and pride,” she said.

One of her fashion idols is the Tunisian-born couturier and shoe designer Azzedine Alaia. She has admired Alaia since she was a young kid and loves his attention to detail and his craftmanship.

Dominique said her mom was instrumental in her dream to become a fashion designer. Growing up, she’d see her mom impeccably dressed in luxurious brands — Chanel, Christian Louboutin, Valentino, Tony Burch, etc.

“I probably got my mom’s passion for clothes, accessories and bags because I always see her donning the things she loves,” she said.

But she’s quick to say that they have different fashion styles. “But we agree on the classics. She loves Audrey Hepburn and I love the classic style of Hepburn, too.”

Dominique also doesn’t stick to the latest fad. Her fashion muses are Kate Middleton and the twins Mary and Kate Olsen. “The Olsens are so stylish and they don’t follow fashion fads. I like that they have their signature styles and stick to it while incorporating to their wardrobe what they currently love.”

Asked if she has any plans to join showbiz, she said: “I’m not closing my doors on anything. I grew up in showbiz and it’s part of me. Life is about risk-taking and taking opportunities, but right now, I want to concentrate on my studies and be a fashion designer first.”

Part of showbiz is that she’s perenially asked about the Barretto family squabble — her mom against her grandmother Inday and aunt Claudine and all the drama that comes with it.

Dominique is detached about it. “Because it doesn’t involve me, I don’t have to dip my hand in it but I pray that there will be peace soon because it’s what everybody wants.”

She knows how people can be so judgmental and mean, but she’s not one to sulk and let people bring her down. Her message to haters and detractors: “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never harm me.”

Meanwhile, Sam, another child of showbiz, is truly a treasure to her mom and if her father were alive, he would have been very proud of what Sam has achieved in her young life.

An eloquent speaker and a go-getter, Sam has just graduated from the Ateneo de Manila University with a BS Management degree. She’s currently working in a corporate world and in her words: “I’m trying to be a top shot now.”

Truly one with a zest for life, Sam spends her leisure time tending to her six dogs, cooks for her family and friends, and goes to the gym to stay fit. “I have the love of my friends and family. I start my day with my dogs. This year, my family and I are planning to go to Spain and Barcelona,” she said.

In Woodrose High School, she was part of the debate team. While in college, she also organized an annual music festival that highlights not only world-class Pinoy bands and singers but also showcases top tourists spots in the country.

“We want to show the beauty of the islands, we’re proud that every year, we’re becoming bigger,” she said.

Because both Dominique and Sam are busy and always under the sun, they need sunblock and attest by the effectivity of Bench Body Whitening Lotion.

Domique said she learned from her mother that one of the secrets to her great skin is staying out of the sun’s harmful rays which can advance aging. “My mom always tells me to use sunblock because we are in a tropical country.”

Both girls are honored to be part of the Bench family. “Who wouldn’t want to be part of the best. It’s a global brand and our yes was immediate when they asked us to be endorsers of Bench Body Whitening Lotion,” they said.