In two weeks, Mariel de Leon will relinquish her Bb. Pilipinas-International crown, looking back at her reign without nary a tear.
Asked how she grew up in the past 12 months marked by controversies generated by her being outspoken about issues and people in the news, Mariel told Funfare in an exclusive interview last Monday after she signed up as talent for Leo Dominguez’s LVD Management & Consultancy Services, “It has been life-changing. I have become more confident and sure of myself…mentally, intellectually and emotionally. Growing up, I was a sheltered child. Being exposed to the world helped me grow up and made me stronger. I’m really thankful for that — including even the bad experiences.”
— Photo by Ver Paulino
Such as what “bad experiences?”
Laughing, Mariel said, “The controversies. I guess that I was able to handle them very well. Competing in the Miss International pageant (in Tokyo) made me a better person. Now, I don’t have to put up a front or a false face just to please everyone. You just cannot please everyone; there will always be bashers who won’t agree with what you say or do.”
So now, what we see is what we get, right?
“Right! But now, I will have to choose my battles wisely.”
No regrets about anything that she said or she did, especially on social media?
“In terms of what I stand for, my feelings about certain things and my opinion on issues…no regrets. But I could have been more careful in my choice of words. In general, I really stand for what I believe is right.”
Of course, her parents, Christopher de Leon and Sandy Andolong (who was with Mariel during the contract-signing) are known for being, well, “reserved” and not having been enmeshed in any controversy. Is the impression correct that her parents cannot control her (or put her in place)?
“I respect them as my parents who guide me all the way. But they are aware that I am my own person and that it’s not good to fully control your children...tell them what to say or do. I listen to what my parents say and I never argue with them or talk back to them. It’s up to me how to apply in my life what they are telling me. They allow us to have our own mind and our own identity.”
Turning 25 on May 23, Mariel considers the Binibini as the turning point of her life.
“That’s when my life really started. The Binibini changed my life radically. It was the year when I really started growing up.”
Did growing up include breaking up with her boyfriend?
“We still talk naman, we are still very close and we go out. The main thing with me now is that I don’t want to be serious with a relationship. I’m not that young, so I want to take every opportunity that comes my way.”
Even when she accepted the offer to be Coco Martin’s leading lady (along with another beauty queen, 2015 Miss International Kylie Versoza), Mariel was then “not quite sure” about following in the footsteps of her parents.
“But I guess I’m really serious about it now,” confessed Mariel, “although I don’t think I can duplicate my parents’ achievements. I still have a lot to learn about acting. I super-enjoyed doing Panday. I used to say I didn’t want to be in showbiz but after Panday, I’ve changed my mind. I was really taken care of while doing Panday, I learned new things, and that opened my mind.”
Any limitations in her choice of roles?
“For sure, I won’t do any nudity. But I can wear bikinis which I already did during the Binibini. I’m open to doing kissing scenes but beyond that, well, I have to think hard about it.”
All her parents advise Mariel is to be professional (and punctual, “Don’t make people wait”), be kind to the cast and especially the crew members, and to be prepared and ready with her lines before going to the set.
She’s set to star in an indie film titled Latay as the ex-wife of Allen Dizon (with Lovi Poe as the current wife), to be produced by Baby Go’s BG Film with Ralston Jover as director.
What’s her advice to her Binibini successor?
“Enjoy every moment and stay true to yourself. Take things slowly. Don’t fake yourself on social media because people can see and read through you. People will appreciate you more if you are genuine and true to your opinions and still respectful of other people.”
And to her bashers?
“Nothing really, because I think bashers are sad people. Only sad people are negative towards other people because if you are happy, you won’t bash other people.”
BMariel de Leon with mom Sandy Andolong during the interview after Mariel signed a contract with Leo Dominguez’s LVD Management & Consultancy Services: I’m more confident and sure of myself now; I don’t have to put up a front or a false face just to please everyone. — Photo by Salve Asis
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