Star Dream Girl: Rima Ostwani

If her looks seem "universal,"don’t wonder. Because 17-year-old Rima Ostwani is part Spanish, German, Filipino (mother’s side), and Syrian (father’s side).

Standing 5’5"-tall, Rima is an International Studies student majoring in European Studies at the De La Salle University in Taft, Manila. Rima has also graced fashion shows of local designers such as Renee Salud and Toby Albrando.

Rima, who describes herself as "affable and always smiling," wishes to finish her studies and join the foreign service.

"As a diplomat, I will promote the Philippines as a tourist destination," says Rima. "This will increase the country’s revenues. Besides, I will work to strengthen our ties with other countries, and protect the rights of Filipinos who work abroad."

Having lived in Lebanon for a decade due to her father’s business, and having traveled to places like Syria and Thailand, Rima has become more understanding, especially of people from other cultures.

"Lebanese people are very much like us," says Rima, the daughter of Khaled Ostwani and the former Mariana Lorza, both entrepreneurs, "They are warm persons." The traveler that she is, Rima says, "my personality has improved a lot because of my travels. I’ve seen and experienced different cultures, other countries’ history, seen picturesque and historical places. What matters most is that I’ve learned to adjust to another person’s peculiarities and differences."

Rima, who speaks French, Spanish and Arabic fluently, was a high school honor student and president of the Student Council at St. Paul’s College, Quezon City. She is the image model for print ads of the institution.

In her spare time, Rima attends ballet and gymnastics classes.

"A STAR Dream Girl becomes successful in everything she does, when she is hands-on," says Rima. "And also when she bears a positive disposition about life." –Jerry Donato