MANILA, Philippines - Twenty-two-year-old Rachel Anne Daquis believes that there’s no easy way to achieving one’s goals. Instead, the 5-ft.-9-in-tall volleyball heartthrob knows that one has to invest in hard work and determination.
When she was still in school, Rachel already learned the importance of proper time management. “Managing my time as a student and an athlete was a little hard,” she confesses. “I’m blessed to have been able to handle the pressure. It was a challenge I was all too willing to hurdle.”
Rachel, a Business Management graduate from the Far Eastern University, recalls how her stint as a volleyball varsity player paved way for her to get into show business. “I am grateful that my volleyball career brought me unexpected attention. Aside from being seen on TV, it was also instrumental in my getting an endorsement for a sports apparel brand, a whitening supplement and a perfume.” That Rachel is a star on the volleyball court is already a given among college sports fanatics. The young lass furthers that she gets a different kind of high when spectators cheer for her and her team.
But the statuesque Rachel is not all about sports. If you think she’s all tough and rough, think twice. Like any ordinary young girl, Rachel also joined beauty pageants and even won titles. She sashays the ramp every now and then for various clothing brands. Rachel was also a finalist at a beauty product’s search for new models. Although she didn’t bag the title, Rachel was awarded “Miss Popularity,” a testament to the following she has gained from her volleyball stint.
Now that she’s part of the GMA Artist Center, Rachel is seeing another dream being realized. “It’s an honor for me to be given an opportunity to be part of the network,” says Rachel, who is honing her acting skills through workshops and trainings. “I trust that the management is helping me grow and improve on my craft.”
“I am happy when I make people happy,” gushes Rachel, who acknowledges that the lessons her parents taught her have guided her in overcoming challenges in life. From her dad Melchor, Rachel was taught to not be ashamed of expressing her feelings. Early on, her father instilled in her and her two siblings the importance of saying “I love you” to each other. Meanwhile, she considers her mother Josifina her best friend “because she keeps reminding us to treat her as our best friend. Thus, it is easier for me to share my problems with her.”— Jerni May H. Camposano
Photography by Mau Aguasin • Styling by Reg Rodriguez • Makeup by Pia Reyes • Hairstyling by Edimar Cabilte for L’oreal Professionel • Outfits by Jun Escario