Face of Allure: Vicky Ortega
MANILA, Philippines - At 23, Ma. Victoria “Vicky” Ortega believes that it is important for a person to always be optimistic. She knows that negative thinkers miss opportunities and fail to achieve their goals. So Vicky chooses to look at the glass as half full, instead of half empty. When she sees herself in a dire situation, the pretty lass looks for the light at the end of the tunnel. “I always stay positive,” she says. “You’ll be happier if you choose to see the good in everything that’s happening.”
Asked on the pros and cons of being in showbiz, Vicky enumerates only the good things and consciously doesn’t mention the disadvantages of life under the klieg lights. “The best thing about it is I love what I do. I enjoy being dolled up and being in front of the camera,” she shares. “There is nothing for me to complain about.”
Vicky, the eldest daughter of flight purser Vicente Ortega and wife Jocelyn, acknowledges that the lessons her parents taught her are what keep her grounded. From her father, Vicky was taught of the value of hard work and appreciating one’s work. Her mom, on the other hand, instilled in her lessons on how to handle money well.
Although she experienced bullying as a kid, Vicky chooses to look back on the wonderful memories of her childhood. This includes trips to a number of local destinations on summer breaks. “My childhood dream was to join the Miss Universe pageant as I felt it was a prestigious event,” says Vicky, who gamely admits that her 5-ft.-3-in.-frame would not allow her to become part of the contest.
Vicky’s beautiful and angelic face was featured in many TV commercials. She started modeling at 16 and even won a beauty endorsement after bagging the grand prize at “Garnier’s Search for the Next Garnier Girl.” The flawless Vicky was signed by GMA 7’s Artist Center immediately after. Currently, she appears in a primetime show and is attending workshops to further hone her acting and performing skills.
She singles out Oscar award-winning actress Reese Witherspoon as her role model. “Despite being in the spotlight for so long, she has maintained an image that is wholesome and a personality that everyone loves. It’s like you just want to be her friend.”
“Everything happens for a reason,” philosophizes Vicky. “Though things may seem bad now, there will come a time when you will look back and realize why things happened that way.”
