Face of Allure: Monicca Domingo

MANILA, Philippines - Monicca Vanezza Carrion Domingo walks into the room with poise and an alluring smile that can hold one spellbound. She radiates positivity that comes from simple things that bring her happiness: A good book, her dog Rockstar, a cup of coffee and shoes.

Twenty-nine-year-old Monicca is the eldest of three daughters of businessman Ernesto Domingo Jr. and airline executive Ria Carrion-Domingo. The 5’4”-tall morena beauty shares the important lessons her parents taught her to become a compassionate and responsible daughter. “My dad always speaks of the value of trust, how difficult it is to gain trust and how hard it is to lose it. And my mom constantly reminds us to build good relationships with the people around us. She told us to maintain lasting friendships and to never burn bridges with anyone.”

Monicca’s treasure trove of memories is delightfully filled with laughter and adventures gathered from her family’s love for travel. She expands her horizons by exploring other cities and learning about different cultures. “Every year, my family would travel to somewhere new, here in the Philippines or around the world,” she shares. On her parents’ 25th wedding anniversary, her family took a trip that became the most memorable for her. “Instead of having a party, we traveled across Europe. We visited nine countries and really enjoyed the family bonding as we navigated through different cities.”

An AB Interdisciplinary Studies graduate from the Ateneo de Manila University, Monicca started her career in the field of Human Resources. However, after four years, she realized that she wanted to pursue a career in the fashion industry that she has always been passionate about. She now works as the associate merchandise manager at Footwear Specialty Retailers Inc. (a sister company of Stores Specialists Inc.), the franchise partner of Payless Shoe Source in the Philippines.  

“As a child, I was very interested in clothes, shoes, trends and designs. I grabbed the opportunity to work in Payless then, because it entailed working with something I really love — shoes!” She admits that it is challenging to be in merchandising but it is also fun as she gets to travel a lot, both here and abroad, because she is part of the team that selects the merchandise in the stores around the country.

“I’d like to continue working in this industry that I really love, buying shoes and helping provide more fashion choices for our country,” answers Monicca when asked about her future plans.

It’s not only her career that sees bright skies in the horizon, but also her future with her fiancé Daniel Mancao. “I am looking forward to married life and I am excited to start a family of my own.”

One of the guiding principles that keeps Monicca going resonates clearly: Timing is everything. “I believe there is always a right time for everything in life. We can have it all, not just at once.”

Photography by Mau Aguasin • Styling by Mikka Velasquez • Makeup by Ria Aquino for MAC Cosmetics • Hairstyling by Patty Inojales • Indigo T-strap halter dress and navy blue draped dress both by Tango; rhinestone teardrop earrings and silver necklace with black teardrop stones and rhinestones and diamond dangling earrings all by Kikay • Shot on location at MA Studio, Makati City