Quirky looks or funky attitudes can all be conveyed through the model’s hair, clothes and makeup and 5’7" Rosario fully understands that. It isn’t common to have fashion stylists orchestrate shoots in the Philippines but our bachelorette has designed her own career to fulfill a need, and her skills are in demand by agencies for commercials, print ads and magazine pictorials. She has also set up Style Lab, an agency for makeup artists.
On what occasion do you lie?
I have such a horrible memory. I don’t remember what I say so I try not to lie.
Which living person do you admire most?
Aside from my mom, Corito Paredes, I wouldn’t narrow it down to one person. I admire anyone who shows strength and ambition while still managing to keep their personal and family life together.
Who or what is the greatest love of your life?
My work. I had the idea of wanting to do what I am doing now since I was very young. I wanted to create beautiful images and have been dreaming and planning about doing it.
What is your passion?
I love helping people. Sometimes just helping friends with their situations. I like empowering children and women. My assistants are all women.
What is your most fervent wish?
To expand my business and to gain for it the recognition and respect that agencies abroad receive.
How do you resolve your conflicts?
I really have to simmer down because if I try to talk about it right away it will come across that I am pissed off.
What sports/hobbies do you like most?
Yoga at home about three times a week.
What film influenced your life?
Life is Beautiful. It is an independent film and I went with my sister thinking it was just another artsy film. After the first five minutes, I got to like it.
What book influenced your life?
Years, years, years ago I stumbled upon this book called Smart Women Finish Rich. It’s about introducing money and finance to women and I learned a lot of realities about handling money. Another book is How To Think Like A CEO.
What is your greatest fear?
Losing my vision or my path, not knowing where I want to go or what I want to do. I have been there and I don’t want to return. It is better to know what you want to do.
How do you start your day?
Sometimes I have a shoot that starts at 5.30 a.m. but if I don’t, then I get up at 8.30. Sometimes I have shoots that take 24 hours. This week I decided to rest so I can collect myself.
What is your motto?
"Don’t give up…" It’s kind of a cliché, and although I have heard it said over and over, when I am faced with a situation like working and shooting for days and days and I start to want to give up…
What is your current state of mind?
I feel like I need a vacation… absolutely. And I’m going to have my overdue part—vacation/part-finding inspiration when I go to Europe in May.
If you had the chance to change something in your life, what would that be?
To have been more focused when I was younger.
What is the first thing you look for when you meet a woman?
If she is a model, her physical appearance: teeth, skin and height. I check to see if she is confident and can move in front of the camera. The amazing models I have worked with know how to act and to find their role.
Which historical character would you like to have been?
John D. Rockefeller. Oh my goodness, he was way ahead of his time. He even came to the Philippines and he warned us that we would be overpopulated. He was a philanthropist, very giving and very smart.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Being able to work from my house on the beach
What is your favorite journey?
A period when I was living on my own in the States. It was really hard to face all the struggles but it gave me confidence and I gained so much from it.
What is the quality you most like in a man?
For a boyfriend, humor and the ability to make me laugh.
What is the quality you most like in a woman?
Independence. Strength.
Who greets you when you get home?
My shitzsu, Coco, who is not even like a dog. He is so smart and while I know that all dog-owners say that about their dogs, Coco still manages to surprise me every day.