In search of Solenn

MANILA, Philippines - Solenn Heussaff could not be reached at the time of this article’s conception. This unfortunate circumstance resulted in this writer’s inability to make it to the Supreme shoot and Solenn’s crazy insane (yes, redundancy is necessary) schedule ever since she decided to add “actress” to her already long list of professions. To wit, early morning on June 8 (the night before my deadline), Solenn tweets: “Fashbook taping then off to airport to finish shooting Temptation in Laoag! To be aired july 6 not June 22.” The night before, she reports, “Have a few more take (sic) for Fashbook then have to rush home to shower, then have a meeting and straight to Barbell taping at 8 p.m. 11 sequences!”

For someone who unwittingly began her foray into Philippine showbiz during the latter part of 2010 as the last woman standing for the Celebrity Edition of Survivor Philippines, Solenn has achieved the kind of success that has eluded both long-time artistas and even insta-fame reality stars. For instance, the newly-minted GMA-7 star has already been given her own makeover show, Fashbook, along with mainstay appearances on Captain Barbell and Party Pilipinas in addition to top billing in the most hotly anticipated film of the year: Joey Gosiengfiao’s Temptation Island, her second film after My Valentine Girls.

Before all this, however, Solenn’s claims to fame were the following: former queen of TVCs beginning with that iconic Pop Cola commercial, ex-girlfriend of Derek Ramsay (yes, the one before Angelica Panganiban), kabarkada of Georgina Wilson, Anne Curtis and Liz Uy, among other famous, pretty faces, Rogue magazine’s favorite muse, Penshoppe endorser, and makeup artist/fashion and shoe designer/painter extraordinaire.

Solenn is by no means the first to attempt career-slashing. In this country, we’ve got inexhaustible acts, like actor/actress/singer/dancers/endorsers, model/DJs, photographer/bloggers, even fashion designers/swindlers, but the difference with Solenn is the amount of success and recognition she has received for every endeavour that she’s embarked on.

Photos by MILO SOGUECO and DERICK VINCULADO Produced by DAVID MILAN Makeup by JAKE GALVEZ for Kryolan Proffesionel Hair by ELLAH TANGO of Tony Galvez Salon

Another tell-tale sign that Solenn is a force to reckon with is her attitude. Never having once embraced the “socialite” label, which she made futile attempts to contest once Survivor aired, the word on the street is how down-to-earth she is. While almost every celebrity profile might say that about every other actress in this country (God forbid a bad profile ever), most people behind the glossy photos and glittery write-ups would roll their eyes and cry “Wolf!” Not with Solenn. Even before the onset of her showbiz stardom, when most celebrities are prone to fake niceness and graciousness, she already displayed a level of professionalism and genuineness that disarmed even the most cynic of industry people.

Perhaps it’s this complete lack of any pretence or self-importance that’s allowed Solenn to seamlessly move from one career to another, as easily as she transfers from the covers of Philippine Tatler to FHM without anybody batting an eyelash. Not that people haven’t tried pigeonholing her. When a French TV production team that she and her family assisted while they filmed a documentary in the Philippines essentially gave Solenn and her friends the underserved label of “bimbos,” she intensely expressed her offense, then moved on with her life.

There was a time when the only acceptable image of rising actresses was “wholesome” and only “bomba stars” or kontrabidas were the ones reportedly crass enough to show skin in photo shoots. Naturally, when Solenn decided to do it, people just weren’t sure what to make of her. When reporters at a press con asked her if her nude photo appearing in photographer Mark Nicdao’s celebrity portfolio Vantage would cause a stir, she simply responded with, “For me, you can say anything you want to say.” The only scandal is the fact that she is a young woman who completely is comfortable in her own skin and has managed to pull off nudity without jeopardizing her career or her numerous endorsements.

When comparisons were made between her and her ex’s current girlfriend, Angelica, she displayed an amount of confidence, security, not to mention humility that was uncanny for a woman in her mid-20s. “I’ve seen (Angelica) but I never met her in person,” Solenn said. “We were never formally introduced. But I’m looking forward to doing her makeup one day.” Well played, missy.

The fact that she has skilfully combined a number of contradicting notions together (famous, yet genuinely talented; artistic, yet level-headed; versatile, yet incredibly focused; beautiful, yet approachable) signals her ultimate longevity in the public eye. As for showbiz, she’s off to a good start, but it’s up to her to decide how long she wants to play the game. For now though, it looks like our tête-à-tête will have to wait a better day.