I MET Bianca Gonzalez more than 10 years ago back when she was just a commercial model. What struck me then was her gift of gab, and how she broke the model stereotype as she effortlessly combined style and substance. Another thing that struck me was that she was so down-to-earth and unassuming. Diyos ko, mas maarte pa ako sa kanya!
But in front of the camera, Bianca is a woman transformed. She possesses this earthly beauty with doe eyes that pierce through you.
Back then, Bianca was still uncomfortable getting all the attention. Many times, I would remind her about that. She regarded herself as only a commercial model/endorser and only a host, therefore not as “showbiz” as the rest of them. I kept telling her that she was pretty much, whether she liked it.
I am so glad that Bianca is now more comfortable and has even settled with her status. She deftly balances her public and private life, and despite having a hectic schedule with her stint as a host in Pinoy Big Brother and Cinema One, she is now mom to two beautiful children with her husband, basketball star JC Intal.
Maybe we can learn a thing or two from Bianca. Ten years ago, she was reluctant celebrity. Now she uses this to push forward a number of causes, such as education, breastfeeding and more.
She also became outspoken on those whitening product ads that she thinks is very discriminatory, often shouting to the highest of the heavens that she is proud of her morena skin.
Bianca is a testament of what you think is maybe not meant for you, is really is and you can use it for your own and the world’s own good.
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KidZania Manila marks its third year of participation in the Department of Education’s (DepEd) National Schools Maintenance Week, known as Brigada Eskwela, which is part of the play city’s commitment to help maintain a healthy learning environment for public-school children.
“KidZania aspires to be the best learning partner in child care and education through the transformational edutainment experience we offer. This is the reason why we are fully committed to the Brigada Eskewala program.
We are firm believers that creating a conducive, fun learning environment helps build a better world for our students,” said KidZania Manila governor and CEO Cookie Bartolome.
KidZania Manila volunteers also participated in its neighboring school, Palar Elementary School in Taguig City. They joined school teachers, parents and other volunteers in the cleanup, and assisted in the sprucing up of classrooms.
The KidZania Manila team also donated sanitary and school supplies for the students, as well as gallons of paint and Philippine flags with the aid of their sponsors Ayala Foundation, Green Cross, First Balfour and National Book Stores.
Through its External Partnerships Service, DepEd implemented the 16th Annual Brigada Eskwela, gearing up for the opening of classes this month. Focusing on the theme “Matatag na Bayan Para sa Maunlad na Paaralan,” the project continues to improve one school after another with weeklong cleanups and minor repairs of facilities.
KidZania is at Park Triangle, Bonifacio Global City.
For more details, visit manila.kidzania.com.