ICONIC model, beauty queen and actress Marina Benipayo wears many hats these days.
“It is important that I keep myself busy during this pandemic, when no clear solutions have been laid out yet to ensure our protection, safety and general well-being,” she opened up, adding, “Aside from staying healthy, both physically and mentally, I think we all should focus on what activities can make us productive, and keep us away from the stress and anxiety brought about by this unexpected period in our lives.”
Since there are no big fashion show events where Benipayo is always a preferred “finale” model, she accepts invitations to appear in online shows and interviews especially those hosted by her peers in the fashion and beauty industry.
“It’s also a way of sharing our opinions and points of view about many things and many issues that might be of help to the viewers of these shows. I particularly also learn a lot from the discussions with the other invited guests and resource persons,” she said. A former Binibining Pilipinas title holder, Benipayo shared that she is happy with the very good performances of Philippine representatives to international pageants recently. She believes that the our beauty queens will continue to do well in future pageants. “Very competitive ang Philippines when it comes to beauty pageants. Palaban talaga tayo!”
Despite the current circumstances affecting the country and the rest of the world, Benipayo says she chooses to remain hopeful. “I was always taught to count my blessings. Of course, we have to be aware and alert always especially about protecting ourselves and our loved ones, but we have to learn to live with the ‘givens,’ be resourceful, and learn to move forward.”
It’s a good thing that Benipayo has her partner Richard Cepeda who always stands by her. Their time-tested relationship has become stronger than ever. “I am very blessed to have him in my life,“ she enthused. “He’s always got my back. He is my compass and my balance, my shield and my strength whenever my faith falters or when I feel weak.”
Recently, the couple started selling Cepeda’s home-cooked adobo online, and it has been getting very good feedback. “We call it AdoboGOod [Richard’s real surname is Go], and we are so happy that orders continue to come in.” Another source of joy for Benipayo is her almost six-month-old grandson Jacob Apollo, the baby of Benipayo’s son Joshua. “He is my first apo and he is just so adorable. He is our source of happiness. I love playing grandma to Jacob!”
We are glad that Benipayo will soon be seen on television again. She plays the wife of Christopher de Leon in the second season of the GMA show I Can See You: The Lookout, which has just started airing this week in the network’s evening prime-time slot. The show also stars Adrian Alandy, Barbie Forteza and Paul Salas.
Marina Benipayo is a woman of beauty, joy and resilience combined. “I am just thankful that I am given many opportunities to be busy, productive and happy. I am just grateful every day.”