Photography DIX PEREZ
Videography ANDREW APUYA
Makeup JIGS MAYUGA
Hair JET BABAS
Fashion Styling BEA CONSTANTINO
Special thanks to ESTEE LAUDER for the makeup,
and to HERMAN & CO. for the clothing creations from the Philippine indigenous tribes
By: Sherry Tenorio
In our previous cover stories about our January girl Vanessa Matsunaga, she has shared her tale of wandering from countries to countries while searching for the most appealing modeling gigs. She has also told Calyxta of how she decided to stay in the Philippines when she moved here with her brother (now a famous television personality in the country), Daniel Matsunaga.
Her story is endearing for it is filled with faith, love and family. But despite the charm of her newly found life in the Philippines, it has not been an easy feat. For, how does one acclimatize to a new society? Does one change her looks, her language and accent, her ways of life, her tastes in food or her manner of dressing?
Vanessa answered, “It wasn’t easy. I was quite settled in Hong Kong back then. I thought my stay in the Philippines would be short so I didn’t prepare much for a total adjustment. But I found the perfect solution in fitting in – I made friends with Filipinos. And, boy, that’s the best way to experience this country!”
Since she has built friendships with locals (Filipinos), she has since adopted the language. She would quip in Tagalog words from time to time. She would crave for Filipino food, as well, like kare-kare and gising-gising. She would also favor the Philippines over Brazil, at this point in time.
From Rio de Janerio to the world, the half-Brazilian, half-Japanese beauty has met and worked with people of various ethnicities, and has been exposed with countless lifestyles and traditions. Yet despite all these, the Philippines has still wowed her. She explained, “Of course, each country would have its bad sides and good sides. I can’t say that the Philippines is perfect – we have terrible traffic problems here. But, what really struck me was the kindness of the people. Filipinos are so genuinely nice.”
“I also like how Filipinos just keep on being positive. No matter what hardship fate throws at them, they’d just laugh it off, and still think that something good shall come out of it. And, most importantly, Filipinos are family-oriented,” she continued.
Vanessa knows that all the love she has for the country is reciprocated. She may not sound, look or behave like an ordinary local, but in her heart, she is one true Filipina. “The Filipinos have really embraced me. I feel all the love. Even though the rates we get as models are comparatively lower in the Philippines than in other countries, working here is much better because of the people I work with who shows respect for each other. In other countries, I made money, yes, but here I gained friends and family,” she concluded.
Vanessa Matsunaga’s advice to expats who think of settling in the Philippines
Show respect, and stop comparing places. Each place shows its own beauty and flaws. So respect, and learn to adjust. Enjoy your time in the Philippines because it’s so nice to get to know other cultures. And, don’t waste your time. Eat Filipino food, and be friends with Filipinos.
