It's my joy to be featuring such a lovely lady I had the privilege to meet. I met Ina when we were in Paradise Island, Palawan, just last May. Obviously her pretty face is not so hard to notice, but other than that, it was her gorgeous curves and casual, bubbly personality that really caught my attention. After chatting with her super cool mom and playing with her adorable little brother, Ina and I got to hang out and talk more and oh my gosh, she's just so easy to like. She was so light to converse with, and I just couldn't help but notice how she looks SO GOOD in her skin (I love how stunning she looks in her bikini!), wearing laid back but well-put together summer outfits. She's also into photography and even took photos of us when we were at the beach. To make it short, she's just naturally beautiful and nice. Don't let her looks deceive you, she's not all foreign (Fil-Spanish). She grew up here in Manila and truly embraces the plumpinay in her.
Now, let's proceed to the main interview and get to know more about Ina, shall we?
What is your size?
I'm not quite sure about my size. When I buy clothes, it ranges from S - M - L depending on the store. Usually M though.
Who is your style icon?
Who is your style icon?
I love anyone in style or people that dress eccentric (the good kind!). I really like Lily Allen, Fergie. And Jennifer Hudson too because she carries herself so well.
Favorite store?
Favorite store?
My favorite store would have to be Zara or any vintage store with cute clothes. I'd love Topshop but most of their clothes are made for thin people and I don't tag myself as that. I choose to wear clothes that let my body be what it is!
Favorite pieces of clothing to wear?
I LOVE leggings, hanging tops (with a layer under, of course!), and any shirt with character!
How do you want people to see your style?
I want people to see my style as flattering. Since I'm not skinny or thin, I want people to see that although people may think that being so is "the look", it isn't THE ONLY LOOK. I'm very much into designing and fashion, so I want people to be inspired by how I dress to feel comfy being stylish and chunky at the same time!
Where do you get your confidence from?
A lot of my confidence, I have to admit, comes from the people around me. My best friends, Trish, and Patrick who constantly tell me I look good the way I am. Although they help me, I believe my true confidence still comes from within. Genuine confidence can only be brought about by contentment and love for one's self. In a judgemental world like this one, many full-figured women may find it hard to love their look but for me, as long as you are happy with yourself, then who cares about what everyone else has to say? You can be stunning and fabulous and still maintain those sexy curves!
How important are other people’s perception of you to you?
Other people's opinions only matter to me when they're about my attitude. Other than that, if they talk about how big they think my behind is, I don't mind. They can talk about me all they want, they're only making me famous. Hahaha! I love my body and I think it's so much more attractive than being a stick. More curves equals more of me to love, right? --SO RIGHT! ♥
You mentioned you've gone through an eating disorder before. What made you go through it? When did this start in your life? How'd you overcome it?
I did go through something like bulimia and maybe even anorexia. For a while, I would throw up after every meal. I always felt like I was so fat and that I was being judged for it. I was always uncomfortable with myself. I got really thin after a couple months. I was only 13 or so. My stomach started getting really painful with what might have been ulcer or hyper acidity. I was given this really bad-tasting medicine and that's when I realized that what I was doing was really unhealthy. I then mentally exercised the thought of just embracing my body the way it is because it's what God gave me and therefore I should be happy and content. Another person who helped me through is my mom. She is amazing and is so supportive of me. :)
Message to other Plump Pinays
"Be who you are because those who matter don't mind." :) I am so proud of all you Plump Pinays who exude confidence in those amazing bodies! Embrace your body because, quite frankly, it's the only one you've got. Love it because it is who you are, it is your character. I quote from my favorite song right now, "you're amazing JUST THE WAY YOU ARE!" Be proud of being a healthy, strong and full-of-life character in the story we call life. :)
"Be who you are because those who matter don't mind." :) I am so proud of all you Plump Pinays who exude confidence in those amazing bodies! Embrace your body because, quite frankly, it's the only one you've got. Love it because it is who you are, it is your character. I quote from my favorite song right now, "you're amazing JUST THE WAY YOU ARE!" Be proud of being a healthy, strong and full-of-life character in the story we call life. :)
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I told 'ya she's easy to like. Thanks, Ina, for these beautiful and meaningful answers. Continue shining and being what you are to me, an awesome inspiration. :*
Pump ♥,
Danah