We had the honor to be followed and supported by the first Filipina plus-size model we have ever known! I first heard about Jhoana Acosta from my make up artist friend, since she knows we're into plus-size fashion and models. I was blabbing about how there are no big models in the country, when there is such a huge market for them. Quickly, she mentioned her professor, who is also a model, and that was when I became completely amazed. Beauty and brains, Jhoana has worked for numerous TVCs and is currently the Vice Chair / Professor of the Marketing Management Department, College of Business at De La Salle University, Manila.
I'ma cut the blabbing and let you do the reading. Plumpies, be inspired as you get to know our vavavoom special feature.
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What is your size?
I am a happy size 18.
Favorite store?
I love shopping at Dorothy Perkins, Marks and Spencer, and Aparador by Gretchen Castro.
Favorite pieces of clothing to wear? My favorite picks are skinny or straight cut jeans to create a silhouette, symmetrical cut tops, soft and draping cover-ups paired with a stylish peep-toe-open heel platforms or comfortable ballet flats.
How do you want people to see your style? The plus size market was once an ignored segment. Hefty-sized women resort to shopping at the men’s section or forced to wear unstylish and often times matronly alternatives. With the rise of what was once a niche market, plus size stores catered to the unmet needs of rubenesque women and provided clothes with extensive sizes meant for the special sized market. The way I wish for people to see my style is more of described as “confident and comfortable”. It is for the regular-sized counterparts to appreciate that plus sized women can sport the latest fashion trends with style, confidence and good taste.
I once dreamed of being a model. But, I knew that it was far from happening since models must conform with symmetry and appealing to the eyes of the discriminating public. Until a rare opportunity presented itself, a plus size clothing brand is in search of a new image model. With pure guts and a pocketful of dreams, among hundreds of applicants who joined the search, I was picked. It was the day I showed the world that “I am big. I am great. I am beautiful and I am loving it”. Those were the winning answers I gave during the model search’s Q&A. Since then, things changed for me. I looked at the physical differences on a broader spectrum, that sizes must not limit you from reaching the dream and it doesn't make you any less to anybody. I am blessed with a family that believes in me and supports my dreams, they are the ultimate source of both inspiration and confidence.
How important are other people’s perception of you to you? My simple take on this is: we give others the means to treat us. What we wear and how we wear creates an impression to others. It is inevitable that some will always have something to say, but just as long as you feel great about yourself, that’s what matters.
Has your weight/size been an issue in your profession (as an educator)? Or was there ever a moment you were put down in your profession because of your size?
My weight was never an issue in the profession. I am blessed to educate minds, touch hearts and change lives of students who, without judgement, love me the way I am. I haven't experienced any sad or dissapointing instance where my weight was an issue. Thank God for that.
Are you into fitness? Were you always a plump girl?
I try to manage and lose weight for health reasons and hit the gym as much as I can. I jog and lift weights, endorphins give a natural high.
Are you into fitness? Were you always a plump girl?
I try to manage and lose weight for health reasons and hit the gym as much as I can. I jog and lift weights, endorphins give a natural high.
I was not born plump, I started becoming voluptuous in puberty and when I practiced being a chef before. So, I know how it feels being regular-sized. I have no regrets about the weight issues as I see it as a blessing. There is more to love and big arms are meant to hug as much friends as it could possbily can.
What products have you endorsed/modeled for?
I modelled for Moda Plus Size clothing for 6 years.
I am a TV Commecial Model and appeared on the following TVCs:
*UNILAB
*Liveraide
*Petron
*BPI
*Chowking: Emperor's Beef Noodle
*Mitsubishi Adventure
Was there ever a time an agency or person discriminated you or made you feel bad while auditioning, and it obviously because of your weight?
Were you always bold and confident when auditioning or trying out for castings? If no, how did you overcome the "fear"?
I modelled for Moda Plus Size clothing for 6 years.
I am a TV Commecial Model and appeared on the following TVCs:
*UNILAB
*Liveraide
*Petron
*BPI
*Chowking: Emperor's Beef Noodle
*Mitsubishi Adventure
Was there ever a time an agency or person discriminated you or made you feel bad while auditioning, and it obviously because of your weight?
Were you always bold and confident when auditioning or trying out for castings? If no, how did you overcome the "fear"?
Things do not happen to my favor all the time. I had my fair share of rejections during VTRs, etiher I am not fit for the role or just not the one that they are looking for. It was similar to the jobs that I have tried applying for when I was a fresh graduate. I tried applying for a Front Desk Officer for hotels, I usually end up rejected outright because what they are looking for are those with good looks matched with proportionate symmetry--meaning slender. It did break my heart but, it taught me to be tougher each time. To be a sport in the face of rejection or denial. So, I said to myself, that one day I'll prove to the rest of the world that I am different and I shall be admired for it. I have a pocketful of dreams, whenever I try my luck for a project and subject to a VTR I make sure I give my best. I live with no regrets and try to achieve.
Message to other Plump Pinays: Always see your self as a unique individual. Never let a good spirit down. Appreciate your self and what you are most capable of. Beauty is not always equivalent to a perfectly proportioned body. Remember big is beautiful and we are with our weight in gold =)
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Saying Jhoana is ASTONISHING would be an understatement. So proud of you, girl! Keep showing the world that big girls can be excellent in whatever field they take, and that they can definitely break the stereotypes of modeling. I hope you get more projects and breakthrough magazine covers! Thank you for supporting our advocacy and embodying it. :) Plump love,
Danah