Cristina Corpuz
|
Copa: Where are you from?
Cristina: I came from a very cultural and small town called Marcos, it’s located in the northern side of the Philippines. I migrated to Honolulu Hawaii, with my parents, when I was 12 years old. For me, Hawaii is an awesome place to live due to the beautiful mountains and deep blue ocean. At a young age, moving to a new country was difficult and scary, specially not knowing their culture. The first 3 months I was homesick and felt isolated; I was missing some of my family and friends. Copa: What schools have you attended?
Cristina: I attended Farrington High School and Hawaii Business College in Honolulu. Growing up, I was a quiet person who rarely talked to anyone because I was shy. I wasn’t fluent in English; I can understand it however, back then I had a difficult time communicating. Before I adapted to these new conditions and picked up the basics of the new language and culture, I faced difficulties, including being bullied by my classmates due to being overweight. I was regularly picked on in my group, causing low self-esteem. My whole life I’ve never felt beautiful because in my country, with dark skin, to most people you are not beautiful. Back then and now lots of people used whitening soap so you can be one. One day I just got tired of everything and had managed to talk to myself out of doing something with my life. I started exercising and eating better, which resulted in weight loss; from size 16 to a size 0. I wasn’t completely certain I would be successful; however, I was. That’s when I noticed that people started to treat me differently and said that I was so pretty, gorgeous, etc. Eventually, my self-confidence started to grow and I felt very comfortable in my own skin. Later on, I adopted to the American way of living, made new friends and everything became much easier for me. Copa: At what time did you become interested in modeling?
Cristina: I became interested in modeling at a very young age, maybe 9 years old. It started when I watched my older brother, Aj, training my two older sisters for a pageant. My mother was also a former beauty queen before marrying my dad. I remember vividly the very first time my parents brought me to watch my sister compete in a pageant. I used to tell myself watching and admiring her in the runway that “one day I will be like her.” Now that I am doing it, my brother guides me, pushes me to do better and supports me 100 percent, and I love him for that. My mother and my siblings created a path and showed me that it’s okay to take risks and fail sometimes because with enough will and persistence, everything will always turn out alright. As the youngest sibling, I will always look up to them. |
Flag of the Philippines
Map of the Philippines
|
Copa: Who are 3 of your favorite models of all time?
Cristina: My favorite models of all time are Naomi Campbell, Tyra Banks, Cindy Crawford. They paved the way for minority women to be featured on luxury magazines. That gave me encouragement that I could peruse my modeling career.
Cristina: My favorite models of all time are Naomi Campbell, Tyra Banks, Cindy Crawford. They paved the way for minority women to be featured on luxury magazines. That gave me encouragement that I could peruse my modeling career.
Naomi Campbell
|
Tyra Banks
|
Cyndi Crawford
|
Copa: I see that you have an upcoming fashion event, "The Majestic Showdown. Please tell us more about it? It was a charity show and a thanksgiving gala, where international and local designers come together and show their amazing work.
Cristina: I was blessed to walk on the runway wearing these beautifully well made dresses.
Cristina: I was blessed to walk on the runway wearing these beautifully well made dresses.
Copa: How would you describe your personal style?
Cristina: I wouldn’t classify my style as any of the big types. I believe that’s a mix of a lot of things. I also dress differently according to the occasion. Sometimes I appear to have a classy style, and other times my style appears vintage. My number one rule is to be comfortable but sometimes it’s nice to switch my wardrobe up a bit. I’m not one of the girls who only wears “trendy” clothes but have my own take on this. I try to alternate between outfits that make me feel confident or comfy. Sometimes, an outfit can make or break your day. For me, if I have the slightest ounce of doubt in myself because of my outfit it can change how I carry myself and act. When I have an outfit, I know I look good and feel confident in, it’s like a little bonus to my day. Confidence isn’t easy but the only way to improve on it is just simply doing it and getting out of YOUR own way.
This should also give you an idea of how dominant your main fashion style is. You could end up with classic style for all of those answers, therefore your style becomes very defined. Or you might end up like mine which speaks to a combination of styles with trendiness being the glue that holds it together.
Your fashion should be an asset that bolsters your confidence, makes you memorable, and tells the world exactly who you are. That may seem like a lot to ask of your clothes, but if you start taking control of your personal style you will start to see the magic that comes from it. Having a signature piece helps tie your style together and helps define yourself to the world. It doesn’t have to be something quirky or out-there, just something that defines you.
Cristina: I wouldn’t classify my style as any of the big types. I believe that’s a mix of a lot of things. I also dress differently according to the occasion. Sometimes I appear to have a classy style, and other times my style appears vintage. My number one rule is to be comfortable but sometimes it’s nice to switch my wardrobe up a bit. I’m not one of the girls who only wears “trendy” clothes but have my own take on this. I try to alternate between outfits that make me feel confident or comfy. Sometimes, an outfit can make or break your day. For me, if I have the slightest ounce of doubt in myself because of my outfit it can change how I carry myself and act. When I have an outfit, I know I look good and feel confident in, it’s like a little bonus to my day. Confidence isn’t easy but the only way to improve on it is just simply doing it and getting out of YOUR own way.
This should also give you an idea of how dominant your main fashion style is. You could end up with classic style for all of those answers, therefore your style becomes very defined. Or you might end up like mine which speaks to a combination of styles with trendiness being the glue that holds it together.
Your fashion should be an asset that bolsters your confidence, makes you memorable, and tells the world exactly who you are. That may seem like a lot to ask of your clothes, but if you start taking control of your personal style you will start to see the magic that comes from it. Having a signature piece helps tie your style together and helps define yourself to the world. It doesn’t have to be something quirky or out-there, just something that defines you.
Copa: What does the future hold for Cristina and her wonderful world of fashion, events, and style?
Cristina: In the near future, I can see myself continue working in the world of fashion. It’s always changing and evolving, and I hope to be on the cutting edge of style. I also would like to attend more events, to meet new people and to create meaningful and wonderful relationships. Besides my style, I would say I am comfortable, however I am open to expand and try new style!
Cristina: In the near future, I can see myself continue working in the world of fashion. It’s always changing and evolving, and I hope to be on the cutting edge of style. I also would like to attend more events, to meet new people and to create meaningful and wonderful relationships. Besides my style, I would say I am comfortable, however I am open to expand and try new style!
