The Phem Perspective

By Apryl Galang

If there’s one thing that Phoemela Baranda has mastered over the years in the limelight is the art of reinvention. From a tri media model, former Star Patroller and Pinoy Fear Factor participant to a morning show host, the newest Professional Models Association of the Phippines (PMAP) prez will soon be invading the big screen. Phem (as she is fondly called) is now fast becoming a Jill of All Trades. But through it all, Phem still believes that she’s got a long way to go as far as her career is concerned and reinventing herself every so often is going to be inevitable.

“I always want to reinvent myself, I think that’s one thing that I love to do. I believe that everybody is given an opportunity to try on their passion and find what they really want to pursue. You just have to learn to explore. How would you find what your real passion is if you don’t want to look for it yourself. For me, I always push myself on what else I can do,” she shares.

Finding new interests is among the many things Phem has learned in order to survive in the cutthroat industry she’s in. She’s not the type to rest on her laurels and become overly cocky with her talent and looks. A proof to that, she likes to challenge herself and go out of her comfort zone.

“I have to keep on discovering what I can do and what else I am capable of doing. I just don’t want to be the complacent model-turned-artista type. I’d rather explore the other side of myself than just stay stuck-up.”

At this moment, Phem is tremendously enjoying her new experiences. As a morning show host, she’s become an early riser waking up to a 4AM call time and has shied away from late night partying on weekdays. She also got to do the thing closest to her heart—having a fashion, beauty and lifestyle segment on Umagang Kay Ganda.

She enthuses about her latest hosting stint, “I’m happy to be a part of the News and Public Affairs team and the morning show. So far, I’ve been getting a lot of nice feedbacks with it. But sometimes when I go on stage, I still get nervous pa rin. But it’s all good. At least I know that if I don’t get scared, it only means that I’m not passionate with what I’m doing. For me, it’s how you deliver and you make the most out of this opportunity.”

Likewise, she’s also becoming a pro-active leader of PMAP. Being part of the organization for more than decade now, Phem thinks that it’s about time to give back to the models. Her main goal is to help and become a force in the industry; she also wants to uplift the Filipino models by pushing for a fair law to protect them.

Phem is also looking forward to finally start acting again. Though momentarily, her upcoming starrer to be helmed by, no less than, movie director Erik Matti, was shelved because of schedule conflicts. But she’s optimistic that in time, the movie will push through. In the meantime, she’d want to take on acting workshops first before to hone her craft.

We asked her if she’s ready for the daring scenes since Matti is known for his thought-provoking film genres, she confidently replied “I’m born ready! Honestly, I feel very honored that I was tapped to do a film with a great director like Erik Matti. When my manager told me about the new movie, I got really excited.”

Knowing how ‘karir’ can Phem become in all aspects of her life and career. No doubt, she’ll be able to passionately achieve all her goals in flying colors. “In everything that I do, I want to get to know the field first before I go with it. I want to overcome all my fears and eventually succeed in all challenges,” she ended with a biggie smile.

Photography Raymund Isaac

Art Direction Renan Ramirez

Styling Matt Gozun

Make Up Leo Posadas

Hair Rowena Sonido

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