The Sanya Saga
By Apryl Galang
On Sanya: gold embellished bodysuit (Mark Bumgarner); earrings, cuff, fur hat and gladiator heels (Stylist’s own)
On the surface, it’s easy to peg this ramp model turned DJ Zombette as having that devil-may-care persona. But really, Sanya Smith would like to break the shadowy mold that some rock star offsprings are labeled with. Sure, she may have that breezy yet badass attitude but take note; she also possesses a giddy smile and a genial nature. Makes you want to think, are you for real girl?
“I’m the biggest kid ever!” she starts with a lively zest in her voice. Surprising to know that this lady never outgrew that fun loving character inside of her. She exclaims, “Whenever I need to boost my spirit, I go to the toy store. Oh my gosh, that’s like my therapy!”
During this interview, Sanya still hasn’t recovered from the whole Halloween hoopla. “Halloween is more like Christmas for me. It’s just amazing if you go around the city, I love it because people get to dress up more. Some wear the funniest DIY costume; some wear scary epic ones. Whether you’re into it or not, people will buy anything just to get into the season. ”
She further elaborates, “Growing up in Malaysia, I was deprived of Halloween there. As a kid, we’d wear costumes and do Trick or Treat. But in my neighborhood, they don’t really follow that tradition. Luckily, we had an American neighbor and we finally got chocolates!”
She could go on and on just by telling stories of her fond childhood Halloween memories, what she wore for the past Hallow occasions and how she’ll be planning as early as May for her next Halloween costume. That’s how Sanya got into an animated conversation not just with me, but also with everybody within the earshot range.
“But don’t get me wrong, I also love Christmas. It’s just that the holidays kick in the actual day itself or sometimes it varies. Call me half Grinch and half Santa. One time I hate it then the other time, I love it. I’m just so schizophrenic haha,” she continues.
If there’s one thing that can quickly divert Sanya’s admittedly erratic moods, it’s more of igniting the kid-like spirit in her, “I’d like to keep the whole childlike vibe. As you become older, Christmas becomes more stressful.”
Likewise, Sanya gave a rundown of what she looks forward whenever Christmas is around the corner—shopping, food and gatherings. Expect her December to be packed and crazy. “We were so busy with The Zombettes’ tour for almost all the time. So I probably really want to do is to relax because it has been such a crazy year. We’re also gearing up with our plans for 2014. So for this holiday, I’d rather stay put. There are some things that you often take for granted, but now you appreciate it even more. ”
In terms of looking for presents, she says “I’m the worst shopper to the point that I go way over my budget. I buy something that suits their every personality. One time, I got someone a giant oversized box of Nerd and he flipped out when he got it. I also want my friends to feel like kids again because that’s the essence of the whole season.”
Just like all of us, Sanya’s all-agog about the non-stop eating feast for the whole holiday duration. She’ll be having vegetarian dinner at her mom’s house and it will be European style Christmas dinner over at her stepdad’s place since he’s Swedish. With her friends, there’ll be lots of drinking.
Lastly, she would want to catch up with her loved ones even in the busiest time of the year. “I’m actually seeing my sister Queenie who’s based in Thailand, I haven’t seen her since The Smiths season finale. I was also thinking to meet up with my brother Beebop. We’ll have a gathering since my dad’s birthday is on the 25th.”
Amidst all the celebrations happening left and right, Sanya wished something that can improve creatively and deviate from the materialistic side. So for this Christmas, she’ll be giving this to herself. “A short course on Animation and Digital Arts and I want Zero Nights (at Imperial Ice Bar) to grow as well.”
Sanya ended the happy conversation with this realization. “2013 is a year of learning. Definitely, I want to do a million things, I’m not sure what you call it. Before I got acquainted with music, I love doing the arts and I’m sort of having re-introduced with it again. I realized that I really want to get into animation. Hopefully, I can do it this time.” And then she flashed her no-nonsense grin with all confidence!
Cutout dress by Charina Sarte; acrylic necklace and gold crystal dangling earrings both
from Firma; boots, cuff, black and gold necklace, Stylist’s own.
Credits:
Photography Raymund Isaac / Creative Direction Renan Ramirez / Stylist Charmaine Palermo assisted by John Rufo and Samantha Chan / Make up Jake Galvez using SM Beauty / Hair Mark Familara of L’oreal Professionel
Cover: Nikita McElroy
