Valerie Tan of QTV's True Stories wearing Palamuti!

Words by:
Nikki Valenzuela 
*first published on-line on September 2010

She need not downplay her talent, because she is under no category, the damsel in distress. She is charming, witty, and capable. No, she does not wait for her knight-in-shining-armor to make life happen.

Unbelievably, she can master the art of juggling roles such as commercial model, theater actress, TV host, and business woman. Beyond her image of poise and beauty, she is a true symbol of the modern Filipina; she is Valerie Tan.

Sweet, flawless, and fresh; this media sweetheart is the perfect combo of beauty and brains!

We can be no less proud that a girl like Valerie Tan, the epitome of the modern Pinay, has chosen to fashionably sport pieces from our Palamuti jewelry line. And as a sign of our utmost gratitude, we would like to place the spotlight on her; and not that this down-to-earth celebrity needs any more of it, but for the simple fact that we would like to showcase this charming stunner’s beauty from the inside- out! Let’s get to know more about Val as she answers our slightly tough interview, and she will undoubtedly surprise you with her “beyond-beauty-contest” answers!

Palamuti: What qualities do you think embodies the modern Filipina? What is special or unique about her?

Val: A modern Filipina is an independent lady who is not encumbered by rigid notions of tradition. She is no wilting flower, no shy Maria Clara; not a blindly subservient wife in a terno. A modern Filipina has a good head on her shoulders and stands for values she believes in, not just ideology enforced by society.

Nikki: As a woman in the media industry, what role do you think you play in creating/advocating change in today's society? How can you be (or how are you) a role model to other girls and women?

Val: Besides my mere presence on TV, I believe I can serve as a role model through my show “True Stories,” due to the humanistic themes it portrays. My work not only seeks controversy to boost ratings, but aims to highlight and publicize little-known issues in society in order to give hope, encourage, and inspire.

Nikki: As a career oriented woman, what goals, dreams, and future endeavors do you wish to pursue?

Val: I hope to still be in the media/TV industry; thirty, forty years down the road. I want to become a beauty mogul, hoping to provide women with affordable, high-quality beauty products. Overall, I want to fulfill my potential; to be able to maximize the talents and resources given to me by God, may it be in the TV industry, beauty business, or elsewhere.

For the lighter part of it...

Nikki: What do you love about being a girl?

Val: I like putting on makeup, wearing accessories, the “kikay” stuff. I like the fact that a man pampers and respects you (ideally hehe). I like the sisterhood of girl friends.

Nikki: What makes you feel most feminine, sexy, or beautiful? (it can be your favorite dress or a certain shade of lipstick.. anything "kikay")

Val: a pink shade of lipstick :)

Nikki: Do you have any favorite hobbies, interests, or random quirks? What other talents do you have aside from hosting (if any)? What are you preoccupied with during your free time?

Val: I take care of myself by going to the gym regularly. As for other talents, I used to act on stage. Since I am “kikay,” I ventured into the beauty business (check out her product, GlamBox Airbrush Cosmetics).

Nikki: As a girl, who would you say you look up to?

Val: My mom for her faith, strength and generosity.

Nikki: What do you think makes a woman truly beautiful?

Val: A woman is beautiful when she gives and receives love.

Nikki: Last but not the least, what do you love about Palamuti Jewelry?

Val: It's handmade, so a lot of heart and creativity were put into it by the designer. It's not just a piece of jewelry to me; it's a statement. :)

…and she couldn’t have said it any better.