Niña Jose: Sweet dreams are made of these

She didn’t end up as the big winner in ABS-CBN’s Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition. But in the short span of time she spent inside the Big Brother house, Mary Clare "Niña" Jose had made her mark with viewers.

She became known as the kikay and sosyal Assumptionista housemate, who has a soft heart for her family. In fact, she easily cried inside the house whenever she would think about the members of her family.

She once lived the life of a princess, pampered by her parents and given most of the things she had wished for. However, somewhere along the way, Niña’s family suffered financial problems which forced them to give up their charmed life. Her parents also separated that’s why life had not been really easy for her.

But despite all the problems she had faced, Niña, the eldest of two children, knew how to cope and cope she did. Studying at Assumption since kindergarten, she graduated valedictorian in grade school. She finished high school last April and will enter as a college freshman this month at De La Salle University, taking up European Studies.

"I want to become a United Nations ambassador, like (the late) Audrey Hepburn," Niña allows. "She didn’t only have beauty and brains, she has a big heart, too. I watched most of her movies and my favorites are Roman Holiday, Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Sabrina. I really admire her."

At 5’8" and with a face fit for a beauty queen, Niña is being primed this early not just to act in front of the cameras but to join beauty contests. Her mom Clare disclosed her daughter had been approached to try out for Binibining Pilipinas next year, an offer Niña is very receptive to.

Niña turned 18 last month and was tapped as newest image model for Forever Flawless, the beauty chain which also has the likes of Lorna Tolentino and Judy Ann Santos as endorsers. Niña will be made to cater to the teen clients of Forever Flawless, as she has unblemished skin, like the two other actresses who endorse the beauty chain.

Niña believes she took after certain traits from her parents. "My being caring, loving and sweet I think I got from my mom Clare," she says. "My being a perfectionist, I took from my dad Philip. My being God-fearing, I took from both of them."

As far as career opportunities are concerned, Niña has been making her presence felt. She now endorses Penshoppe, with fellow Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition housemates Joaqui Mendoza, Matt Evans and Brenda Fox. She also did a TV commercial promotion for Globe, with Fred Payawan, also a PBB Teen housemate.

On TV, Niña plays Marikit in ABS-CBN’s fantasy series Pedro Penduko. She is soon joining the cast of the new Aga Muhlach sitcom also on Channel 2.

Niña cannot be thankful enough for all the great career opportunities coming her way. "PBB has changed my life tremendously," she asserts. "It made me fulfill my dream of being in showbiz. I value all the good breaks being given to me. I know there are thousands out there who would have wanted to be where I am now. This is the life and career I want and I intend to do good in this business."