Mariel: Yes, there’s life after Binibini

Unlike most beauty queens who slip back into oblivion as soon as their reign is over, Mariel de Leon remains in the limelight not only because she was to showbiz born but also, more so, because of her being outspoken on social media, unafraid and unrestrained to speak her mind, unmindful and unperturbed by bashers.

“But I have toned down,” admitted Mariel, 2016 Bb. Pilipinas-International who is following in the footsteps of her parents, Christopher de Leon and Sandy Andolong, to showbiz. “Behave na ako,” she added with a big smile (as if to alert netizens that she’s still very much around…but), “para hindi na ma-stress ang Nanay at Tatay ko.” (Yes, she and her siblings are the only showbiz children who address their parents in the vernacular.) “I always keep them in mind now before I post anything on my IG. They always remind me to look at the positive side and not to judge anybody. It helps that I have joined them at CCF (Christ’s Commission Fellowship). I’m still Catholic while my parents are Born-Again Christian.”

For sure, Christopher and Sandy will not be stressed when they see Mariel on the cover of the first edition of the digital FHM (which has ceased coming out in magazine form like the other Summit publications). Mariel showed up for this interview at The Frazzled Cook restaurant (on Scout Gandia, off Morato Avenue, Quezon City) in a revealing red dress. Was it a “preview” of how much she’s showing in her very first FHM pictorial?

“Find out for yourself,” she said, half-laughing. “My parents allowed me to do it because they trust my manager (Leo Dominguez) and Mark Nicdao (the photographer). He’s very classy, a reputable photographer.”

Asked why FHM tapped her for the honor, Mariel said, “I guess it’s because I am prominent on social media”…that is, besides her, ehem, rich natural resources…”and also for my body positivity. I mean, my message to everybody, both men and women, is to feel confident for whatever body they have.”

A Professional Cookery graduate from the North Shore International Academy in New Zealand (she also studied for one year in New York and one year in California), Mariel plans to put up a restaurant as soon as she has saved enough. Why doesn’t she just borrow money from her parents and pay them later?

“I don’t want to ask from them anymore,” said Mariel who still lives with her parents in the De Leons’ big house in Las Piñas City, along with her younger sister Mica (still in college) and their maternal and paternal grandmothers. The De Leon sons are living abroad with their families; Sandino and his wife and their child are in Auckland, New Zealand, and Mariel stayed with them while studying there.

“I’m 25 and having fun and just starting my career,” she continued. “I used to lead a sheltered life and I want to know how to be independent. I want to earn my own money. When I can afford it, I plan to buy a condo unit not too far from my parents. Mica wants to go abroad after college and I want to stay close to my parents to take care of them.”

To focus on her career, Mariel decided to put her love life on hold. Her boyfriend understands and supports her all the way.

“I have several plans and I can’t concentrate on them if I have to worry about somebody.”

Besides the FHM pictorial, Mariel has just wrapped her scenes in the remake of Patayin Mo sa Sindak si Barbara, in the role played by Rosanna Ortiz (now based in London) in the original movie directed by Celso Ad. Castillo with Susan Roces in the titular role (played by the expectant mom Nathalie Hart in the remake set for airing in the ABS-CBN version of Netflix). She has also taped two editions of Wowowin as Willie Revillame’s co-host, and next month she will start shooting for a Regal Entertainment movie.

See, there’s life after the Binibini!

No regrets about joining a beauty contest that brought her under the glaring light of social media?

“No, none at all,” stressed Mariel. “Without the Binibini, I wouldn’t be where I am now.” (Mariel finished first runner-up two years earlier before she bagged the crown.) I want to stay long in showbiz. Even before my reign was over, the BPCI (Bb. Pilipinas Charities, Inc.) very kindly allowed me to shoot a movie, Ang Panday. That was before I went to Japan to compete in the Miss International pageant.”

Incidentally, what’s Mariel’s opinion about a transgender (Miss Spain Angela Ponce) possibly competing in this year’s Miss Universe Pageant to be held in Bangkok? (The Miss Universe Organization has not issued any statement whether to allow a transgender to compete.)

“I look at it the way I live my life,” said Mariel. “You know, do whatever makes you happy and don’t let anybody bring you down. So if it’s her dream to be a Miss Universe, I should let her be and respect her. At the end of the day, if she feels like a woman, then she’s a woman. I support her because my best friend is a part of the LGBT community. She has taught me a lot about the community. Accept and love…that’s how I look at life.”

(E-mail reactions at [email protected]. For more updates, photos and videos, visit www.philstar.com/funfare or follow me on Instagram @therealrickylo.)