The ‘Belofication’ of Jessica Villarubin
How would the bashers and the bullies react if they saw her now?
For sure, they would gasp and ask, incredulous, “Is that really you, Jessica?”
You see, Jessica Villarubin didn’t look “like that” during the The Clash Season 3, the GMA talent search which she won. The judges (Christian Bautista, Ai-Ai delas Alas, Lani Misalucha and Pops Fernandez) didn’t mind how Jessica looked and were impressed by what they described as Jessica’s “beautiful voice and amazing audience impact.”
And then, Jessica was “Belofied,” thanks to Dr. Vicki Belo’s magical touch. Jessica’s “before” and “after” photos tell the whole story. After emerging as Clash champ, Jessica needed enhancement, which is what most showbiz denizens resort to as a “requirement” (safeguard) in their demanding careers. They have to look good, don’t they? As simple as that.
Called the Cebuana Diva, Jessica started singing at the age of six and joining singing contests, in one of them competing with fellow Cebuana Golden Cañedo who won in The Clash Season 1.
“I dedicated my victory to my mom,” recalled Jessica. “Kaya ang unang word na nasabi ko when I was announced the winner was ‘Mama.’ Ako Naman reminds me of my struggles in life. Ang tagal kong naghintay para ma-achieve ang goal ko.” (She has recorded Ako Naman which was composed by Christian Bautista.) “Sa aming magkakapatid, ako lang ang nakatapos ng studies by paying the tuition fees from my earnings in singing contests.”
In school, she was bullied by schoolmates who praised her for her voice but made snide remarks about her looks.
“I sympathize with Jessica because as a child, I was also bullied,” said Vicki. “I want to show that there is hope for people like Jessica who want to feel beautiful inside and out.”
Jessica told Vicki, “The source of my insecurity is my nose.”
But Vicki assured her that the first thing people should notice with your face is your eyes.
“The nose should occupy the least real estate of the face,” she explained.
Jessica’s enhancement included a Rhinoplasty that added a bridge on her nose as well as narrowing it to give emphasis on her eyes. Then, an upper blepharoplasty was performed to remove about two millimeters on her upper eyelids to open up her eyes. Lastly, some fat was taken from her outer thighs and transferred to her cheeks to give her a fuller look.
After the procedures and once the healing has finished, Jessica again sat down with Vicki for a quick catch-up. She told Vicki that the whole experience was really a dream come true for her.
Jessica can now look back at the past with confidence.
“I was able to take the bullying by choosing to focus on my singing,” she confessed. “And I lifted it all to God. From elementary grades to college, I served in the church as a psalmist and a choir member. That was the reason why I was strong and I became nearer to God.”
She added, “I have learned to love myself even more and how to be more self-confident. Also, I realized the importance of being kind to yourself because if you have self-love, you won’t be affected by what other people say about you. I am inspired now more than ever.”
One of her driving forces is the desire to give her family the best that she could.
“Gusto ko talaga bigyan ng magandang buhay ang pamilya ko.”
Any message to her bashers and bullies?
“I hope that they are happy for what I have so far achieved in life. Hindi po ako nagagalit sa kanila. I am even thankful to them kasi kung hindi sa kanila hindi ako magiging ganito ka-strong ngayon.”
Incidentally, has the number of her suitors increased?
Jessica blushed, “There are some, may mga nagpaparamdam. But at the moment, I am focused on my career.”
(E-mail reactions at [email protected]. For more updates, photos and videos, visit www.philstar.com/funfare or follow me on Instagram @therealrickylo.)
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