Isabelle Diaz Daza: Dare to be dazzling

MANILA, Philippines - Her first big break into the modeling business and into the hearts of many a boy’s’ heart was when she graced the billboards for the giant clothing apparel brand Human. Now at 22, with numerous modeling deals, billboards and commercials under her belt, Isabelle Diaz Daza is gathering up a storm.

Isabelle may have the beauty and statuesque figure of a queen — thanks to her larger-than-life 1969 Miss Universe mother, Gloria Diaz (and her handsome father Bong Daza) — but she considers herself to be your ordinary tomboy. “Actually, I didn’t think I’d get into modeling. I was just so tomboyish. I’m into football, basketball and tennis,” says this varsity athlete. “I never considered myself to run in beauty pageants. It hasn’t really been my dream to be crowned,” she reveals. “And besides, my mom already has a crown. So if I want to wear it once in a while, I can.” She then flashes a megawatt mischievous smile.

The self-proclaimed tomboy and frustrated-karaoke singer strives to live a dynamic life — from zip-lining in India to jumping a 30-ft. waterfall in Hidden Valley, Laguna. Enjoying the rush and with future plans of trying out white water rafting, it’s no surprise that Isabelle is turning into an adrenaline junkie.

Having just graduated from De La Salle University with a degree in Early Childhood Education in February, Isabelle is taking advantage of this post-grad “down” time. “I just want to enjoy every day and have fun. Eat yummy food (even though I’m sacrificing sweets this Lenten season) and laugh a lot. I’m what you may call a hedonist,” she jokes. Her cheerful spirit and love for laughter has even earned her the title of “Belafta” from her high school friends, which is the combination of “Belle” and “laughter.”

Isabelle, true to her risk-taker persona, raised a few eyebrows — especially her mother’s — when she posed in a fierce black dominatrix-esque ensemble for a cover of a magazine last year. “My mom was very shocked that I did something daring. But I liked it. It was something different and it was classy. I guess I’m a bit more daring and experimental because of my age.”

Though her adventurous spirit runs wild, she knows that she still has to keep it under check with her mom. “I have to make paalam (with my mom about the projects I do). My mom is a bit of a stage mom in a way. She’s been in the industry for about 35 years and she knows the reality and how people try to trick you into doing something. She’s just being very protective,” she explains. Isabelle is undoubtedly thankful for the support that her mom has given her. “My mom doesn’t pressure me to live up to her standard. When I graduated, she said to me, ‘Do what makes you happy. Who cares what other people say.’ And that really helped me.”

Isabelle acknowledges the fact that there are many people expecting her to follow in her mom’s footsteps; she’s unperturbed. She is embracing her own fate and paving her own path, which is only revealing itself with her every daring leap.

Photography by Jo Ann Bitagcol • Styling by Corine Alegre • Makeup by Pia Reyes for Lancome • Hairstyling by John Valle for Loreal Professionel • Jewelry by Miladay