Page 18 - Manila Up Vol3#7

sex trafficking victim, etc.
However, in the case of the
latter, she didn’t mind the
stereotype because it raises
awareness and brings
attention to social issues.
Ultimately, regardless
of race, religion, or
where and how one is
raised, everyone is met by
some form of adversity
and falls into someone
else’s stereotype. For
Asians specifically, they
Suzanne Perez and Deanna Pak are the most rapidly
growing racial group that
still lacks mainstream
SUZANNE PEREZ representation.(As a personal anecdote I am a half
As migration trends rise exponentially more Filipina, quarter Syrian, quarter French-Canadian
Eurasians are coming to the forefront of entertainment. making a living as an actress in the U.S. To say that the
Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach’s win in 2015 surely struggle has been real is an understatement. But much
acted as a catalyst for Asians and Hapas all over the like the aforementioned women – my peers, our strife
world. For Miss California Earth 2018 Suzanne Perez, culminates into our successes through the support of
seeing her fellow half Filipina half German win was a one another, because we promote each other, and we
huge inspiration for her. “That was actually the time encourage others around us to do the same. Whether to
that I was thinking of giving up pageantry because carry-on a family legacy or instill diminishing cultural
living in California, you give into what you see. The significance into future generations, as Christy-Anne
stereotype is blonde hair, blue eyes, tall, and of mixed Lopez said, “Something sets me apart [so] I’m going
race I assumed that I would never win here in the to be noticed and I’m going to stand out. So love your
USA”. Following Pia’s win, Suzanne felt compelled culture, who you are, where you come from”.) n
to compete in Mutya Ng Pilipinas 2017. During the
competition, not only did she meet Miss Universe 2015
Pia Wurtzbach, she also met Miss Universe Philippines
2018 Catriona Gray. Having conversations with them Acknowledgements:
The setting: In the heart of LA’s Fashion District is a dress
helped her realize that the emphasis should not be on shop called NOELL. In business for thirty years, its extensive
her background. “As long as I’m confident in who I am collection of cocktail dresses starting at $249.00 to ball gowns
and I stay true to who I am, that’s what is going to help topping-out at $2,000.00 carries the likes of designers Jovani,
me win”, and so she brought that mentality back with Sherri Hill, Terani Couture, and Mac Duggal to name a few.
The production: A photo shoot with behind-the-scenes video
her from competing in the Philippines, competed in, coverage of full and mixed Asians, immigrants and first
and won Miss California Earth, and is now moving generation Americans, all united through the pageant world and/
forward to nationals. or Hollywood.
Producer: Christy-Anne Lopez, Miss Philippines World 2018
DEANNA PAK Writer: Naiia Lajoie, SAG-AFTRA actress
Stylist: Nicole Younesi of Noell
“The growing presence of Asians and Pacific Photos courtesy of: Jarrod Coleman ( www.s2bphotography.com)
Islanders in entertainment is a positive change, Video courtesy of: Isaac Santiago ( www.urbanaudioproductions.
net )
although a gradual one”, says Miss North Bay USA Wardrobe provided by: NOELL ( www.noellstore.com )
2011 Deanna Pak. The half Lao, half Thai actress Special thanks to: Mark DiNatale, Richard Dizon, Alan Republiq,
explains that when she is booked for shows it is Albert Lariba, and Chris Nguyen
typically as the sexy Asian girlfriend, the prostitute, the
18 manilaupmagazine.com