PORTFOLIO: KYLA FERNANDEZ
Interview by Lionel Zivan S. Valdellon

published in CHANNELS magazine: NOVEMBER 1999

She arrives exactly on time, and I don't need a text message saying "Pare, she loves SMB!" to tell me that she is the same attractive woman on the San Miguel TV ad. All I need do is watch the heads in the restaurant turn. Her name is Kyla Fernandez, a model with the CalCarrie's agency, a VJ on the new Entartainment Music Channel (EMC), and a refreshing interviewee. We split a Chicken Caesar's Salad and talk about glamor, fame and spirituality.

As a child
I was kind of a tomboy when I was a kid, I grew up with guys--- most of my cousins are guys, but I have 4 more sisters and I'm the eldest. My first toys were actually Lego, Matchbox cars and armalites. I'm not a vain person. I didn't really see modelling coming.
___ I used to dream about being a model. I remember I was only 14 when I got my first copy of Teen Magazine and I was just fantasizing about being on the cover. But I never believed I would do it. I tried to get into a modelling agency. I started at 13 but never got anything until I joined Cinderella which was in 1995, I was already 17 then. That was my first break and everything soon followed. The biggest break I've ever had is SMB.

The (model's) journey begins with a first step
I was just shopping and then there was a saleslady who gave me an application form. Just that simple. After two screenings, I got in! I was doing print ads and commercials for Cinderella and then other commercials started to come in.

Returning to school
My priority has always been my studies. So it is, until now. I'm just buying time, planning to pursue masters abroad. I've always wanted to be a diplomat. I took up International Studies in Miriam College. My career path has always been: do modelling for two years, then leave for school. But if everything turns out well, I'll give myself five years. I'll still end up in school, and then move on to a different career.

Parental guidance
My parents are conservative. I think the reason why they're very strict is because they're putting me up as a role model for my sisters. They're protective also because they're after my best interests, and I believe that. I think that in order for me to grab my own life, I have to prove to them that I am responsible.

Models are born or made?
I think it goes both ways. I believe in fate. It's all about right timing and everything. You have to have the right training to know what it takes to be a model. You really need a good trainer. But you also need to have the type of features that people are looking for. You have to have the physical structure, and the facial features. It sometimes depends on the market.

Advice for the young model aspirant
Set your priorities. Know what you want. Because there a lot of things that happen in the modelling business. If you don't know what is good for you, if you don't know what you want, that will hinder you from going to the top. Just keep your mind straight, become responsible. Especially listen to your parents. They only want what's best for you. There are a lot of people who will tell you this is good for you, blah blah blah. But more often than not, they're after their own interests. You have to be tough to be a model. It's not all glamor, it's a lot of hard work.

Beauty regimen
(laughs) I don't really have one. I try to stay away from fat. My metabolism is a yo-yo. I easily get fat but I easily lose weight. I try to sleep early, but it's kind of hard for me, because I'm used to sleeping late-just lying there thinking. I try to make it a point to meditate. And of course I wash my face three times a day-especially with all the make-up you put on. Though I don't use make-up unless I really have to.

Model training
We had the Top Model Course under Joey Espino. We learned how to walk, make-up routines, facial care, tips for print- what angles are good for you, formulas that you have to memorize for ramp modelling. We also had a retreat, because Joey's very spiritual. I think that's the best part in CalCarries-we're spiritual people. We try to connect with one source. And that brings out the character in a person, spirituality, clearness of mind, focus.

Spiritual person
I guess that's why I'm so blessed. Because everything that I do, I always pray. For example I'm in a VTR, I do my best, I give everything, but of course, it's going to be someone else's decision if I'm picked. And I pray for what would be good for me. I don't pray for God to give it to me. If I do get it, it means it will be good for me. I'm not saying I'm religious, El Shaddai or what. But it keeps your feet on the ground.

Privacy
I'm a very private person. I really get hurt when people talk about me behind my back. That's why I don't want to be in show business, I feel it would destroy me. I don't go out often. I can count on one hand who my real friends are. I'd rather stay in this shell, if you want to call it that. It's nice to meet people but I don't want to give my life to a lot of people, especially those whom I can't really trust.

But isn't modelling like showbiz with all the intrigues?
That's why everytime I have a job, I always try to come on time. After everything, I always make it a point to go straight home. I don't stick around for idle chit-chat, because that's the start. And modelling involves a lot of waiting-so what do you do? Chat. I guess it's good I'm not a very talkative person, I don't open up easily. I'm kind of shy, I think. But once you get to talk to me, I make it a point that it's a conversation and not a monologue.

Is the character in the SMB ad the same as Kyla, the person?
Yes. I'd say I'm a feminist. I wouldn't just let me push me around. This is me. I wouldn't force myself on other people. Don't meddle in other people's lives, that's my principle. Just do your own thing and I'll do mine.

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