Speed Philippines – July 2019

JULY 2019 101

BIANCA UMALI

FAMILY AND OTHERS
Such determination and passion with her
work are fueled by many things, or shall we
say, people. Bianca’s inspirations are her
grandmother, her late mother and father,
and God. But ultimately, she feels like people
expect so much of her, and she wants to make
everyone proud.

This year, Bianca made her Lola Vicky even
prouder when she graduated from senior high
school. “It was life-changing,” Bianca recalls.
“My favorite moment that day was when I
gave my diploma to my lola.” She knows how
important education is to succeed in life—or
have a comfortable one at least. But more
than that, she worked hard to finish her
studies because it is her way of repaying her
grandmother who raised her.

Bianca’s overflowing love goes beyond her
family and friends; it also extends to other
people, especially children and women. She
tries to reach out to them through her platform
as a celebrity and as World Vision’s youth
ambassador for Education and Ending Violence
Against Children.

“There was one time, World Vision brought me
to Tawi-tawi after the chaos that happened
there and I visited the children and the women.
‘Yung fact na narinig lang nila ‘yung name ko
and they were all so happy, sobrang heart-
melting na ‘yun for me,” Bianca shares. “‘Yung
simpleng bagay na gustong gusto ka nilang
makita at kapag nakita lang nila ‘yung mukha
mo kahit wala ka pang ginagawa, nakangiti na
sila—that’s so priceless. I honestly believe na
‘yung purpose ko dito sa mundo is to inspire
and to make people smile.”

IT’S NOT OVER YET
As we were wrapping up the interview, I
asked her what she considers her greatest
achievement in life so far. What I got is a very
thoughtful and grounded answer from the
19-year-old: “In life, I don’t have achievements
but I have definitely learned great lessons.
Lahat ng good, lahat ng bad—pantay pantay
lang silang lahat sa akin. ”

And Bianca is definitely ready for her next
lessons in life. She is now planning on what
course to take first in college, whether it’s
culinary, fine arts, interior design, or business-
or media-related.

Ten years from now, Bianca hopes to still be
part of the showbiz industry, or simply be
happy with wherever life takes her next.