Ben Madilynn
Phoemela Baranda has come full circle in her television career on GMA 7. She started as a host of “Extra Challenge” in 2003. Now she is back as a Kapuso actress via the gripping primetime series “Slay,” where she plays Margarita, the controlling mother of Gabbi Garcia’s character.
She is grateful for being given another opportunity. “This time, sana ma-prove ko naman iyong sarili ko as an actress,” Phem told me when she guested on “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda.”
I worked with her for a long time on “The Buzz,” and it was good to see her again after 10 years. I’m happy where she is today in her career and personal life.
Phem started her career as a supermodel when she was 14 years old. She joined the Pink Soda Club at 13, which later opened doors for various projects such as television commercials here and abroad.
Phem looked back on her heyday.
“Talagang sinuwerte ako because regional siya. Meaning, isang commercial they will pay me for the whole region to be aired in the Philippines, Thailand and Singapore. So, malaki talaga iyong naging ipon natin doon,” she said.
The small screen became another option for her since modeling has a lifespan. Phem was turning 25 when she auditioned as host for “Extra Challenge” after Miriam Quiambao left the reality show. She became part of several TV programs, including our showbiz-oriented talk show every Sunday. “Working with you guys taught me how to be strong, how to be on my toes. Being in showbiz, iba rin talaga,” she shared on working with me and Kris Aquino.
Photos from Phoemela Baranda’s official Facebook page
Phem recalled how I used to give her pieces of advice. “Minsan, mostly, di ako nakikinig kasi matigas ang ulo ko noon. I was in my 20s. Kung talagang babalikan ko, sana talaga pinakinggan ko lahat ng advice mo,” she told me.
Her eldest daughter, Kim, is now 26 years old. Phem once revealed that she became a mother at 19 to Kim, whom her family introduced as her niece and later as a younger sister. Her mother decided to keep the truth.
“At that time kasi as a model talagang maraming morality clause. Marami akong contract na mawawala. Nakakontrata ako sa ganitong products, shampoo, sabon. Lahat iyan they’re very strict sa morality clause. So, kapag sinabi noon na I have a child out of wedlock, nasa clause iyon na talagang mawawalan ako ng trabaho. That time I had to do it for my family para hindi kami mawalan ng income,” Phem explained.
The mother and daughter are getting along well. According to Phem, she sees herself in her daughter but added, “Mas mabait na version ko si Kim.”
Phem has been in a longtime relationship with partner Jason Choachuy. They have a daughter. The couple is not yet talking about marriage.
“Mas working on our relationship,” Phem said. She believes they should not get married for the sake of the child if they are both not ready. “Kasal. Hindi naman sa hindi nangangarap, but masaya kasi ako ngayon. Masaya ang puso ko. Masaya ako sa pamilya ko. I’m in a very good place.”
I always wish Phem a happy life and success in her career.
Source: Phoemela Baranda opens up about her modeling heyday and return to acting
