A question we get thrown around a lot is, "why 'chicas'?" While it began as a branding ploy, the intention behind it was always so much deeper.

You see, when one says 'model', the attached connotation is the ideal, the best, the aspiration. But we obviously can't all be models in that sense, and that feeling of lacking in the looms department to what is supposedly 'ideal' has destroyed so many women's self-perception. As a brand, we've always strived to change that.

We don't use models. No one on our team is a professional in the traditional sense. No one on our team has held herself more beautiful than the other simply because she fit society's standard more.

Instead, we have chicas. We have girls--as translated from Spanish--who embody beauty by being confident in their own selves. Everyone on our team has their own journey in understanding the phrase "another woman's beauty does not diminish your own". And here they are today.

Remember guys, your mental health is more important than anything! We all have to take care of ourselves and the people around us. Meditate, pray, and check up on your friends! One message can really turn someones day around.

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On her passion:

I am very passionate about the environment. I try to give back to the planet as much as I can by choosing greener options, planting, and by respecting nature and wildlife.

 

Her take on confidence and body image:

I am all for body positivity. I grew up with 6 girls in my family, and comparison became inevitable growing up. It was admittedly difficult for all of us girls to find self-confidence. But when you’re around women who empower you and appreciate you for who you are, you eventually learn to absorb the positivity and radiate it back. And that’s how I found my confidence.

 

Words she would have like to have heard at the most vulnerable point in her life:

“You don’t have to go through it alone.” — because no matter how much we believe in ourselves to overcome a struggle, it doesn’t necessarily mean that we have to do it alone. There will always be people who are willing to extend a helping hand and walk with you at your lowest.

 

On Alba:

I absolutely love what Alba is all about; body positivity, fashion, and innovation. Not many swimwear brands, or brands in general, celebrate authenticity and diversity like Alba does. And I think it’s beautiful that Alba isn’t just a brand that sells fashionable swimwear, it’s a brand with value and purpose.

I have made friends and built a community with people that always encourage and challenge each other to give our best in everything that we do. I hope to continue doing this and encourage more people I meet because I really enjoy helping and seeing people grow and develop into better humans, whether it's through fitness or fellowship.

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To give back to the Philippines - despite being called too idealistic by those who believe our country’s problems are deeply entrenched in our society...  What I do may just have a minimal impact (for now), but I feel joy knowing I use my time and skills to benefit those who are in most need of help.

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I think we’ve come a long way into redefining what beauty really is, and that goes with self-worth and body image as well. I am so glad that there are different movements now (by people, brands, etc.) that embrace a more authentic and natural kind of beauty. It’s amazing how it’s slowly becoming a standard that we find beauty in our “imperfections” and I find it quite refreshing for people to share photos of themselves, rid of all the filter and Photoshop. I think we really have to embrace our curves, our folds, our lines, our bones, our features – we’re all unique, and we come in different shapes and sizes. And I find that so beautiful!

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Two things that give me so much joy in this world are Art and Food! They’re both expressions for the senses, and I think that in the very digital world we live in, it’s important to find joy in things that are tangible. Aside from the joy I get from learning about and creating art and culinary dishes, I also get joy from being able to share these with others. So in a way, everyone wins! I also really love animals, sometimes to a fault. Countless times have I tried to sneak stray cats into my home, and countless times has my mom kicked them back out! Animals should be treated with respect and compassion. Not only can they give us invaluable emotional support, but they also serve key roles in maintaining life on this planet.

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I’m still working on my self-confidence just like anybody else. Yes it’s challenging, but I realized that only I can take charge of building it up. The trick is to not be reliant on others for validation and approval. We all have the right to feel good about ourselves, so it’s important to make time to nourish our own needs- physical, mental and social. Simple truth is, be careful with your thoughts, change small habits, and don’t be hard on yourself! Every day is a chance to make things better. Do your own thing and just remember: you’re only given one body. Love it and treat it well!

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Who hasn’t struggled with self-worth or body image? It’s important to remember that there are things you can and can’t control. Start with the things you can control and keep moving.

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Everything you're feeling is valid. It's okay to experience negative emotions. The more you can accept yourself for where you are at the moment - whether angry, sad, insecure... the more you'll be able to learn from it and work towards improving from there.

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Seeing things from a different perspective - traveling somewhere I’ve never been to before, watching movies, trying a new cuisine, discovering good music, or hearing stories from someone who’s passionate about their craft.

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For me makeup is such a personal thing and you’d be surprised at how each person’s relationship with makeup can carry over to the different aspects of their lives.

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Honestly, I'm still finding my confidence. It's not that easy. But I know my self-worth, and what helped me discover this was putting myself first and not caring what other people thought about me.

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Sports have always been my greatest passion. Football, in particular has been the avenue through which I was able to build my character holistically, learn the value of rising from defeat and the rewards that come with dedication. Playing football for 16 years made me strong, independent and aware of my ability to thrive from any set back or difficult situations.

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I had to learn to love and accept and celebrate my body for what it was instead of focusing on what it was not.

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I think in every single thing I do, I make sure there is direction and purpose. But if I were to pick one thing I live out in every day that affects those around me, I believe in kindness the most. It doesn't cost anything or take much to be kind to whoever you meet, whoever you encounter, and whoever you're with. The smallest acts of kindness go a long way.

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I think confidence is all about feeling good in your own skin. There are still many times when I feel insecure but one quote I like to keep in mind is “Another woman’s beauty doesn’t diminish your own.” We all have something to be proud of about ourselves, we just have to focus on that instead of the bad.

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