STAR Dream Girl: Catherine Maria van Ruyven

Born and raised in Canada, five-ft.-five-in. Catherine Maria van Ruyven always looks forward to being back in the Philippines. She specially loves the picturesque beaches of Batangas, where her Filipina mom grew up. Fifteen-year-old Catherine is the youngest daughter of Dutch airline engineer Ted van Ruyven and Jhet Torcelino van Ruyven, author of the book The Tale of Juliet., which chronicles her rags-to-riches story.

Catherine is a third year high school student at the Holy Cross Secondary School in Vancouver, Canada. Catherine is excited about going to Hollywood in December – not for a movie career but for a cheerleading competition. She also enjoys dancing. "I always believe that in everything you do, you must give your hundred percent," she says.

College is docking and she shares that Psychiatry is on top of her interests. She explains, "I am fascinated by how the mind works and how one person differs from another."

A certified beach bum, Catherine is captivated by the waters of Hawaii and the Philippines. "It’s a time for me to bond with the family," she relates. The warm climate is also one reason why the beach is her place to be – something she doesn’t find in her hometown.

She admits that she still collects stuffed toys. "The first teddy bear my parents gave me when I was still a baby is still with me."

"Being in the Philippines is really a great experience," she proudly gushes. She enjoyed tagging along her mom during the latter’s book signings and conferences as part of the promotion of The Tale of Jhuliet. "I’m so proud of my mom," Catherine says. "I was raised in a different country and culture. When I was growing up, there was something in me that wanted to learn more about my origin, and get in touch with my family history."

Despite her being a Canadian citizen, Catherine says her values – particularly with regards to her family and friends – are Pinoy na Pinoy. She enjoys hanging out with her Filipino cousins.

To Catherine, a STAR Dream Girl is "someone who’s really out there in the community and ready and willing to help others." – JERNI MAY CAMPOSANO