Face of Allure: Arci Muñoz
MANILA, Philippines - “My passion is performing,” declares teen actress Arci Muñoz. “I know I can showcase my artistic side without being judged. I’m free to express myself in various ways.”
Arci, a Theater Arts student at the University of the Philippines, is one of the most recognizable faces in local teleseryes nowadays. Thanks to her strong Spanish features and intense acting prowess, the 20-year-old easily wins villain roles and more importantly, gets noticed for her convincing portrayals of such characters. “Playing the villain is already a fulfillment. But if I will be given the chance to play another character, I’d love to play a vampire or a vampire slayer.”
The 5’6” GMA Artist Center member was discovered through the reality show Starstruck. “The show was actually just a training ground for us. The real competition started after the show because you have to prove yourself in an industry that keeps an eye on each and every move you make,” furthers Arci, who bagged various roles even if she was not lucky enough to win the top prize.
Even before she joined the glitz and glamour of show business, Arci was already used to the limelight because of her modeling stints. She won a modeling competition in a supermall and has done some runway shows and fashion editorials. She also considers her winning the Ms. Friendship International at the Ms. Asian Supermodel Competition 2008 in China one of her greatest achievements. The talented lass is also set to prove her hosting skills in her next show, which is to air very soon.
“I believe people are unique in their own different ways,” says Arci, who also dabbles in art and music. “I love sketching cartoons and animes. They remind me of my carefree days when I was younger,” she shares. “I also compose songs for my band Philia on my free time.”
Humility is one thing that dad Manuel wants her to keep while mom Yolanda is her spiritual guide. “My dad always tells me to be humble and sensitive to other people’s feelings. Mom, on the other hand, constantly reminds me to put God first in everything I do.”
Even if she’s playing the bad girl on TV, Arci defends that she is the exact opposite in real life. “My dad and my mom are my personal heroes and I would do nothing to disappoint them,” she stresses.— Jerni May H. Camposano
