MANILA, Philippines - Nineteen-year-old Diva Montelaba learned the lessons of hard work and independence at a young age. Having lived with her grandmother all her life, Diva (whose real name is Hyacienth Diva Mantalaba) shares that she learned early in life that things aren’t served to her on a silver platter; she has to work hard for them instead. Although she longs for the presence of her parents, Diva fully understands the situation and holds no grudges against them. She even uses this as her inspiration to live a better life. She shares of her childhood, “It was a fun and memorable childhood overall. I remember spending summer vacations with a distinct group of friends. We used to go for a swim at a hidden falls in Cebu.”
Back in her hometown, Diva lived a simple life until she saw an opportunity to realize a childhood dream. She auditioned for the GMA 7 reality show Starstruck V, which she says has turned her world upside down. She placed first runner-up in the show. Though she didn’t bag the grand prize, Diva is more than proud of what she has achieved and is even thankful for the doors of opportunities that opened for her. The simple provincial lass is now a weekly fixture on national TV as the 5’7” entertainment newbie showcases her dancing, singing and hosting skills on the Sunday variety show Party Pilipinas. Diva is also preparing for future projects lined up for her so she attends workshops to further improve on her craft.
Before trying her luck in show business, Diva was already into performing and modeling in the Queen City of the South. The Tourism sophomore was crowned Ms. University of San Jose Recoletos in Cebu a few years back, an achievement Diva considers as “a chance to be a role model to my fellow students.” And she definitely is one. Already a scholar, she still works part time as a model to pay for her miscellaneous fees as well as help her grandmother in their expenses. “My grandmother, Lola Landring, is my role model. She has raised me into what I am now and it makes me happy to see her happy,” she says.
Diva, who loves eating out and playing billiards, believes that whatever she believes in is what she gets. “What you think you can achieve is what you will achieve; so when you dream, you should dream big,” she says. “And never give up.”