Face of Allure: Nadine Howell
MANILA, Philippines - Nadine Howell, 21, has tried different things that have helped her decide on her goals. “The only failure in life is not trying,” philosophizes the 5-ft.-6-in.-tall Nadine. “I think a lot of opportunities are lost because people are afraid to try something new or something different from what they are used to.”
The half-British, half-Filipino beauty learned this important nugget of wisdom from her parents, regional manager of an international architectural company Gareth Howell and entrepreneur Lay (nee Ramos). Nadine furthers that she and her sister, actress Rhian Ramos, would often hear their dad and mom say, “You’ll never know until you try.”
Speaking of her popular sister, Nadine describes Rhian as her best friend. “I find myself missing her constantly because both our jobs require us to be away from the house during odd hours,” says Nadine, who fondly shares that although they didn’t have many toys during their growing-up years, the equally gorgeous sisters got to spend their summer breaks in England to visit their grandparents. “I try to impart as much sisterly advice as I can even if sometimes it is unsolicited. But hey, that’s what family is for.”
Nadine, who finished Culinary Arts, manages a bar and gallery in Fort Bonifacio called Limbo. She quips, “There is never a dull day working at Limbo. Something interesting always happens there. It’s great to be able to work in an environment where you get to meet and talk to so many different kinds of people. By the end of the night, I’m friends with pretty much everybody!” Since this cool lass knows how it feels like working long hours in the hot kitchen, she looks up to British chef Jamie Oliver and admires his “awesome, laidback personality” despite the pressures in this particular field. Nadine reveals that her childhood dream was to become an astronomer, as there was always something about the universe that fascinated her. “Now I’ve upgraded my dreams to becoming a Jedi. That’s not impossible, is it?” laughs Nadine.
When she’s not whipping up tasty dishes in the kitchen, she is out for some adventure. Athletic Nadine played football throughout high school and she surfs whenever she can. “If anyone’s planning to hike up a mountain, a camping trip or go diving, count me in!” she gushes.
In 2007, the statuesque Nadine appeared in her first TV commercial for a major fastfood chain. Since then, she’s been in several TVCs and print ads as well. She also recently became the endorser of a popular teen apparel brand.
Nadine is not yet through with trying out different things. “I feel really good about myself knowing that I’m doing a good job. When things don’t go my way, I’m happy to learn how I can get back at it and do it better,” she concludes. — Jerni May H. Camposano
