Belle behind the wheel • Bel Laureola

MANILA, Philippines - Bel Laureola, the senior manager for marketing and customer services of Chevrolet Philippines, is a sweet spirit whose laughter barely resonates above a whisper. Although her serene features breathe of femininity and softness, Bel is driven to conquer, wow and succeed.

After graduating with a degree in International Studies from Miriam College, Bel tried working for the government before moving to New York City. In the Big Apple,  she did stints as a legal assistant and even as a waitress, small jobs, which taught her big lessons about life and hard work. Eventually, her heart led her into marketing where she gained valuable experience that came in handy when she returned to the Philippines and worked in the fashion and music industry. It wasn’t long before Bel decided to finally plant her feet in the automotive world, joining the Chevrolet team in 2009 when the 100-year-old global company first opened its doors in the country under new management — The Covenant Car Company, Inc.

Since then, Bel has not only developed a genuine love for the brand, but has gained a greater appreciation for the technology and craft that go into building a premium machine like Chevrolet. “Cars were the farthest thing from my interests at that time,” she admits with a chuckle. “For me, cars were just things that moved you from point A to point B.” But now, it’s a different story.

Both passionate and geared for excellence — Bel realized that she and Chevrolet have more things in common than what she initially thought. “Similar to how Chevrolet cares for its customers, I also give genuine care to the brand, to the company, as well as the people around me — my family, friends, community and colleagues,” she reveals.

But more than beautiful cars and the fast-paced culture, it’s having a hand in redefining the automotive landscape that thrills her. From PR to events, marketing and communication campaigns, and everything in between, Bel is always pushing the limits of what she and Chevrolet can do and offer its customers. “We not only aim to please; we deliver quality products and services to our customers, building relationships with them that last,” she says.

“People think I’m competitive. But I really don’t consider myself as such,” she reveals. “However, I strive to do the best that I can.” This, she points out, is very different from being competitive. “Being competitive, for me, is comparing yourself with someone else. I’ve always believed that I can only compare myself with myself, learning from my experiences to continuously evolve and improve. With that attitude, I’m always happy and great results are almost always achieved,” she beams confidently.

And after almost four years with Chevrolet, Bel is proudly reaping the rewards. Though far from the finish line, with her drive to do more and be more, Bel is set to conquer the road ahead, anticipating every bump and turn with even greater excitement.

Photography by SHAIRA LUNA • Creative direction by LUIS ESPIRITU JR. • Styling by RUDOLPH LEONOR • Makeup by RIA AQUINO • Hairstyling by AVRIL SEGUIN • Jewelry by MILADAY JEWELS • Shot on location at the RAFFLES LONG BAR