Beyond blessed

MANILA, Philippines – Twenty-five-year-old entrepreneur and beauty queen Stephanie Faye Gerona embraces life’s inevitable ups and downs, which allow her to appreciate the now. Her appreciation of life’s simple blessings draws from her a generous amount of positivity enough to fuel her desire to motivate and inspire others.

The only daughter of Melchor and Marivic Gerona, Stephanie had to be independent at a very young age and fulfill her duties as a big sister to her brothers because her parents were mostly away to take care of their construction business. This business allowed every member of their family to live comfortably at the time.

“As a young girl, I already understood why my parents had to be away often because they had to work hard for the family and I admire them for that. I stepped up and took the initiative to look after my younger brothers; one of them is half blind. I learned how to be responsible and how to be caring towards others, too,” says Stephanie, who finished a Nursing degree at Fatima University. She planned to pursue Medicine after she graduated but by some twist of fate, her family’s finances took a dip, putting her dreams of becoming a doctor on hold.

“Our financial situation then dampened the spirits of my family. I told myself that I have to be strong and serve as an inspiration for them to stand up again and strive hard. My Tita Regina Gerona Bello supported me financially so I could finish college. In return, I offered to take care of her young children. With the kindness of her heart, she still gave me a regular allowance for playing nanny to her kids. I am grateful for her for everything she has done for us. From there, I learned the value of money. That I have to save up for the future because we will never know what tomorrow brings; you can lose everything in a blink of an eye,” she shares.

Her Tita Regina, a former beauty queen in the ‘80s, also inspired Stephanie to join beauty pageants, initially to “create broader connections and to help with their finances.” Stephanie even joined the TV reality show Pinay Beauty Queen Academy on GMA News TV, which aims to train aspiring beauty queens by making them competitive and always at the top of their game.

When the opportunity to join last year’s Miss Philippines Earth came, her perspective on joining beauty pageants shifted from making connections to championing one of her advocacies, which is eco-tourism. Her stint in the beauty pageant was cut short, though, due to health reasons. However, she still thought that the pageant was a blessing that gave her the opportunity to meet inspiring people.

As a nature lover, Stephanie was ecstatic to have recently been certified as a scuba diver and looks forward to exploring the rich marine life. “The Philippines is blessed with so much beauty and our marine biodiversity is one of the best in the world. I also love the beach, especially the unexplored white-sand beaches of Masbate, where my father’s from. I believe that having a sustainable eco-tourism can create jobs that can help the people in the area,” admits Stephanie, who is now busy with her flourishing catering business. Having a business, she says, is also an opportunity for her to help provide jobs for others. She also helps in the family construction business in Bulacan.

With everything in her life slowly falling into place, Stephanie finds happiness in simple things that allow her to appreciate each day’s gifts. “Seeing my family happy is the greatest gift. I couldn’t ask for more,” she says.

Perhaps it is Stephanie’s practice of gratitude that makes her more resilient. Her grateful heart helps her create a stronger relationship with her loved ones. “Whatever happens in my life, good or bad, I have my faith in God and that’s what’s important. Through my prayers, He shows me the way. I offer Him everything that I do. I am beyond blessed,” Stephanie concludes.

Ever Bilena Powder Foundation

With her hectic schedule, Stephanie likes to keep her face shine-free. It’s also important that she uses products that are not harsh on her skin. Like this powder foundation that helps cover skin imperfections and minor blemishes. It blends well on the skin, giving a smooth finish. Its Vitamin-E formulation is perfect for Stephanie as it keeps the skin moisturized.

Ever Bilena Color Pencil

This classic eye pencil emphasizes the arches of the eyebrows with its vivid color. Through light feathery strokes, fill in the sparse areas to achieve fuller-looking brows.

Ever Bilena Eyeshadow Palette in Brown

This newest eye-shadow palette is perfect for switching from one look to another. Create head-turning looks with this palette’s Brown matte neutral shades.

Ever Bilena Thicklash Mascara

This mascara is great for adding volume to those rich, sweeping eyelashes like Stephanie’s.

Ever Bilena Pro Longwear Lipstick in Destiny

This longwearing lipstick has a rich color meant to give the lips that creamy finish.

Photography by Rita Marie • Styling by Edrelyn Santos • Makeup and hairstyling by Analiza Abainza for Ever Bilena • Jacket by Paulette Leigh (pauletteleigh.com, 0915-3851170); gray crop top by Forever21 (forever21.com); necklaces by Sfera, SM Makati