The lightness of being Claudia Bermudez

Graceful and elegant movements combine with the charm and passion of this free-spirited lady, Claudia Bermudez. Born in New Orleans of a Columbian father and an English-Filipina mother, the five-foot-eight-tall Claudia grew up in a hacienda just outside Bogota until she was 16. From then, she has been traveling constantly, living in Paris for 10 years before attending college in Switzerland. Claudia has now made the Philippines her home.

As owner and manager of the local franchise of Ascot Chang, a tailoring shop located in Makati’s Shangri-La Hotel, Claudia is proud of the custom-made shirts that they produce for men and women. Diving is her thrill, traveling is her pleasure and being in love is her reward.

On what occasion do you lie?

When I am embarassingly late.

Which living person do you admire most?

Wendy Lopez, my grandmother. I love spending time with her.

Who or what is the greatest love of your life?

Definitely, my dad, Miguel Bermudez.

Where would you like to go for a romantic evening?

On the Nile cruise in Egypt.

What is your favorite journey?

Surfacing to a calm sea after a perfect-visibility dive.

What sports do you like most?

My passion is diving.

What do you regard as the lowest depths of misery?

Unrequited love.

What film influenced your life?

Seven Years in Tibet inspired me tremendously. Of course, there is Brad Pitt, but the idea of letting go of all routine and material belongings to inspect one’s inner core with detachment attracts me.

Who is your favorite hero of fiction?

Sherlock Holmes.

What is your greatest fear?

Terrorism. With Columbia and Philippines being terrorist zones, I am afraid of the unexpected violence of humans against humans.

How has your character changed since your childhood?

Am more focused, less gullible, able to express my thoughts more freely.

What do you dislike most about your appearance?

On a bad day, I dislike pretty much everything; other days, I’m happy with nearly all. It really matters how I feel inside.

How do you start your day?

Wake up about eight, coffee and back to bed watching CNN, the stock markets. Sometimes treadmill at home. Go to Ascot by noon. Work out in Shangri-La gym after.

What is your motto?

To thine own self be true.

What is your current state of mind?

I’m mesmerized and still in awe of the splendor of the Micronesia Islands and what I experienced there.

If you had the chance to change something in your life, what would that be?

Probably that my parents would not have gotten divorced.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Traveling.

What words or phrases do you overuse?

One tall, iced latte, non-fat, please.

Which historical figure would you like to have been?

Cleopatra.

What is the first thing you look at when you see a man?

His teeth. His hands.

Name a moment that brings back happy memories.

Two-and-a-half-years of college in Leysin, Switzerland. Our school was in a ski resort surrounded by mountains and snow.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Overcoming my fear of the sea and turning it into my greatest passion.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Being near the sea, under the sun with people that I love.

Which famous quotation would you have wanted to be the author of?

Rather to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all.