Internalizing with Amanda Griffin

Amanda, currently one of the most frequently photographed young women in Manila, has been starring in commercials since the age of 12. Although the work has been demanding, the income proved handy as pocket money for her college days at Bond University in Australia. No pictorial assignments came her way during those campus years because she became overweight by 40 pounds.

Today, 22-year-old Amanda manages her own career as she is back to being featured by leading companies like Bench and Nivea. Her work in media now includes her being a host on Channel 9’s dating game show, Match TV, following a stint as a video jockey on Channel V.

Despite all these commitments, this 5’7" Eurasian model’s priority is her boutique – Tabu, in Greenbelt Plaza Bldg., Makati. Strategic plans of what clothes to sell, the layout of the store and meeting customers are some of her duties as owner and manager of the swimwear store.

Who or what is the greatest love of your life?

I have a passion for chocolates.

How do you resolve your conflicts?

I tend to internalize a lot so I think about conflicts for a couple of days and discuss them with my confidantes.

What sports do you like most?

Tennis at Polo Club.

What book influenced your life?

All books by Bryce Courtenay, an Australian writer, who writes about South Africa and Australia in the early 1900s. I saw the movie, The Power of One based on the book he wrote and from then on, he has been my favorite author.

What is your greatest fear?

Flying, which I do a lot. Each time I step on the plane, I conquer that fear just for that moment. I grew up flying but recently, I have become terrified.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

I am very impatient. I don’t have time for people who don’t live up to their end of the bargain.

What is the trait you most deplore in others?

Intolerance. It could be racism, their inability to be flexible or to see both sides of a story.

What do you dislike most about your appearance?

I wish my hair were straight.

How do you start your day?

Go to the answer my e-mails, then go to Tabu on the days I don’t have to model or host a show.

What is your motto?

Be happy.

What is your current state of mind?

In between. Not peaceful but not too stressed.

If you were to die, who or what would you like to come back as?

As a man who remembers what it was like to be a girl so I can understand how it works.

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

To live closer to my family who is now in Australia.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Furniture. I love modern furniture, antiques, Indonesian Balinese style.

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

Her eyes tell me what kind of a person she is, if she is sizing me up or just generally nice. This is especially true when meeting other models since the industry is very competitive.

If you could date any celebrity in the world, who would that be?

British actor Jude Law, who starred in The Talented Mr. Ripley.

Name a moment that brings back happy memories.

I used to go every summer to visit my grandparents in England. They had a small yacht with three bedrooms and we would go boating on the River Thames.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Settling in the Philippines on my own and having my store Tabu.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Being proud of who you are inside, surrounded by those you love.

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

You are only young once.

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?

Being hurt and betrayed by friends whom I put a lot of faith in.