Woman of Style: Bianca Gonzalez chucks out the old, in with the new

MANILA, Philippines - "It really feels like a clean slate, like a brand-new year to make things happen and to do things you’ve never done before!” Pinoy Big Brother host Bianca Gonzalez says of the New Year.

The model-slash-host has a simple agenda for the big end-of-the-year moment: “Spend it with family and friends!”

“Every year I spend media noche and countdown with the family,” she says of her New Year’s tradition, “and meet up with friends and stay out till morning and have breakfast together.”

Though 2009 held plenty of highs for the busy host, it was mostly marked with losses. “I think all the tragedies and bad news were the highlight for me, oddly. Year 2009 was a tough year but I choose to come out of it more appreciative of what we have and with lessons learned.”

STAR sat down with Bianca in the midst of the swinging holiday season to pore over her closet and take a peek at her collections. Instead of the usual high-end purses (although there are still plenty of those), Bianca collects Chuck Taylors, which number in the hundreds, and, strangely enough, tumbling photos (images of her cartwheeling taken at random landmarks, such as the Great Wall of China, during her journeys abroad).

“I’m not really a bag person,” she confesses. If left alone, she’d probably be wearing T-shirts and jeans. Lucky for us, work requires a different sort of uniform — the dress-up kind.

How did you spend your Christmas? 

With family! We usually spend the 24th in my house and the 25th in my Tita’s house to balance both mom’s and dad’s side.

Is it — dress-wise — a big day or do you opt for something really comfy and basic?

All Christmas parties are just really house parties so I just choose to dress nice and comfy. Sparkly flats for a Christmas feel and I usually wear white!

Best Christmas present you received this year?

A whole box of goodies for a dream trip we hope to take this 2010 from my boyfriend Vince.

So, how did you get into TV?

I started modeling in 2000, then, on my junior year in college, took a part-time job as a brainstormer in ABS-CBN in 2004. Met contacts and doors opened, then met Jet Valle of Backroom (talent management agency) who referred me to my now manager Boy Abunda, and from there, as they say, the rest is history.

What would you be doing if you weren’t on television?

I would be in film production.

What is the most rewarding — and challenging — thing about work?

Touching people’s lives. How they say your work inspires them, how you can reach out to thousands or even millions of people around the world, how you’re a medium to spread as much good as you can. The hours, the workload when everything comes sabay-sabay, and the intrigues that come your way are challenging.

How do you relax/recharge after an especially long, hard day?

Sleep! Or, when I can, I like getting a manicure and pedicure or a massage.

Your favorite off-duty activity?

I just love going to the mall with friends, walking around, sitting at cafes, watching movies.

Do you have any hidden talents/abilities?

I took gymnastics as a kid and till today can still do cartwheels, roundoffs and splits. (Laughs)

What’s on current rotation on your iPod?

This may be a sin to some, but believe it or not, I don’t own an iPod. Not that I don’t love music, but I don’t really listen to music when on the go. I do play music in the car or at home. My favorite is The Beatles.

What’s the story behind your collection of Chucks?

I used to wear them all the time in college. With all the walking we did on campus, it was the perfect shoe. My collection just grew and grew and Converse took notice and started sponsoring me! What you see in the photo is only half my collection. The other half are all in boxes pa — unused! Super collection talaga.

If you didn’t get styled so often, how would you normally dress?

I’m a shirt-and-jeans kind of girl, paired with a nice pair of flats or heels. Sometimes it gets too hot here in Manila to wear jeans, but that’s basically the default look.

What’s your idea of a perfect pair of shoes? 

High, comfortable, fierce.

What’s the one beauty product you can’t live without?

Cetaphil. Just to wash my face.

Do you have any fundamental rules of dressing?

Don’t have too many things going on at the same time.

What was your style as a kid?

I was very basic as a kid, I’d repeat shirts endlessly. As I entered the line of work I’m in now, I became more open to wearing all kinds of styles, colors, cuts. I pretty much wear anything! So long as it fits my body type and I’m comfortable in it.

What is your no-fail outfit?

A white top, jeans, and a good pair of heels, or a long top, leggings, and flats.

Whose closet would you most like to raid?

Angel Jacob or Tweetie de Leon.

What do you feel best wearing? 

I actually love tailored pants and want to have more of them.

Is there an item in your closet you cherish the most?

Oh, there are so many! Memorable dresses and shoes, too many!

What’s your most recent purchase?

A nude blazer by Joey Samson that I still have to get from him! (Laughs)

Your best shopping secret?

I like shopping in markets or local stores abroad. At least what you find is pretty much one-of-a-kind, in Hong Kong, in Singapore, in San Francisco or New York. I’m a big, big fan of Uniqlo, H&M, and Muji.

Local designers you admire?

Joey Samson, because I love his style and he knows me very well already.

Foreign?

I love looking at photos from fashion weeks abroad but I have no particular favorite. Maybe when I can actually afford to buy pieces, then I can say I have a “favorite.”

What is your latest purchase you are in love with?

2009 was the first time I bought myself a designer bag. I’m not much of a big spender ’cause I really just like spending on travel. But this past year I got myself a silver Goyard Croisiere and I super love it.

What would you never be caught dead in? 

Off-shoulder garterized peasant blouses.

How would you describe 2009?

Tough.

Best trend of 2009?

Structured shoulders.

What will you miss from 2009 once the year ends?

All the people who passed away this year.

What do you think 2010 holds for you? 

Even more inspiration that’ll direct me to where I’ll be in the next five years!

What will you be wearing when the clock strikes midnight on the last day of the year?

I still don’t know! Panic! (Laughs)

Your New Year’s wish?

Good health!

Do you believe in New Year’s resolutions?

Not really.

What will yours be?

This year I am trying this: I will blog more often.