Phoebe Kaye Fernandez: Bringing out the best version in others

CEBU, Philippines — Despite the challenges that come with her new venture, television and events host Phoebe Kaye Fernandez welcomes it all with utmost determination.

Phoebe has been a mainstay in the local television scene (former host of ABS-CBN Cebu’s “MagTV Na,” host of “Maayong Buntag Kapamilya Sabado,” a star patroller for “TV Patrol Central Visayas” and lead actress of the hit 2011 indie film “My Paranormal Romance” by Victor Villanueva), a product endorser and a go-to host in corporate events.

Seen as the bright and bubbly television personality, Phoebe has the right amount of sophistication and humility that enamors those high of status, while also allowing her to connect with the masses.

With her cheerfulness, wit, command of the stage and tasteful fashion choices, she is indeed one of the most popular talents in the Queen City of the South.

Throughout her journey, Phoebe was able to find the best version of herself. This time, she’s dead set on bringing the best out of others.

And that’s how Colors and Peach Studio Salon came to be.

Born out of the dream and passion of Phoebe, her boyfriend of five years Chad Varquez (whom she met in a “MagTV Na” segment), and their good friend Mika Caram, Colors and Peach is not your typical, run-of-the-mill salon. Instead, it is a place for relaxation, for connecting, and for transformation. As they offer hair and nail services, the team behind Colors and Peach also wants to transform the traditional landscape of the salon industry.

It’s a big vision. But for now, Phoebe is too busy being thankful to be daunted.

“I am so happy because of all the opportunities given to me, and the industry that I am in, and the events that I do. It’s very fulfilling. Knowing that hosting is my only job, and because of the support—this is it,” Phoebe gushes when asked about the fruits of her hosting labor in an interview during the salon’s blessing and media preview.

Appearing on television warrants the harshest scrutiny, hence it requires upkeep for personalities like Phoebe. In short, Phoebe needs to be visually appealing from head to foot, inside and out.

So when she thought of going into the business sector, Chad, a business major, suggested going into an industry that both Phoebe and Mika were familiar with and passionate about.

Phoebe Kaye with Colors and Peach Studio Salon co-owners Mika Caram and Chad Varquez

Phoebe already had a handful of people she knew and trusted to glam her up these past seven years. She knew the ins and outs of the industry, and believed in Mika’s social media and marketing skills.

“I have been constantly searching for the right investment. When you pray for it really hard, everything just goes very smoothly. I know the industry, my staff is very supportive. The decisions are easy to make. The universe just conspired,” Phoebe muses.

Located at the second floor of GPH Central at Cor. F. Cabahug and Pres. Roxas St., Kasambagan, Colors and Peach – which opened its doors to the public on February 24 – envisions itself as a brand that not only delivers impeccable service, but one that values meaningful relationships with its customers, and establishes a community of inspired and inspiring individuals.

Offering carefully curated brands, equipment, and treatments, Colors and Peach offers a variety of not only well styled looks, but also ones that nourish, stand out, and suit their customers. Aside from drinks, and overall light ambience, one of their interesting  offerings include an “express service” for people on the go.

“I know that this [hosting and television] industry is not for long term. There will come a time that I have to say goodbye because I’m not getting any younger,” the 30-year-old says.

The Miss Lapu-Lapu 2008 first runner-up and Miss Mandaue 2009 first-runner up wants to reach more people than ever. More than just her work in the media, and as much as she’s thankful to have the opportunity to influence others, Phoebe doesn’t want to be known as “that girl from that show." Instead, she uses what she’s learned in the field to give back and tell stories in the process.

“I’ve seen so many people that need help. We [Colors and Peach] don’t only cater to the upper market. We also cater to inspiring stories and in return, we plan to give free transformations. We want to help out people as much as we can. That’s the culture I grew up in through the features and the stories we share in the shows that I’ve hosted,” quips Phoebe, who never imagined that she would end up in such a social industry.

The sought-after host says she does get shy. Phoebe, who has a degree in nursing, hadn’t planned on becoming a nurse, not even a reporter. She did not want to be seen on television or heard across the airwaves. She writes more for herself. And yet, despite the elusive pageant crowns, Phoebe still found herself in the spotlight, starting out with hosting events in college.

“I’m always the shy type. I didn’t plan on taking mass communication. Even my mother, and my relatives are always shocked with the industry I am in. I am also shocked. But the opportunities presented to me toughened me up. I’m still shy on the inside. But the job presented to me gave me the opportunity to be confident. And that’s what I want to provide to people. I want to give back. The best version of us starts with a little bit of transformation,” Phoebe asserts.

Phoebe, Mika, and Chad hope Colors and Peach will have more open more branches in the future.

This venture is just the beginning of a journey full of surprises. And Phoebe is no stranger to surprises: from a shy girl to a media personality, a nursing graduate into an events host, an endorser turned businesswoman, Phoebe has had her bout or transformations and counting.

With that in mind, Phoebe has this to say to people who have found themselves nowhere near where they thought they would be.

“Just accept the challenges along the way and never be afraid to take the risk. In the past, I had my inhibitions because I wasn’t really that good. But if you don’t accept the challenges, you’ll never know until where you can keep on going, so I take the risk every day. I take the risk no matter how tricky a client is. You know the work in ABS-CBN is not easy. But I take them all with God’s constant grace and guidance, and hopefully ma-carry. There will be challenges and bumps but never let them die you down,” she says.