LOOK: Celebrities who are proud morena

IN the Philippines, the idea of fair skin being superior to dark skin has always been a norm. This is why whitening products and aesthetic treatments promising to lighten skin are lucrative businesses in the country. 

But in recent years, more and more Flipinas have championed the beauty of chocolate skin and that all women are beautiful in all colors. 

Here are some local celebrities who carry their morena skin loud and proud.

1. Nadine Lustre

Kapamilya actress Nadine Lustre at one point has admitted that her dark skin used to be her number one insecurity. In an interview with King of Talk Boy Abunda, she shared that she experienced being rejected in auditions as a kid because she’s not white and at some point wanted to be. 

“There was a point in my life na parang sinabi ko sana mestiza na lang din ako so I can get projects and I can get like work ako,” she said. 

Eventually, she realized that what she has is beautiful and that she does not need to change anything. 

“I realized that I am unique, and no one else has like what I have. I just became proud of it, I just embraced it,” she said. 

2. Lovi Poe

Actress Lovi Poe has always been proud of her morena skin and she has showcased her golden complexions through body-baring posts. She too has spoken loudly about body positivity and self-love and has time and again silenced body shamers with witty and powerful posts. 

3. Kathryn Bernardo

Kathryn Bernardo may be the country’s top celebrity now but even fame did not exempt her from feeling insecure about herself because of skin color. 

In past interviews, the blockbuster actress said it took a while before she gained confidence to show her body and fully accept the color of her skin. 

She also added that her boyfriend Daniel Padilla was instrumental in her journey to loving herself because he was able to block her self doubts and insecurities through the years. 

4. Iza Calzado

Drama actress Iza Calzado has always been open about her body issues. Over and above her insecurities, she is now seen as one of the most beautiful morena goddesses. In fact, she is among the celebrities who have most been outspoken about the beauty of having golden skin. 

Her social media posts too are mostly peppered with comments from netizens expressing how much they love her skin color. 

5. Gabbi Garcia

Gabbi Garcia is yet another celebrity who endured insecurities growing up because of her skin. In an interview with Nelson Canlas on a Spotify podcast, the actress recounted how most of her batchmates in VTRs were already showing up on television while she, at that time, felt like she was left behind. This then made her question if she wasn’t beautiful enough for showbiz. 

Just like Lustre, she too experienced more rejection in casting calls because most brands preferred kids with foreign blood. 

She eventually learned to accept and embrace herself and empower fellow ladies to promote diversity.