It’s 2016 and body shaming is no longer in fashion. By this time, we should know that beauty comes in different colors, shapes and sizes.
In the Philippines, it looks like not everyone got that memo. “Ang taba mo (you gained weight)” is still an acceptable substitute for hello.
Most Filipinos think there’s nothing wrong with pointing out another person’s weight loss or gain, or current body size.
Katrina Gumabao, 28, might be exactly who we need right now.
Her surname may sound familiar. Kat is the talent manager and eldest sister of actor Marco and volleyball player Michelle. She is also an in-demand makeup artist and a model.
Not just a model, a runway model.
Later this month, Kat will be walking at MWF+, the Australian city’s first-ever plus-size fashion show for women with sizes ranging from 14 to 26. (She’s a 14, if you must know.)
How did she get the gig? With sass and chutzpah.
Kat saw a casting call on Instagram and boldly asked if she could audition despite not being in Australia.
The organizers asked for her set card and modelling demo reel.
A week later, she received news that she got in. She will be in the company of trained street and professional models.
This isn’t something new for this Quezon City gal. Kat’s been a print model for five years now, and it’s her third time to walk the runway.
By participating in an international fashion show, she hopes to change her countrymen’s bias against full-figure women.
“Plus-size can be defined as not fitting into the ‘normal’ mold of clothes. It does not necessarily mean you are fat… because all people have fat. It can mean you have bigger thighs, wider hips, bigger boobs,” she told Coconuts Manila.
Thanks to her inner confidence, Kat says she does not let body shamers get in her head.
Even well-meaning fans and friends occasionally (albeit unintentionally) give pointed remarks about her figure. When she’s outside, she sometimes her street children blurt out that she’s fat.
How does she handle that? She just ignores it, which is probably a lot harder than it sounds.
Kat explains she stands to lose more if she allows the negative comments affect her. “I can’t do anything. I’m alone, and they’re so many.”
Melbourne is Kat’s first step to bigger things. Her dream is to model around the world, and inspire other women in the process.
Who knows? We might even see her walk the Victoria Secret fashion show for their plus line someday.
“My message to everyone… girl or boy, whatever size they are. Go for it! Don’t be afraid to follow your dreams. You have a story, share it, make it count and glorify God every step of the way. Inspire and live life to the fullest.”
We’re cheering for you as you strut your stuff, Kat!
