It’s refreshing to come across a genuinely innocent, unassuming young woman (and God knows we all need a breath of fresh air). Jessy Salvador is an unintimidating beauty who wishes for nothing more than to travel the world and exchange stories over family dinners. Thrust into the entertainment industry by accident of birth, the young lass is full of gratitude even for something she did not wish for. And precisely because of this, we root for her success even more.
Here, the actress/model/performer/aspiring flight attendant reminds us of the beautiful possibilities of youth.
Can you tell us what you do?
I’m currently reviewing for college entrance exams either for La Salle or Mary the Queen. I want to become a flight attendant for Air Asia! I’m also an actress, but I enjoy ramp modelling more. But I’m not that good [laughs]. I also have a band—Sugar & Spice–and we used to tour with James Reid and Nadine Lustre. I sing and dance. Issa Pressman is actually one of my bandmates.
What course do you want to take?
Tourism. I’d love to travel. I love nature and mountains–it just relaxes me. But the most exciting trip so far is Sinulog. It was so fun, even though I don’t drink!
How did you start in the modelling industry?
I won Ms. Campus Role Model Philippines when I was 16. There was no swimsuit competition, by the way! But I don’t remember the Q&A anymore.
What is it like being a model in the Philippines?
I haven’t really been on a major show, unlike my brother who has done Philippine Fashion week.
Why did you decide to become a model?
At first, I didn’t want to. But mom had a gay officemate who thought I was pretty, and cajoled my mom to make me join the pageant. Then it all started from there. I realized how fun it was.
What do you want to be more, a flight attendant or a model?
Whichever happens first! Modelling is not a long term job, though, unlike being a flight attendant. Plus, I don’t really like the celebrity life—Viva just happened because of family. Then the girl group happened, which I enjoyed, but realised was so tiring.
What achievement are you most proud of?
So far, I guess it’s my endorsements with Kokuryu cosmetics and Herbalaya ointment.
Are you interested in fashion?
Before, I wanted to be a fashion designer. I love Tyra Banks–I watched America’s Next Top Model a lot. But my mom told me to finish school first.
When you started modeling, did your sense of style change?
I’m more of a T-shirt, ripped jeans, white sneakers kind of girl.
Style icons?
Kendall Jenner, more than Kylie. I like to cover myself up!
Sophisticated, comfy, girly, preppy?
Conservative with a hint of tomboy. More on T-shirts. I wear denim jackets too.
H&M suits your style. Do you shop there?
Yes, for basics!
Where do you get inspiration for your outfits?
I google OOTDs for whatever vibe I need for the day. I don’t follow blogs.
Which accounts do you follow on IG to inspire yourself?
Beyonce, Kendall. I like how they travel around the world–and that’s why I want to be a flight attendant.
Who’s the most interesting person you’ve met on the job?
My half sister, Ate Maja [Salvador]. She’s a great actress and a great dancer. She’s such a hard worker too. But I look up to my non-showbiz sister a lot too, because she’s such a good student. Like I said, I’m not really into the celebrity life.
Are you close to Maja? What do you do together?
She’s so kulit. We didn’t live in the same house, but we’d have lunch and dinner to talk about work. From her, I learned how hard it is to make it in the showbiz industry! [laughs]
What do you do to unwind?
I’m a homebody. I watch Korean dramas like the Weightlifting Fairy. I like historical dramas too. For anime, my favourite is Sailor Moon! [laughs]
Story | Iris Lee
Photography | Jerick Sanchez
Styling | Aldrin Ramos
Hair | Jhaypee Tamayo, Jomar Lopez and Ma. Cristina Omayan of Hair Lounge
Makeup | Anacleta Paredes of MAC Cosmetics
