Get to know Joyce Peñas, a woman determined to rise
Acclaimed fashion icon cum jewelry designer and occasional actress Joyce Peñas’ life is no bed of roses.
Just like any rags-to-riches story that we know, her life is one for the books.
“Noong bata pa ako, hindi rin siya naging madali sa akin. I faced so many challenges and trials when my Dad died at 52. Kung nasaan man ako ngayon, it’s all a product of hard work. It was not given to me. I was not born with a silver spoon. All I have now is because of determination and hard work,” she said.
“Kung iyong iba, nag-e-enjoy sa mga mana nila, ako, I had to work hard because I was a working student then. I took care of everybody especially my family,” she added.
She confessed that before she became famous, she held a variety of jobs.
“I did odd jobs before. Before I became a model, I worked as a cabin attendant dahil sa height ko sa PAL at sa iba pang airlines. Nagturo rin ako,” she recalled.
“Even up to now, I am earning my two Master’s degrees. You just don’t stop because life is a continuous process of learning,” she added.
She also said that she did her passion project “New Generation Heroes” because it is something close to her heart.
“I play the role of a teacher na maabilidad. Gumagawa siya ng paraan para madagdagan ang kanyang kita para maitaguyod ang kanyang pamilya,” she declared.
She can also relate to her role because she was once a breadwinner who supported her family and siblings.
“We had nobody to depend to so, kailangan talagang magtrabaho in order to survive and make ends meet. Kaya nga iyong role ko has a very soft spot in my heart. Para siyang ako talaga noong nagpupursige pa ako,” she pointed out.
Joyce is a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Education , Major in English in St. Paul’s College Manila.
Being a former teacher, she’s aware that her job was to inspire her students and prepare them for a successful future.
“Education is the only gift that we can give to our children. Ito rin ang advocacy ng pelikula namin na sana ay suportahan ng lahat,” she concluded.
Because of her advocacy, she chose to screen her movie in time for the celebration of World Teacher’s Day.
Besides being an enterpreneur and style icon, she is also a beauty titlist.
She was hailed as Mrs. Universe South Asia 2017 last July in Durban, South Africa.
Directed by Anthony Hernandez, “New Generation Heroes” also stars Aiko Melendez, Anita Linda and Jao Mapa.
It hits selected cinemas on October 4.
