This whole month of June has been nothing short of exciting, as we got to sit down with #CalyxtaGirl, Gretchen Ho, to talk more about her memorable adventures, her exciting career as a journalist, and her makeup and skin care must-haves. I remember meeting her for the first time during our shoot at Prestige Cruises, and having to introduce myself as Gretchen as well. “What do they call you for short? Gretch?” she asked me. “Yeah, Gretch,” I nodded. “They call me Gretch or G-Ho at work and Gretchen Fullido Grets, so we don’t get confused,” she shares with a laugh.
She can go from joking around and laughing with our stylist, Ica Villanueva, one minute, then more serious the next, as she would study the photos taken by our photographer, Dookie Ducay, intently—just to see what angles work, or if there’s anything else she can improve on for the next layout. It definitely solidifies her philosophy of wanting to do better and be better, even if it is outside her comfort zone.
As we wrap up her last cover story for our Travel Issue, this woman-in-action reveals a little bit more about what she wants to tick off her bucket list and why she loves her job of going to different places and experiencing other cultures so much.
What do you do when travel starts to feel repetitive? How do you keep each destination exciting when the same options are available? Does it have an effect when the travels are more for work than leisure?
I actually like that I go to places for work because I feel like I have a mission. I have to get something out of that place. Because I go there to get stories, right? So I like it when I get that chance to take a peek into the side of that world that others don’t get to. Because if you’re a tourist, it’s the same spots. People take the same photos. But as a journalist, I get to talk to the people. I get to learn about their culture, their attitudes, their stories, their day-to-day lives. So I love my work. And I also like that I get to play around with social media, with technology in telling those stories. How do I keep it from being repetitive? I guess it’s really perspective and frame of mind. When I go there, I always look at it with a fresh set of lenses. Like, “Yung dati kong trip doon, iba na ngayon. So ano ba yung nagbago ngayon?” (“My previous trip there was different compared to now. So what changed?“) The story always changes. I guess that’s what working on TV has taught me. What changed here, and what’s the deeper side of this story?
Do you prefer solo adventures or doing adventures with someone else?
With someone else. Because I feel like I spend a lot of time alone. (laughs) But no, it’s true. Because I’ve always been an independent girl. When I was in college, I was a little bit of an overthinker—because I was always alone. And I wouldn’t know that I was already overthinking. Which is why sometimes, I get negative. But now, I’m more self-aware. I’m still very much independent but I limit my thinking to, “Okay. I’m overthinking already. Stop!” And just live in the moment, right? So whenever I travel, I don’t like being alone. I want to be with someone, so it’s fun and I can make new memories. I tried that in London, I tried travelling alone. And it felt so gloomy. (laughs) I guess I was still heartbroken then, but I enjoy it more when I’m with someone. Like my mom for example. Plus if I’m able to make her happy, that makes me happy!
Every time we read your posts, you remain very real and very genuine about your life and your experiences. How do you stay grounded despite all the success?
I’m a very reflective person. Every day, I try to asses, “Why am I feeling irritated today? Is it because of what happened? Is it because I’m being picky? Or is it because I didn’t get enough sleep?” I really asses, and I apply that in all parts of my life. When I make a decision, I reflect first. And I feel like our world now, it’s full of images. Everybody strives to put on an image, especially on Instagram. People like to use filters, people want to always look good, they’re always after getting likes, or always following trends. And it gets tiring. My heart gets tired whenever I see things like that. I want to stay real because I can’t live like that. That’s how I keep myself sane—by being real. I make sure to balance things—whenever I make mistakes or I see something I don’t like, I remind myself that I’m just human. Actually, that’s what makes life interesting—when you’re not perfect. Right? When you make mistakes, when you’re flawed. I tell myself, “If I stay real, then the right people will appreciate me.” And I think it works! (laughs) I stay real, and I make sure to stay good. If you constantly choose good, it will radiate naturally.
Can you give us three things that you have yet to tick off your bucket list?
I want to get a license in diving. I want to learn how to ride a motorcycle. (laughs) And what else? Hmmm. I want to start an initiative, an advocacy, or a business that’s in line with what I want to do.
Do you have any big travel plans outside of the country this 2018?
London! Going to London in July for the prudential cycling. It’s my second year. I’m going to maybe Las Vegas in December for an endorsement. So far, that’s it.
What’s the best piece of travel advice you’ve ever received?
When you’re out there, be in the moment. Don’t be stuck on your phone. Just absorb everything. Ask questions, talk to people. Don’t let yourself miss out on whatever is there because of anything that you’re thinking about. Sayang eh!
Don’t forget to catch Gretchen Ho’s Fast Talk, and be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to stay updated on all things beauty.
Cover Story By: GRETCHEN GATAN
Art Direction: MARGAUX CORTEZ
Editorial Assistant: MAAN FERNANDEZ
Videographer: ANDREW APUYA
Photographer: DOOKIE DUCAY
Makeup: OWEN SARMIENTO
Hair: RJ DELA CRUZ
Stylist: ICA VILLANUEVA
Special thanks to: PRESTIGE CRUISES
