I notice people sneaking into my blog after googling her name. When my friends ask about the pretty young model gracing the featured contents of this site’s home page and my portfolio pages, I’m almost certain it’s Nicole they’re talking about. Wherever she goes, she’s bound to capture attention without asking for it. For someone as gorgeous as Nicole Marie Floirendo, it’s a given. But don’t be fooled into thinking that beauty is all there is to her. When God showered the world with blessings, it seems that this 5’6” tall lass brought out a huge bucket to catch her share.
Nicole, or Nikki to her family and friends, is the epitome of beauty, brains, and talent. Her reticent nature and patrician features could mistake her for a snob. Truth is, she’s just a shy, sweet girl who warms up when in the company of good friends. An incoming sophomore of BS Psychology at a prestigious university here in Cagayan de Oro, she’s bent on becoming a doctor someday. She admits science wasn’t her strongest area in high school but she believes in turning weaknesses into strengths. She confronts fears by facing them instead of showing signs of intimidation. At 17, she has a couple of goals which she plans to achieve through hell or high waters.
The Living DollNicole started modeling at the age of 12 when her uncle who works in the marketing department of SM and is presently her manager, invited Nicole to join one of the mall’s runway events. Since then, designers and photographers took notice of her exceptional model profile and considered her a favorite during fashion shows and photo shoots. I got to doll her up the first time in 2008, in a shoot which was held in the city’s public wet market, contrasting glamour from the market life. Guards were hired to protect her and 2 other models from getting mobbed by the adoring crowd.
Asked if she intends to take modeling to a higher level by going to Manila, she asserts that she has to finish schooling first. As advised by her parents, she only accepts gigs that don’t come in conflict with her studies. However, if offers (preferably international stints) come in that are too good to pass up, she’s open to options, which are after all doors which could open opportunities for traveling. Visiting different places and learning diverse cultures happen to be in her itinerary when she finishes college.
Presently, she wants to enjoy modeling as a pastime, along with the perks that come with it.She considers having more friends as the most fun part of being a model. She thinks Victoria Secret models, especially Alessandra Ambrosio, are cool, pointing out the grace and effortless poise of Alessandra when doing the catwalk.
On Fashion and StyleIn contrast to the extravagant clothes that she always wear during shoots, Nicole prefers a comfy get up when she hangs out with friends. She has a thing for colored plain tees matched with jeans or shorts and flipflops.
The Soprano WithinHearing her belt out the high notes will surely bring you goose bumps. Her ethereal beauty is perfectly matched with an angelic voice. She dabbles into theatre arts, which started from choral singing. She was a shy kid who never sang in public til high school.
She remembers getting shaky when she first auditioned for the school choir- an image far fetched from the confident aura of Nicole essaying the role of Helen Chao in her school’s production of the Flower Drum Song.
Her confidence soared when her teachers started assigning solo parts for stage plays and other school activities. Now without qualms, she sings at parties for friends, leaving the guests awestruck each time.
She has fallen in love with music, that given the choice between modeling and singing, she’d stick it out with singing which gives her the better outlet for self-expression and stress-relief. Aside from Lea Salonga, she looks up to Sarah Brightman, whose voice, according to Nicole, is inspiring and breathtaking.
Beauty RegimenNicole has a flawless complexion needing very little foundation when I did her makeup. Does she have a secret for maintaining it? She shares that besides the basics of washing the face, she doesn’t put a lot of product on her skin. However, she doesn’t skip the part of putting sunblock when going out.
Advice To Aspiring ModelsIf you wanna follow her path and be a model too, she’s got some advice for you: Nicole encourages you to follow your dreams, but leaves a reminder that you should finish your studies, as she says that “it is the ultimate treasure that can last you a lifetime.”
Photos by Dustein Sibug
Hair and Makeup by: The MUA in Scrubs
