Francesca Mari Sumilang

“No more boring suits or pantyhose, I'm trying to be somebody I'm not,” said Elle Woods as she realized where her desire to prove herself has led her.  Immediately, she donned back her bright pink suit and still graduated from law school with flying colors.  And that is why Elle Woods in the movie Legally Blonde is one of the (fictional) people I look up to.

I am Francesca Mari P. Sumilang, a 20-year-old Psychology senior at the University of the Philippines Diliman.  Almost everyone calls me Chesca.  Most people are quick to associate me with the color pink; and when asked why, they would say that they find me cheerful, charming, warm, and much of a girly girl.

I'm the type who loves being around people.  My personal mantra is to always be a blessing to others; and I do so even just by doing what I could do to bring out the best in them.  Giving laughter and encouragement to others makes me happy.  That would perhaps explain why I love telling jokes to crack up friends, even strangers!

But as much as I love being part of groups, I also enjoy my independence.  I am constantly pushing myself to become the best that I can be.  Right now, I am associate editor of my Psych batch's yearbook and an active member of the UP Psychology Society.  I also like getting involved in the community through joined Rock Ed Philippines, a non-government organization, and a couple of projects of my own or in cooperation with friends and family.

In my free time, I enjoy photography (being either model or photographer), playing with our dogs, graphic design, fashion and beauty, and reading.  I am also into writing and have won various awards in high school, including a silver national medal for editorial writing.  Now I am active on the Internet as a blogger to continue my passion for writing and because it’s the fastest and easiest way I could reach out to and exchange ideas with my fellow youth.

I believe that a girl could be smart and powerful without having to compromise her own style and flair.  I believe in girl power, in having sugar, spice, and everything nice altogether.  I believe that each woman has the power to take charge of her life and her choices -- she doesn’t only know what she wants, she also knows which shoes to wear to help her reach for it.