For Radha, Bituin and Frenchie, fat can be fab

From left: Frenchie Dy, Bituin Escalante, Radha Cuadrado

Bituin Escalante has always been comfortable with her own body. She is fat, she unabashedly said, and she embraces it. What she is not comfortable with, however, is when others discuss her weight derogatorily.

“Some people put you down to make themselves feel superior. It isn’t about what they say, but their intent. We have to call it out,” pointed out Bituin, who takes on the issue of body-shaming head-on, whether on the Internet or in person.

In her younger years, as a member of the popular ’90s hip-hop group Kulay, Radha Cuadrado used to wear crop tops that bared her perfectly flat stomach. But leaving the band to pursue a solo career also meant quitting the physically taxing routine she rigorously followed. Before long, she was piling on the pounds—rapidly.

“People were like, ‘What the hell happened to Radha? She got so fat! It was very harsh,” Radha recalled. “And for quite some time, I did not want to acknowledge or admit that I was that person.”

Frenchie Dy has been fat for as long as she could remember—“even as a fetus,” she jested. Being mocked was part of growing up. “I have never experienced being thin,” Frenchie said with a cackle. “I eventually got used to the bullying, but it doesn’t mean that I no longer get hurt.”

Tomorrow night at The Theatre at Solaire, these three gifted artists will headline a one-night concert, titled “The Big, Big Show” (call 891-9999). They insisted that the show be called that way as a statement of sorts. Yes, they are big, but so what? So are their voices and talents.

Excerpts from the Inquirer’s conversations with Bituin, Radha and Frenchie:

What’s your experience with body-shaming?

Bituin Escalante: It’s automatic when you are big. Body-shaming is not OK; I do not let people get away with it, especially if I personally know them. We have to call them out. We have to change people’s attitude about it. I am confident with what I have. Our appearance should not define us.

Radha Cuadrado: People would see me and they would be like, “Radha, para ka nang aparador! I became reclusive for a while, because I didn’t want people to see me like that. I went through a lot emotionally.

I always knew that it isn’t about the looks, but the personality and talent. But your physical appearance can shape those things. As a result, I developed a self-deprecating humor.

All these things made me grow better as a person. I do not look at other people with judgment, because I don’t want to be judged, too. I am at a time in my life where I know myself more. Yes, I am fat. Next! What else can you say about me?

Some people would say that they are simply concerned about your health.

BE: I feel great, but yes, I have a weight issue. And I know it could take a toll on my joints, among other things. If you want me to be healthy, then thank you. If that is the case, why would I take it the wrong way? But if it is for the sake of teasing me, it makes me wonder, “Is it really about me or you?”

When did you start being comfortable in your own skin?

RC: Actually, I’m more comfortable now, compared to when I was thin. I had more insecurities then: The slightest flaw in my hair and makeup would have me all anxious.

Frenchie Dy: When I first had a boyfriend, back in high school! Quite a number of boys were courting me kahit malaki ang lola niyo, so I thought, “I’m beautiful!” Dedma na sa sasabihin ng iba.

Has your weight ever been a hindrance to your career?

RC: Yes. They would not tell it to your face, of course, but you will find out eventually from other people. You will get told that you were supposed to get this gig, but the client did not want someone fat. The worst part is that I would agree. We belong to an industry that is very visual. They will tell you over and over again that your career is stagnating, because you are fat. And that is depressing.

BE: I have heard that my name has been, on some instances, shot down by clients during pitches, because they wanted someone sexy. I would imagine that if I looked like, say, Anne Curtis, I would book more shows.

FD: I used to be a vocalist for a band called Overload. There was a time when we did not make it through an audition for a bar gig dahil majubis ako. What we did was we added another female vocalist who was sexy!

It helps to have a good support system.

BE: I could lose a leg the next day and I’d still feel beautiful, because I have people who love me.

FD: Having family and friends who accept and love you means a lot. In turn, I learned to love myself. I am a good person, I am talented—this is me.

Let us talk about performing with each other.

BE: We know each other so well. We’re friends, but we sound different from one another.

FD: We just look at each other and we already know what to do. Pusuan lang.

RC: We let each other shine. You would see in our blending and group numbers that we’re team players—walang sapawan. We are concerned about the final product, not individual showboating. We sing with our hearts, and we believe we have a certain magic.

What about the show repertoire?

BE: We care about the content. You will not hear the latest hits; the show will be unpredictable. You will get the stories we want to tell, through our music. Some songs may not be popular, but we will insist on those. You will see us vulnerable—and you’ll see what is inside of us.