A camera, BTS pillow and jiu-jitsu robe

Shaira Diaz and her BT 21 pillow

Beauty queen and actress Michelle Dee has a lot on her plate right now. She recently tossed her hat in the ring and is once again one of the contestants for this year’s Miss Universe Philippines pageant. Michelle was crowned Miss World Philippines 2019, and competed in the international pageant held that year in London, where she finished as a Top 12 finalist.

The Sparkle talent is one of the stars in the series “Mga Lihim ni Urduja” and will now have to juggle taping and pageant schedules as she is determined to clinch the crown and represent the country at the Miss Universe finals. We asked her what her favorite thing is and she chose her camera.

“Photography has been a childhood passion of mine… being creative. Hindi nawala ang camera sa akin. I make sure I have something to document my memories. Sobrang hilig ko talaga sa creative process,” Michelle said.

Luis Hontiveros wearing his gi robe

Her first camera came from her father Derek Dee who was a producer and director, and credits him for her interest in the craft. “Malaki din ang pasasalamat ko sa kanya since he gave me the opportunity to explore my creative side.” Since then, all the cameras she’s owned she bought for herself.

‘Can’t sleep without it’

Michelle said she could immediately identify her camera in a heap of other cameras because she’s given it her own personal touch. “I always have it with me or near me.”

For actress Shaira Diaz whose movie “Without You” is currently in theaters, the one thing she can’t be without is her pillow. The oversized Cookie pillow is one of the characters of BT 21, the cartoon counterpart of Korean pop group BTS. “Jungkook is my bias. The pillow is very comfortable. I can’t sleep without it.”

Shaira said it was a gift by a fellow Army who owns OT7, a BTS-inspired café and store in Pampanga. “Army members support each other, so when she saw me at the café, she gave it to me. I was really surprised because I know it was expensive. Now, even if it takes up a huge space in my bed, I love my pillow. Mahimbing ang tulog ko ’pag katabi ko sya.”

Michelle Dee and her camera

Model and Sparkle talent Luis Hontiveros chose his gi as his favorite thing. He uses the kimono-like robe for Brazilian jiu-jitsu, a martial arts he practices. “It keeps me physically and mentally fit. It’s special to me because it’s brought me to a state of mind where I feel safe and confident. I’ve also made a lot of friends while practicing jiu-jitsu,” Luis said.

He spotted his first gi on a friend who told him about this type of martial arts, and who brought him to his first trial class. “I bought the gi for myself as a gift. It’s blue with red detailing and a cobra head logo. I sometimes bring it with me when I travel, and I know there’s a dojo where I can train in the area.” INQ