Filipino Millennial Beauty

Filipinos have a significant presence in Canada, with a large nationwide community. Filipinos are one of the fastest-growing immigrant groups in Canada. They contribute to the country’s cultural diversity and economic growth.

Filipinos in Canada are dispersed throughout the country, but they have significant concentrations in urban centers such as Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary, among others. These cities offer employment opportunities and established Filipino communities that provide support to newcomers.

Many Filipinos in Canada work in various sectors, including healthcare, education, hospitality, and caregiving. Many Filipino immigrants are employed as caregivers under the Live-In Caregiver Program, which allows them to gain permanent residency after fulfilling certain requirements.

Filipinos contribute to Canada’s cultural landscape through their vibrant traditions, cuisine, music, and festivals. They actively participate in community events and celebrations, promoting Filipino culture and fostering multiculturalism.

Christal was born and raised in Toronto and is of Filipino descent. She talks about her love for Mexican wrestling and beauty contests.

Christal welcome to my series on Millennials. Tell me a little about you.

My name is Christal. The best way to describe me is that the best things come in small packages! I am 23 years young, born and raised in Toronto, and of Filipino descent. I’m passionate about health and beauty.  I am a nurse and a lash artist. I love animals. I am a dog mama of two. Music has always been the fruit of my soul ever since I was a child and lastly, Lucha Libre brings me life!

Talk to me about your experience of winning the beauty pageant here in Canada and your trip to India.

I never thought I’d be able to participate in a beauty pageant in my life, so winning Mrs. Empress Universe Canada was an honor out of the many who competed in Canada. Visiting India at the international grand finale for a week, with the other contestants around the world was a great learning experience. I was excited to explore a new country and connect with all the beautiful souls globally, now I have many sisters in various countries! The week was a roller coaster, but I took so much knowledge back to guide me if I ever decide to pursue this again in the future.

Share your passion for nursing and your business.

Currently, I work full-time at a medical cannabis clinic in Toronto. By nature, I love helping others and I want to break the stigma against the use of cannabis. It has incredible benefits for people who continue to suffer, even after having tried almost everything including traditional and alternative medicine. Whichever field of nursing I am in (previously I was in pediatrics and cosmetic dermatology), I am dedicated to my patient care and no doubt will advocate for them.

On the side, I am a lash artist offering beauty services including classic eyelash extensions and eyelash lifts and tints. I mainly do this for friends and family, as I have a hectic schedule but I would love to do it more often. What got me into this was getting extensions done on myself years ago and I decided to pursue it. I love beauty in general and how it can enhance one’s self-confidence. I also do make-up for fun. I am now enjoying experimenting with looks and colors on myself. Hopefully, I can go to makeup school in the near future and get a certificate for it.

What do you like about the present world?

I like that the present world is starting to open their eyes and become more acceptable and inclusive. For example, in regards to gay marriage, cannabis legalization, animal rights, skin color, gender roles, etc. Some of these issues were never spoken about or shunned if you were “different”. Today, views in society have changed. We are starting to speak up for ourselves, finding equity among each other. We are reaching out with open arms slowly and though the entire world isn’t on board, we are slowly making progress and that’s what really matters.

What should we know about Millennials?

There’s always something the new generation nowadays is following that Millennials made popular whether it is the latest fashion trend, the most creative food invention, the next vacation spot, or the newest music. Millennials are trendsetters. But most importantly, Millennials are goal diggers. We lead ourselves towards paths never thought imaginable by our own parents. We are the ones capable of making a significant change for the world’s tomorrow.

Talk to me about married life and the ups and downs haha?

I think that married life for me feels the same as my relationship was from the beginning. My husband and I were already living together before marriage. Now, we just have a legal title and I finally have a Spanish last name! The biggest positive is knowing that someone else (other than your family) loves and cares for you unconditionally, and that “home” is not defined by a house but rather a person; my husband. The downside for us is probably finance. But I think money is always an issue for people unless you are rich and living a lavish lifestyle. Either way, we are working on it and trying to save more for our future! Money can’t buy happiness.

How did you become so interested in Lucha Libre?

It all started when my husband introduced me to a show that used to be on Netflix called “Lucha Underground”. I used to really love wrestling as a child growing up so I thought, why not? I forgot how much I enjoyed wrestling and found a new style I am in love with which is Lucha Libre! Personally, I’ve met a few luchadores from Mexico and we keep in touch here and there they’re not only great fighters but great people too. The best thing is going to live Lucha Libre events in Toronto. The most memorable events I attended were hosted by Demand Lucha–everything was so up close and personal! I really want to go to Mexico City and see what it’s like over there… Viva la Lucha Libre!

What does WCW, MCM ICYMI Yaaas catfish mean in millennial speak?

Honestly, these acronyms make me laugh but shake my head. It reminds me of a bunch of “new school” talk which I am guilty of using sometimes, especially yaaassss!!! And my husband? He’s my “MCE” or man-crush every day! Oh, and catfish isn’t just a fish that you can eat!

How do you balance faith, finance, food, and fame in your life?

Sometimes in life, it’s hard to find a balance between finance, food, and fame because one can outweigh the other, but as long as you have faith and trust in the Lord, then everything will come along in time as God knows His plans for us.

Name some good Filipino restaurants in Toronto.

Hands down, the best cooking comes from my mother-in-law so if you want mouth-watering Filipino food then you are more than welcome to come over for dinner! But, if I were to tell you about a good Filipino restaurant, it would have to be “Tinuno” (pretty much meaning to cook over a fire or grill) near Sherbourne & Bloor, in Toronto. They have some great food to offer with their Boodle Fight option–where food is placed in the center of a banana leaf and eaten using your hands with a group of people. You should check them out for a delicious and authentic experience.

What is your favorite quote?

I love Bible passages but one quote I live by (and got tattooed) is “Cero Miedo” which translates to “Zero-Fear” in Spanish. It’s one of my favorite luchadores, Pentagon Jr’s slogan in the ring. I believe that the best things in life come when we step out of our comfort zone. Life may not always be in our favor, but once we let fear overcome our thoughts, we create “what ifs” instead of learning from our experiences. True warriors are afraid of nothing and embrace their fears to make themselves better people.