Fifi Sharma has been admired not only for her skills on the volleyball court but also for her striking morena beauty.
However, like many Filipinos, her journey has not been without its challenges—particularly when it comes to self-acceptance.
On May 8, 2025, during the Watsons Summer Fun event at SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City, Fifi opened up about the insecurities she faced because of her skin color.
Growing up in a society where lighter skin is often idolized, Fifi admitted that she, too, struggled with the pressure to conform to conventional beauty standards.
The 24-year-old Akari Chargers player recalled, "Actually, at one point, yeah, because you know, us, being Filipinos, there's still colorism going around. It's still internalized.
"And I mean, it took a long time for me to break out of that shell and just accept my skin tone, who I am as a Filipina.
"So yeah, I mean, it has been a journey, but I'm very happy with where I am now."
FIFI SHARMA: EMBRACING HER MORENA SKIN
When asked about the pivotal moment that helped her embrace her tan skin, Fifi shared that it wasn’t just one event.
Instead, it was a gradual journey—everything slowly falling into place as she grew older and gained more confidence.
"I guess for me, it just all fell into place.
"Not just me being morena, but also my morals, my beliefs, my habits—everything fell into place.
"And I just collectively felt so much love for myself and acceptance for myself.
"And I also learned, you know, growing old na, you have to offer yourself a lot of compassion, and you spend a lot of time in your head, so make it a nice place to be."
Through her journey to self-acceptance, she learned a valuable lesson: to disregard others' opinions about her skin and to embrace it with pride.
This is also a piece of advice she wishes to share with fellow morenas.
In her words, "I'd say, just don't care. I think there's a lot of empowerment in that because you're given this beautiful gift of having morena skin.
"I've always loved tanning. I love being tan and I love flaunting my skin tone because it's what makes me a Filipina.
"And I get a lot of empowerment in that especially knowing that I have people messaging me saying that they love my morena skin, that 'you inspire me to be more confident in my skin tone.'
"I mean, I guess, overall, just be confident with what you have and to embrace yourself because, at the end of the day, that's the best part that you can have as a person."
FIFI SHARMA: SECRET TO PERFECT MORENA SKIN
Meanwhile, PEP inquired about Fifi's secret to achieving her glowing morena skin.
She said, "Kapag gusto niyo ma-achieve yung super pantay na tan, huwag kayong matakot pumunta sa araw. If you wanna tan, go tan."
But to achieve that smooth and even complexion, she has been using tanning oil and sunscreen to protect her skin.
"Okay, so, actually, this is my secret... what I do is I put tanning oil all over my body, tapos I use sunscreen, of course, kasi we can't get sunburned.
"And then just, I don't know, maybe it's a gift of mine, na pantay ako mag-tan.
"But yeah, I just make sure to use tanning oil and sunscreen before ako magbilad under the sun and that's it."
Looking for a tanning oil?
Try Beach Hut Tanning Dry Oil SPF4 for a sun-kissed glow! You can find it for PHP960 at Watsons' Official Store on both Lazada and Shopee.
For sunscreen recommendations, Fifi has tried the Round Lab Sunscreen, available for PHP501.92 on Lazada.
She also tried the Beauty of Joseon sunscreen, which she bought during her trip to South Korea last year. This sunscreen is available on Lazada and Shopee for PHP780.
If you're looking for other options, consider the Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Gel 90g 50 SPF, priced at PHP1,490 on both Shopee and Lazada.
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