Ria Atayde has become the unofficial poster girl for body positivity, thanks to her openness about the issue and strong stand on the subject.
Body positivity is the acceptance of all bodies regardless of shape, size, gender, and skin tone.
It focuses more on overall health rather than outward appearance, and shatters stereotypes about what is perceived as physically attractive.
Ria got her message across with aplomb when she posed for this year's calendar of a popular whisky brand.
The experience was empowering and a step in the right direction for the movement Ria is supporting.
“When the calendar was released, there were negative comments, but there are people who would reach out and say, ‘Thank you, you embraced your body and it taught me to embrace mine, too,'" Ria recalled at the press conference announcing Star Magic's roster of exciting events this May.
Ria hosted the Hot Summer LaHot Sexy Bikini Ball happening on May 4, 2023.
READ Kapamilya stars flex body positivity in coolest fashion at Hot Summer LaHot Sexy Bikini Ball
WEIGHT LOSS STRUGGLES
Like everyone, it took time for Ria to feel comfortable with her own body.
It didn't help that Ria is in an industry that is very particular with looks and has certain notions on what comes across as attractive and not.
“Given how society is and how our industry works, it can be ruthless when it comes to physical attributes," she mentioned.
"And what I always tell people is, at the end of the day, it should be the opinions of people that matter to you which should matter."
Shedding pounds is no easy task for Ria because of health reasons, something that she has to live with for the rest of her life.
She said defiantly, “I have hypothyroidism. I have no gallbladder. Losing weight is a lot harder for me than it is for other people.
"So, go ahead. Call me fat. Anong magagawa ninyo? I’m sick with stuff I can’t fix. So, sino ka diyan?"
According to clevelandclinic. org. "Hypothyroidism is a common condition where the thyroid doesn't create and release enough thyroid hormone into your bloodstream. This makes your metabolism slow down.
"Also called underactive thyroid, hypothyroidism can make you feel tired, gain weight and be unable to tolerate cold temperatures."
READ Miles Ocampo on life-threatening thyroid problem: "Meron pa akong last procedure na gagawin."
EMBRACING ONE'S SELF AND FLAWS
Ria revealed having conversations with fellow celebrities about their own struggles with their body, and the pressure of having to live up to people's expectations of what's beautiful and not.
That's why Ria is thankful to Star Magic for coming up with an event that promotes and celebrates body positivity.
Reily Santiago, business unit head for Star Magic, mentioned that Star Magic artists were encouraged to grace Hot Summer LaHot Sexy Bikini Ball in any attire they feel happy and comfortable wearing, and not feel pressured to don trunks and bikinis.
Ria said, “For me, sexy has always been about being confident and comfortable in your own skin.
"Being able to embrace it and celebrate it because and in spite of its flaws.
"And I think after the calendar, I can celebrate it even more. It didn’t change it, it made it even more real to me."