How this Pinay Juggles Life as Supermodel and ER Nurse
PALM SPRINGS, California – A Filipina who is a nurse by day and a supermodel by night shared how she balances life on the runway and in the emergency room.
Tutay Maristela is not just a runway supermodel, but also role model for anyone who wishes to be all that they can be.
“Nagsimula akong mag-model noon sumali ako sa Supermodel of the World-Philippines, kina Audie and Joey Espino,” she said.
The Pinay started walking the runway in 1999 and became a sought-after model in Singapore, Malaysia, Switzerland and many other countries.
When she moved to America eight years ago, Maristela took on another challenge by becoming an ER nurse.
“Second course ko yung nursing. Nag-graduate ako sa UP, ang first course ko, nag-graduate ako, gusto ko sana law. Parehong magulang ko nagtapos ng abogasya pero di ko naman na-pursue,” she explained.
Maristela now works 12 hours a day, three days a week, in the emergency room of a hospital in San Diego where she lives.
“Mahirap yung ER nurse. Ibang-iba ang kultura dito sa fashion kumpara sa healthcare. Ang pinakamahirap sa trabaho ng pagiging nurse yung mag-deteriorate yung isang pasyente mo na wala kang magagawa,” she said.
As a nurse, Maristela is able to save lives while making a good living. But modeling will always be something she’s also passionate about.
Fil-Am designer Oliver Tolentino said the model is her muse. Maristela is always the star in Oliver’s biggest shows as she wows the crowd with her trademark dramatic flair on the runway.
Maristela has also modeled for brands like Prada, Bloomingdale’s, Neiman Marcus and many others.
She said she enjoys her double life.
“Meron akong mga katrabaho na Pilipino, ‘Oy, napanood kita.’ Kahit na dating-dati pa na lumabas ako sa Sharon Cuneta Show. Very fortunate ako na-e-experience ko yung iba’t-ibang kultura ng mga trabaho,” she said.
She added to be all that you can be, you must always learn something new in life.
“Dapat hindi matigil ang learning ng isang tao,” she said.