Phoemela Baranda known to many as a Filipina model, TV host and actress was born October 1, 1980. She has been a previous officer and a member of the Professional Models Association of the Philippines (PMAP) and had various appearances as cover models on magazines and other advertising campaigns. Pheomela had hosted a Philippine reality show “Extra extra,” starred in five Filipino films and four TV series. She had also joined in “Fear Factor,” Philippine version as a contender. Currently, she is an entertainment host in ABS-CBN “TV Patrol.”
Phoemela Baranda began her modeling career at a young age of 13, representing a clothing Brand “Pink Soda.” Her first commercial appearance was in a facial product “Extraderm.” After that, she had several modeling stints in print and mainstream media advertising campaigns. She also graced the covers of Uno, Cosmopolitan, Seventeen, T3, Mega magazine, Preview, Mari Claire and Maxim magazines.
In the TV series entitled “Pangako Sa Yo,” she played a bit part which was then followed by “Cool Dudes,” a comedy film along with Carlo Agassi which gave her the opportunity to display her talent skills as an actress in 2001. She was offered to appear in “Narito Ang Puso Ko,” a GMA TV series in which she portrayed the role of Esmeralda. Phoemela first tried her luck in a hosting stint when she auditioned to replace Miriam Quiambao in a reality show “Extra Challenge,” in 2003. It was in the showbiz entertainment show “The Buzz,” that gave her a chance to also anchor in the showbiz segment in the ABS-CBN “TV Patrol.”
Phoemela Baranda had earned her bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary studies at De La Salle-College of St. Benilde in the year 2001. A very active career and physical woman, she enjoys playing badminton and squash among others, is always in a gym for her workouts, and engaged in Bikram yoga. Phoemela had joined several open tournaments in her hobbies which she also gained a place. Her colorful relationship with Ira Cruz, a lead guitarist of the disbanded “Bamboo” had been an on and off affair and they had finally ended the relationship officially.
Considered one of the Philippine’s sexiest women, she was in the 23rd place in the FHM Philippines Sexiest Women in the World in the year 2006 and in 2007 she was in the 79th place. Phoemela admits that she trusts Dra. Vicki Belo in her over all body and face cosmetic concerns to enhance and maintain her physical appearance. She has consistently endorsed the Medical Clinic and even acts as a host in the various special events by Dra. Belo.
Although she had dreams of discovering other fields, she is currently focused and concentrating on how she can perfect her hosting skills and eventually get recognition as the best among her contemporaries.
Today, Phoemela Baranda is happy with what she calls her achievements. She had successfully crossed every challenge in her hosting and modeling career. Yet, she still dreams to be the best host in Philippine media and entertainment.