A Celebration of Pinay Pride: Christina Nadin
*Christina Nadin is a Filipina-British model based in Los Angeles who has worked for brands such as Louis Vuitton, Kenzo, Kith, and Off-White to name a few*
All definitions for italicized Tagalog words within the article can be found in the Tagalog Key at the end.
(Christina)
The Filipino diaspora stretches far and wide - with Filipinos found in over 200 countries. This globalization has seen many possessing multi-cultural positionalities - a direct result of the influence of multiple cultures experienced growing up. Christina Nadin would fit into this category. Born in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia, to a Filipina mother and Irish British father, Christina grew up in the UK, with yearly summer visits to her mother’s province in Bicol, Philippines. This constant and consistent presence of Filipino culture left an early imprint on Christina allowing her to view the world from a different perspective.
Prior to her start in modelling, Christina vividly recalls the influence Philippine culture had on her childhood. She would take part in numerous Filipino traditions such as fiestas, birthday gathering’s featuring pancit or spaghetti, and of course karaoke. From a young age she has always displayed a strong sense of pride regarding her heritage and would follow the careers of famous Filipina actresses and musicians that she looked up to.
According to Christina, “Growing up there [the UK] it was nice to look up to people who came from a similar heritage to you.” This would take the form of admiring Filipino celebrities in western media such as Nicole Sherzinger, Enrique Inglesias and apl.de.ap. She also recalls being exposed to Tagalog and Bicolano in her household as she was constantly asked “Na saan si mama mo?” and “Ano ang pangalan mo”. Despite not being fluent in Tagalog it’s a skill that she hopes to hone in the future.
(Christina in the Philippines)
William: “What were your parents' opinions on you wanting to pursue modeLling?”
Christina (C): “My parents were definitely skeptical in the beginning, as it is such a competitive industry and they wanted to protect me. My parents encouraged me to focus on my studies as much as possible as a backup plan.”
In the midst of her A-Levels, Christina remembers being unsure of what she wanted to do with her future. She was unaware of what it was that she enjoyed and coupled with the fact her friends were all starting university, Christina felt more unsure of her life trajectory. Modelling was never a potential career path that Christina had considered. After first being approached by a model scout when she was with friends at a Westfield Mall in London, she initially was unsure if this was a career path she wanted, after further discussions with the modeling agency and obtaining advice from a friend in the industry, she decided it was an exciting opportunity and signed with the agency.
At 17, Christina would travel to London from her hometown of Aylesbury to do castings. Soon her work started to take off and she recalls that one of the first times she felt some notion of success was when she was flown to America for the first time to shoot with American Eagle. To this day, it remains one of her favorite shoots as it was an eye-opening experience, being able to adventure in a culture previously unknown to her with a great group of models and creatives around her. This trip would only serve as the beginning of Christina’s relationship with the US as she would go on to move there, currently residing in Los Angeles.
Naturally, as many Filipino children or children of immigrant parents know, an unorthodox and unfamiliar career path such as modelling can cause apprehension. Christina’s parents were no different. “After a few months going to castings and doing test shoots, I remember my Dad telling me that I had one month to make it work and that I needed to think about other careers I would be interested in moving into.” Luckily for Christina, the success she accumulated over the years has changed her parents’ opinion on her career. They are openly extremely proud of their daughter constantly demanding she take photos next to any campaigns she is in, usually on billboards and within shopping malls, to share with others.
(Christina in the Philippines posing in front of a billboard that she is featured on)
C: “After years of modelling and creating content on social media, I appreciate the opportunities and voice this career has given me. I have started to think about the future and how I can develop my career to focus on causes I am passionate about. I would love to be involved in a project that in some way gives back to the Philippines, whether it is raising awareness about the beauty of the culture or working closely with local charities to make a difference.
Through her many experiences in the industry, Christina was also able to shed some light on the current landscape of modeling. “It has changed a lot in a good way, it is getting much more diverse.” She notes that the modelling industry is competitive and that there will be moments of rejection but urges that you persevere and continue to go to castings not taking any setbacks personally. Along with this, she also spoke about the platform she has built for herself online and the responsibilities that come with it. Social media is known to act as a highlight reel for one's life and even Christina is not immune to feeling compelled to compare herself to others and their movie-like feeds. “I was fortunate to grow up not having social media as a child/teenager. I would go out with friends, play out in the countryside until dark and come home and have dinner. There are many more social pressures today and I think it is important to share that real life isn’t just the pictures you see on Instagram.”.
Christina’s self-awareness has allowed her to stay grounded in an industry where getting caught up with the idealized lifestyle can be detrimental to her wellbeing. This self-awareness was evident when she admitted that she would like to be more vocal about social causes and issues she cares about. She notes that a moment where she felt driven to voice her thoughts online was after the recent Typhoon Rai that devastated the Philippines in December 2021. Among the places hit, the island of Siargao was heavily affected, a place Christina frequently visits and has a strong connection towards. This awakening hit harder as, although not physically, the Philippines is where her heart is.
(Christina for Kith Women Spring 2022)
C: “I really appreciate my mom for bringing me up with strong morals and always encouraging me to respect my elders through blessing elder relatives or referring to my Brother and Sister as Kuya and Ate. That family bond has always been so important to me. My mom is the most kind giving person and would do anything for anyone which I feel is a very Filipino trait.”
For Christina, being Pinay has instilled many traits that she is grateful for. Traits such as an unwavering gratefulness and appreciation for what she has, as well as an unconditional ability to give. Seeing her mother use padala to send money back home engrained the value of taking care of one’s family. “My mom’s family lives on one road and although they don’t have a lot they always have a smile on their face and are so welcoming.”.
We also spoke on the spiritual/ superstitious nature of Filipinos laughing as we exchanged anecdotes regarding our relatives and the unrestrained lengths they would go to keep us safe from the White Lady and other forms of mumo. Christina recalls times when she would leave home and once settled at her destination, opened her maleta to find rosaries packed inside by her Mother to protect her whilst she was away. Inevitably, when her mother would travel to see Christina she would always have holy water by her side. Christina has even taught her current boyfriend to renounce any spirits they might encounter when travelling by teaching him to say “tabi tabi po”.
(Christina in the Philippines)
C: “I remember doing a campaign for Sunnies Face and remember being so happy…I was just so happy to be in a campaign in the Philippines, a place where my Lola could see it.”
It is clear an inherent Pinoy pride resides in Christina, a pride that has started to actualize itself through a desire to get more involved in providing for the culture that has raised her. When asked if she saw herself modeling in ten years, she noted that she would like to still continue an element of modelling in her career but hopes to diversify into other projects. She plans to start projects with the hope of providing opportunities and representation for those currently in the Philippines.
Christina plans to return home to the Philippines this year and start on these projects if COVID permits. Whatever awaits, be sure to keep up with her and her future ventures through her Instagram: @christinanadin
Tagalog Key:
“Na saan si mama mo?” - Translates to “where is your mother?”
OFW - An Overseas Filipino Worker
Padala - A service offered by Philippine banks to send money quickly within and outside the Philippines
San Mig - Shortened for San Miguel, one of the leading beer brands in the PhilippinesSan Mig - Shortened for San Miguel, one of the leading beer brands in the Philippines
PBA - An abbreviation for the Philippine Basketball Association
Mumo - Tagalog for ghosts
Maleta - Tagalog for suitcase
“Tabi tabi po” - A Tagalog phrase to let spirits know you are entering their space. Translates to “excuse me/ may I pass?”
Chismis - Tagalog for gossip. Derived from the Tagalog word tsismoso which means gossiper.
Taba parts - Taglish (a dialect that incorporates both English and Tagalog) for your “fatty” parts
Balikbayan box - A large cardboard box shipped either to the Philippines or by a Filipino overseas. Often contains goods such as presents and other necessities for the sender's family.
OPM - Original Philippine Music (A genre that encompasses all music made by Filipinos or made in the Philippines)