BORDERLESS

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BY RHODA GARZON CAMPILLAN
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#Very Neri

I HAVE been using Instagram for quite some time now. I must admit I utilize Instagram because I want to find out how celebrities live their lives. I am interested to know what types of clothes and shoes they wear and what events they attend. I also appreciate photos that depict happy memories with their families, friends and love ones.
One particular celebrity that I love to follow is Neri Naig-Miranda. Neri started as a contestant in a local network artista search. She was not the winner but she was tapped to play different roles in various shows of the network. She attracted unwanted attention when her then boyfriend and now husband Chito Miranda’s sex video went viral. She hibernated for a while, away from the limelight.
Eventually, she surprised everyone when she and Parokya ni Edgar front man, Alfonso “Chito” Miranda, tied the knot. After her marriage to Chito, I became interested in the life of Neri; one thing, I am a fan of Parokya for the longest time. I watched their concerts way back when I was in college. I am a fan of Chito first before I became fond of Neri. After that, I followed her in Instagram and checked her account religiously (sounds like a stalker) but seriously, I enjoy viewing her photos and her posts. I even follow her blog.
Neri is best personified in her Instagram account. It highlights her business interests, the food she cooks, the clothes she wears and even how she beautifies her cottage. Her account also shows how she is as a wife to Chito and how she manages their household in Tagaytay.
On her business interests, she involves women and makes them her resellers. Her most popular business is Neri’s Gourmet Tuyo. She teaches women how to invest their income in business. The capital is not too expensive, just enough for the average income of a wife or mother. Her account shows she is not contended in just one business venture. She explores other business opportunities such as selling pillowcases, comforters and bed covers. Even if she is pregnant and about to give birth this month, she is not idle. She enjoys doing her business and helping women achieve their dreams.
On the food she cooks and bakes, she shares recipes to her followers. The kinds of food she likes are simple. She prepares lutong bahay and shares how much she spends in marketing. She bakes cakes and other goodies, too. Her husband and their household staff are her loyal critics. They tell her if they find the food delicious or not. Chito would also sometimes post in his account, eating the creations of his wife. Neri wants to improve her talent, so she enrolled herself in a cooking school. Chito is vocal that he is proud of his wife for being innovative and creative.
I admire Neri for admitting that she likes and shops for ukay clothes. Celebrities can afford to buy brand new and signature clothes but here comes a personality admitting that she frequents ukay stores to buy clothes. I find her more “human” for admitting this diversion. Who among the local celebrities are brave enough to admit that he or she wears ukay? Only Neri.
On my end, I also enjoy cheap finds and I purchase ukay clothes, too. I can very well relate to her.
Neri also loves the simple life. She purchased a cottage near her Tagaytay home. She decorated her small house so that people can use this also in the future. Her cottage is surrounded with fruit trees and green grass. This reminds me of the laid-back life in the province. It is relaxing, airy and spells good life.
Recently, her baby shower was held in the cottage; visitors of the baby shower sat on the floor, ate “pica-pica” and enjoyed the celebration. Neri just got what she wanted – a simple yet happy celebration with her closest friends.
Come to think of it, it is such an ideal life – picture perfect. However, Neri does not fill her account with entire collections of positive events only; she is also honest to admit if she and Chito have arguments. Their life is not entirely picture perfect. I like the unpretentious aura of Neri because oftentimes, we filter what we post online; we only show the glossy part and not the gloomy aspects of our lives. Now here comes a star who shares her life truthfully, as it is. Her being true to herself is not irritating. She is not faking reality. She just states what really is real – no sugar coating – just plain truth.
Numerous of Neri’s followers comment about her photos…how inspired they are of her life. Neri is not perfect and she has her own share of mistakes. She is human like us and it makes me look at my life, too. Am I responsible in my social media posts? Am I making a difference in the lives of others in my own little way? Am I radiating optimism and positivity?
I am not a celebrity I know but I have the power to inspire; I have the responsibility to spread good vibes.
Indeed, with great power comes great responsibility. The challenge is for us to #stop the hate online instead let us all breathe positivity — like Neri./PN
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