Interview by Manny N. de los Reyes
You may know her as a poster girl of men's magazines and as a familiar face (and figure) in TV shows and films. But for 20-year-old Juliana Palermo, she would rather be known as a simple girl who is strong yet sensitive and who wants to live life to the fullest - with no regrets. And if you're questioning her techie cred, be informed that she's into electronics and will readily tear inside her PC to fix a fault or do upgrades. She's also into photography and can wield a mean digital camera. Oh, and she drives fast, too!
July, as her friends and family call her (it's also her birthmonth), had spent her pre-teen and early teenage years in the States, only coming back to the Philippines when she was 16. And she has stayed here ever since. She comes third in a brood of five, has her own flat in QC, and is now ready to share her life with all you eager SPEED readers out there?
So, what have you been up to lately?
I just finished shooting a film. I've also been doing guestings in shows and events.
Which personal tech toys would you consider indispensable?
I'm a cell phone addict so I always have to have the newest phones out there. I've relied on my (Sony Ericsson) P910i for the longest time. I also have an O2 XDA II. But I recently got a K750i. I also have an iPod, a digicam, and a portable DVD. Oh and I never leave home without my lip balm! (laughs)
So what type of movies will we find playing on your portable DVD player?
I love comedies. No love stories, though, as I get distracted too much. Hehe. I'm also not too much into action.
TV or Web-surfing?
Definitely web-surfing. I'm online a lot. When I'm in front of my PC, I just listen to music, surf, and check email.
Do you have a personal website?
No. I'm too lazy to set up one. (laughs)
But when you do catch TV, what do you watch?
I take in Oprah?. 24?. But I'd really rather watch movies. I'm really not a TV person - even if I have a satellite dish.
What are your favorite websites?
Yahoo, Myspace, Friendster, Google. I just love Google!
Do you have nutty fans?
I had a stalker once who wrote me 7 or 8 pages of letters. I recently saw him at the film fest. I also get weirdo text messages from people who manage to get my cell phone number. I've had to change my number so many times!
Maybe that guy should take up writing. Do you have a boyfriend?
No. not for two years. I've only had one boyfriend before. I'm very picky with guys. I am dating now, so I'm not exactly lonely. Hehe. But he's not from showbiz.
So what do you look for in a guy?
Attitude-wise, he should be the typical mabait, sweet, responsible. And he should have clean nails and clean shoes - I hate dirty nails and shoes! He also has to be taller than me. I prefer Filipinos. I've never been attracted to a foreigner. Love your own! (laughs)
Do you drive?
I love driving. I hate having to go with my driver. I drive fast. They call me kaskasera.
Cool! So what car do you drive?
I drive a charcoal gray Honda Jazz with a body kit and big mags. It looks racy and is heavily tinted. Guys race me not knowing a girl is driving. Pinapatulan ko naman! (laughs)
