Beauty by the numbers
Nicole Tuazon finds right equation for a perfect work-life balance
By Deneb Batucan
ONE look at Nicole Tuazon and anyone can tell she’s all about beauty and brains. Yet there’s even more to her than what’s evident in her facade and the way she speaks and presents herself. There’s plenty of proof to that.
Nicole graduated cum laude with a degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering from the University of San Carlos. If that isn’t enough proof, she passed the ECE board exam, all the while slaying the 2012 Miss Mandaue pagaent, which she won with grace and excellence.
After her beauty pageant stint, lots of doors were opening for Nicole. At some point, choosing which path she would take got confusing. In the end, she chose her engineering career. The academe has always been a big part of her, even while growing up.
“Since I was young, I’ve always had this fascination in solving analytical problems and designing or creating things. My favorite subjects have always been math and physics. Being an engineer is technically a combination of all these interests,” she said.
Today, Nicole works full time for a Japanese company engaging in systems integration. On top of that, she goes to graduate school in USC-TC and has a regular hosting stint at ABS-CBN’s Kapamilya Mas Winner Ka (KMWK).
Juggling a lot of things at once could lead to a lot of stress for most people. But Nicole is not most people. She thrives in chaos and multitasking is her mastered skill.
Life-changer
Winning Ms. Mandaue definitely altered Nicole’s life in a drastic way. It has made her grow holistically — she gained more confidence in herself and wisdom from the many experiences brought about by the pageant. But most importantly, it led her to her much-loved hosting stint at KMWK, which is now celebrating its eighth year on air.
Hosting for Nicole is not just a part-time job, but a way to reach out and help underprivileged communities. “The people who are inspired by our show keep me motivated each day. Some kids would say they will do well with their studies to be like me, which is one thing that affirms and gives light to our burning desire to continue to serve others through the show,” she shared.
For Nicole, the most heartwarming thing that could happen to her is when people thank her, even for the little kindness she does for others. “For me, the best commendation boils down to appreciation, not by what I have, but by what I do. I believe I was made to serve others, and when I see that I make people happy and that I am able to help, it makes me the happiest,” she said.
No limits
Sundays, which is when they tape the TV show, is a fun, busy and fulfilling day for Nicole. She loves serving the people through the show and sharing her talents and maximizing her skills and abilities when she steps in front of the crowd. “I get to inspire people to strive harder, to do better, and believe that there are no limits in doing the things that you want in life,” she quipped. “It’s rewarding.”
With all the things that keep Nicole busy, it’s important for her to keep a healthy work-life balance. “It is all just a matter of time management. In the course of working full time as an engineer, studying and hosting, I still get to hang out with friends, spend time with my family, go to church and attend special occasions. Setting priorities has become part of my lifestyle and it has gotten me through all this time-juggling habit,” she said.
Yet just like everyone else, Nicole gets stressed out, too. When this happens, she finds retreat in her mother’s arms and goes back to the Lord. “Prayer has always been my biggest weapon, my shield. Beyond all my strength and confidence is a God that is backing me up and keep me sturdy amidst all challenges,” she said.
Foresight
Nicole is a planner by heart, and she has always looked at life through the horizon, always thinking of ways and means to get to her goals. Nicole shares her plans for the next coming years. “Five to ten years from now, I’d be running my own business. I would most likely have my own place, start a family, and excel in my profession here in the Philippines, where I want to serve and grow old,” she said.
Nicole is the epitome of a woman who possesses both beauty and brains. But most importantly, she has heart. Her big heart is what drives her to stretch her capabilities and share them to other people. Her heart keeps her pumping and grinding through the many aspects in her life. And it’s her heart that leads her to serve, be it for her family, friends and community. It’s Nicole’s heart that literally and figuratively keeps her moving forward towards the fulfillment of her dreams.
Photos: Alfred Gregory E. Bartolome
Make-up Artist: Carlo Damolo
Hair Stylist: Jerwin Bastatas
Locale: Avalon Condominium
