Diane Chua: Zone V Camera Club’s Newly Inducted Member
Please tell us about yourself: your family, your work, your hobbies and other interests.
I’m a mom of 2 boys and 2 dogs. I run the local office of Tribal Worldwide Philippines, a global digital agency network as their Managing Director. I’m an advocate for stopping violence against women and children and against child malnutrition and child-stunting.
My hobby is trying out new food and experiences. In my spare time, my kids and I love going to the beach and watching animation series and films. We also go wall-climbing, enjoy eating steak, and practicing Arnis, a Filipino martial art.
Share with us some thoughts on your ZVCC Probee experience.
It was a humbling experience to be among the best and to learn from everyone. I liked the excitement of not knowing what the judges would say and I looked forward to listening to feedback and applying it to do better.
The best part of being a probee was being with the other probees and the Board— everyone was so kind, helpful, and generous with their talent; and funny, too! ZVCC elder members gave me a glimpse of what I hope to be when I grow up: curious, adventurous, energetic, passionate, compassionate, humble and fun. It felt like finding kindred spirits.
What type of movies and music do you enjoy?
As someone in the creative industry, I enjoy all kinds of stories, songs and movies. But a not so well-known fact about me is that I love animation… and I’m so glad I have my boys to watch them with. It’s not something most adults enjoy, but I’m at awe at the artistry, creativity and imagination of the creators each time I watch… their ability to create worlds and stories out of nothing is a wondrous feat and a delight to the eyes.
If you were given a chance to spend one day with a famous personality (living or dead), who would that person be and why?
Lucy Liu. She embodies love undefined. She breaks glass ceilings, is a UNICEF advocate against women and child trafficking, is an artist and a solo mom. She said “I was fine, but just fine is not enough.” She’s effortlessly excellent at whatever she chooses to do and just goes for it. She’s someone I’ve looked up to since I was young.
What is your favorite thing about yourself?
I like that I’m not afraid to fail… to fail is just a “First Attempt In Learning”.
What is the most memorable lesson you learned from your parents?
My mom said that love is never wasted. Anything we do out of love is worth it. And my father always believed in our capacity to learn and grow… he would tell us “kung hindi mo alam, eh di alamin mo.” He also told us that “hindi araw-araw Pasko, hindi araw-araw semana santa… lilipas din ito.” It means accepting life’s ups and downs and knowing you will get through it no matter what… to just keep our chin up and keep going.
What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishment so far?
Always my 2 boys, having raised them as a single mom and seeing them thrive and grow into loving humans with a joy for learning.
What’s the most daring thing you’ve ever done?
I like buwis-buhay activities but have tempered a lot since becoming a parent. I’ve gone sky-diving, paragliding, bungee jumping, rappelling, etc. I love free falls. I’ll try anything (within safe parameters) once.
