"Pinay na ako!”

This is how proud Brazilian model-turned-TV personality Daiana Menezes has become about her life and career in the Philippines.

She attributed her falling in love with the Philippines to the frequent trips she took to the country for her modeling gigs two years ago. One of her wishes then was to stay longer and live in the country. Fortunately for her, her wish came true via “Eat Bulaga,” the Philippines’ longest running and No. 1 noontime variety show on television!

“I was asked by my manager if I wanted to attend one of their VTRs. Since I wanted to stay longer here. I didn’t mind if that would be my regular job. So I was lucky that they got me and I’ve been with ‘Eat Bulaga’ since November of 2007,” shared Daiana.

Through “Eat Bulaga,” Daiana surprised herself with talents she never knew she had – hosting, dancing and singing. Such discoveries enticed her even more to stay and hone her talents here.

“I love my work with ‘Eat Bulaga.’ It’s really nice to be working with them. It is all that I can ask for… I never knew I could host. It really just came along the way. Before, I don’t do anything especially singing,” she smiled. But even before “Eat Bulaga” what really drew Daiana to the Philippines was the people!

“Among the countries that I’ve been to I like the Philippines the most. So I promised myself I would go back and try to stay longer… kasi the people here are very nice and they are so warm. Unlike in some other countries di ba kung minsan hindi sila mabait sa ‘yo at wala silang care. Pero dito sobra-sobrang ganda ang treatment sa ‘yo,” she related.

She added that her mom, just by watching her on YouTube, also fell in love with the Philippines. One of her goals is to fly her to the Philippines soon. Unfortunately, her dad is always busy with their business in Brazil that she is asked to go back there to be with him.

After landing her hosting gig with “Eat Bulaga,” Daiana also appeared on TV5’s “Lipgloss” and people also watched her singing and dancing on “SOP” and hosting “Bitoy’s Funniest Videos.” She even did a cameo in “Dobol Trobol,” the box-office hit movie of Dolphy and Vic Sotto.

Her growing popularity as a TV personality also earned her endorsing jobs with Dermaline and Diana Stalder Professional Skin Care of which she recently renewed her contract.

“I feel very lucky and blessed. I’m glad that I’m trusted with such endorsements… all I can say is that after a year with them they are really becoming better and I always go to the clinic at least three times a week. I’m grateful that they still chose me,” she humbly expressed.

Dermaline insiders said that Daiana Menezes’ local and international appeal coincides with their vision of being recognized as a leader in the skin care and beauty industry.

Living in the limelight wasn’t Daiana’s life in Brazil. She was a model and was studying Fashion Business Design.

“I used to design shoes with my father. He has a business in Brazil, dealing with shoes and bags, and I used to work with him. Then I was offered to go to Thailand to be a model so nagkaroon ako ng mga commercials and that’s how I started,” she explained.

What could have added to Daiana’s interest to stay longer in the country is her rumored boyfriend, also from showbiz, Carlo Guevara.

“It’s my first time to open up for someone talaga. I’m happy… mabait siya sa akin and hindi siya bastos. Ibang lalaki kasi akala nila pwedeng gawan ng kahit ano kasi foreigner ako, Brazilian and liberated. But it’s not like that. Woman pa rin ako and importante ang respeto. And si Carlo sobrang respeto sa akin. That’s what I like about him,” Daiana blushed.

So what’s her career plan?

“I want to stay here longer. So whatever comes my way I’ll grab it. Because I want to learn how to act also. I already sing but I’m not just a singer talaga. But I try my best and I like singing Tagalog songs… I want to stay longer but I just can’t say if it’s forever,” she replied.

But what can she say about competition in showbiz?

“In showbiz, I know it’s full of competition but I take it slow. I don’t take it like I have to do something because something is going up. I do my own stuff and I look forward to do it well para walang regrets,” she remarked.

With so much love living in the Philippines and with her dedication to her career, it is no wonder that Daiana Menezes is a TV personality ON THE RISE!