Human Nature model, environmental enthusiast & eco-geek Nicole Tantoco: What has this bronze beauty been up to lately?
Human Nature model, environmental enthusiast & eco-geek Nicole Tantoco: What has this bronze beauty been up to lately?
If you’ve flipped through our latest magalogue, dropped by our Facebook page, or even done some shopping at our online store, you’ve probably seen this girl’s face all over! So what has our bronze and beautiful Human Nature model and enthusiast Nicole Y. Tantoco been up to lately?
"Since my last feature, I've continued to educate myself about living a more eco-friendly lifestyle," Nicole shares. "I've found that there are many aspects of my life that I need to change. One thing I've gotten into is organic clothing. My Tita Hindy is a fashion designer and she has been working on designing cute eco-friendly clothes for moms and children."
"I think that the eco-friendly community in the Philippines is becoming bigger,” she explains. “It's not just activists who are starting to care about the environment anymore, but also regular people. With fairs like Balik Bukid and Human Nature's Humanity Fair, it's becoming easier for consumers to become more educated about their lifestyle and to also meet like-minded people.”
Eco-Geek is the New Chic
“Right now, I'm working on my thesis. I haven't done much modeling since my last feature with Human Nature. I'm not really a model - I'm more of a geek!” Nicole laughs. “I've gotten to work on my writing lately, and I want to use it to promote the things that I'm passionate about, like alleviating poverty, taking care of the environment, and studying feminism. I've also been having a blast visiting Human Nature’s head office and having lunch at the Enchanted Farm Cafe!”
“In fact, Human Nature's Humanity Fair was at a very charming GK village, the Enchanted Farm in Bulacan,” Nicole happily recalls. “I went with my sister and a few of my friends and it was actually my first time to visit! There were so many activities to choose from, from buying organic produce, to shopping for organic clothing and toys, to learning how different social enterprise products are made. There were also activities for children, like a petting zoo! Everyone should give it a visit at least once. I think it's a great step for the future, especially in getting the younger generation interested in more sustainable living."
So what summer adventures are in store for Nicole?
"This summer, I am going to explore more places in the Philippines, especially Palawan. I would really love to visit the Underground River in Puerto Princesa! The Philippines is so beautiful and rich with natural resources. Visiting these wonders of nature helps us learn what we need to save. Not changing your lifestyle can mean losing our beaches, our invaluable treasures like the Tubbataha Reef in Palawan, which is one of the biggest marine preservation sites in the world.
I'm planning on scouting new beaches to go to like Nagsasa Bay in Zambales where there are no resorts and they don't use electricity since it hurts the environment. It's not just the seaside that I'm planning to visit this summer, but also the beautiful forests and mountains. It's on my bucket list to finally climb Mt. Pulag!"
Nicole (left) and her twin sister Camille (right) at Human Nature's Humanity Fair 2013: Hearts of Passion