From Makeup Artist to Walking Street: Why One Transgender Filipina Started Over in Angeles City

For eight years, Bianca built a career as a makeup artist and hairdresser in Bicol. She enjoyed helping clients look their best, but there was one problem she couldn't solve—there simply weren't enough customers.

Work was inconsistent. Some weeks were busy, while others brought very little income.

So when a fellow transgender friend invited her to Angeles City, she decided to take a chance.

Just three days after arriving, we sat down with her to hear why she left behind a profession she loved and what she hopes to build next.

"In the province, it's hard to have clients. That's why I came here."

Eight Years Behind the Salon Chair

Before arriving in Angeles City, Bianca had spent nearly a decade working in beauty salons.

She specialized in hair treatments, rebonding, and makeup, skills she had developed since she was around 20 years old.

She also spent time working in Manila before eventually returning to her hometown in Bicol.

Despite enjoying the work, she explained that business slowed considerably in the province.

"Sometimes you earn. Sometimes you don't."

Instead of waiting for business to improve, she decided to look elsewhere.

Unlike many people who arrive in Angeles City with no savings, Bianca financed her own trip through years of salon work.

That independence also meant she didn't have to ask anyone else to support her move.

Supporting the People Who Supported Her

One of the most striking parts of Bianca's story was her relationship with her parents.

When asked whether they approved of her moving to Angeles City, she smiled.

"My parents support me everywhere because I'm the one supporting them financially."

Rather than describing conflict at home, she talked about responsibility.

Even at 28 years old, she still considers helping her parents one of her biggest priorities.

She also explained that she is helping one of her sisters finish college before thinking about bigger personal goals.

That responsibility influences nearly every decision she makes.

Three Days in Angeles City

At the time of the interview, Bianca had only been in Angeles City for three days.

She admitted she didn't know exactly what to expect.

A friend from her hometown encouraged her to come and experience Walking Street for herself.

By the second night, she had already met two customers through a dating application.

What stood out wasn't the number of people she met—it was the way she approached those conversations.

"I put in my profile that I'm a ladyboy."

She said honesty was important from the beginning.

Rather than hiding who she is, she prefers that people already know before they meet.

She believes openness helps avoid misunderstandings and creates a better experience for everyone involved.

Why She Prefers Honesty

Throughout the interview, Bianca returned several times to the importance of being truthful.

She explained that she would rather lose an opportunity than deceive someone.

That approach also reflects how she views relationships in general.

She hopes to eventually meet a long-term foreign partner, but she isn't willing to build a relationship on dishonesty.

"I hope one day I can get one."

While she remains open to finding love, she made it clear that family still comes first.

For now, her focus remains earning money and helping the people who depend on her.

Growing Into Her Identity

Bianca said she realized she was transgender when she was around 13 years old.

As she grew older, she chose to live openly as herself.

She has also invested in gender-affirming procedures over time, saving money from her salon work to pay for treatments one session at a time.

Rather than viewing those changes as cosmetic alone, she described them as part of feeling more comfortable with herself.

When asked whether she plans additional procedures, her answer reflected the balance between personal dreams and family responsibility.

She said those goals can wait.

Helping her sister finish college comes first.

Looking Beyond Walking Street

Although Bianca had only recently arrived in Angeles City, she wasn't planning to limit herself to nightlife forever.

She said she hopes to continue searching for regular employment while also exploring other opportunities.

If she eventually finds a stable job, she intends to keep freelancing only in her spare time.

That practical approach mirrors many of the interviews we've conducted.

Walking Street isn't always the final destination.

For many people, it's simply one chapter in a much longer journey.

More Than a New Beginning

Bianca's story isn't about abandoning one career for another.

It's about adapting when circumstances change.

She left a profession she genuinely enjoyed because the work could no longer provide consistent income.

She arrived in Angeles City with skills, work experience, and a strong sense of responsibility toward her family.

Whether she eventually returns to salon work, finds another career, or builds a different future entirely, one thing remained constant throughout the interview.

She wants to keep moving forward.

As she told us:

"Be lovable and be honest."

Simple advice, but one that seems to guide much of the way she approaches life.

FAQ

Why did Bianca leave Bicol for Angeles City?

She explained that salon work in her hometown no longer provided enough regular clients, so she decided to try earning a better income in Angeles City.

What did she do before coming to Walking Street?

She worked as a makeup artist and hairdresser for approximately eight years, including time in both Bicol and Manila.

Why is supporting her family so important?

Bianca said she helps support her parents financially and is also helping one of her sisters complete college before focusing on her own long-term goals.